Sunday, October 12, 2014

Handbook for Boys - Discussion #2



For our second Discussion, Lindsey, Sam, Heather, and I met face to face. I like this better because I feel like it’s more of a personal setting and it’s definitely easier to talk. During our discussion we tried to focus on some of the life lessons Duke teaches Jimmy.

One of the first topics we discussed was: is everybody entitled to the same things? Yes, everybody is entitled to a good life, meals to eat, etc., but we decided that you have to work for it. With the exception of certain situations, most individuals should work for what they want. We agreed that there are too many people today who don’t want to work and expect things to be handed to them, which is not fair to those of us who do work every day.

Another topic we discussed was just sliding by in life and taking the easy way out. The book made several references to how young boys today think they can lay professional sports and become a millionaire just like that. Although this can be possible, professional athletes only make up a small percentage of the population, so the odds are definitely against them. Duke wants Jimmy to think practically. He stresses the importance of staying in school and working hard in order to have a life he can be proud of.

Towards the end of where my group and I stopped reading, Cap and Mr. M get on Jimmy’s case about not being motivated in school and just life in general. Their constant criticism eventually makes Jimmy reach his breaking point and he storms out of the shop.

Predictions for future reading

  • Jimmy is going to realize Duke was right and is only trying to help him. Once he has cooled down, he is going to come back to work with a new attitude.

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