"Y" Happyness?
On the morning of December 16, 2006, a plethora of people probably exited the movie theatres from the first midnight showing of “The Pursuit of Happyness,” wondering to themselves: “Why on earth is happiness spelled with a ‘y’”? In fact, it is not because a five-year-old came up with the title, nor is it because Hollywood is now too cheap to hire a proofreader. The significance of this obvious grammatical error exceeds beyond the obvious fact that that was the spelling on the dilapidated mural decorating Chris’ son’s daycare center.
It is clear that the lives of small children are not plagued with the complications and dilemmas that accompany adulthood; their thoughts revolve mainly around the newest toy they want or the heaping of extra dessert that they are rewarded if they complete their chores on time. When seeing the title of this book (and movie), it is understandable for one to assume that the word “Happyness” is spelt as if a similar child had spelt it—one who is carefree and is not burdened by the manacles of obligation and complexity. This deliberate grammar error teaches readers that the journey of pursing happiness is analogous to the life of an infant; both are a simple and straightforward procedure. In seeking an individual’s unique definition of happiness, the process is uncomplicated as long as the individual holds an optimistic view of his or her purposes, and possesses a willingness to fight, even when others would doubt and pity; if society says, “You will never be anything; you will always be a failure,” welcome the opportunity to rise above adversity.
According to www.dictionary.com, success is the “attainment of wealth, position, or honours.” Therefore, success can be measured by the amount of money an individual has, the position he or she has at work, and by the number of awards that have been won. Right? Years ago, in an interview with a man named Dilshad D. Ali, Chris Gardner was asked the familiar question: “Why is “happyness” spelled with a “y” in the title of your book?” After a long pause, he eloquently stated that he wanted people to start thinking about their own definitions of happiness, what makes them happy, and “y” (why). If an individual lacks the knowledge of what truly makes him happy and why, it is impossible for him to chase his happiness. Understand first, and then pursue.
The “y” in “happyness” holds many different explanations as to what it symbolizes and reflects; however, the central message that each of these interpretations convey is that the pursuit of happiness is only possible when one is willing to battle through hardship and suffering. The road to seeking happiness is straightforward and clear, but it is never easy; the journey is filled with tests, trials, and hindrances of all sorts, and it is our jobs to triumph over these obstructions. Only then is the impossible possible.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Focus Assignment
The Ultimate Underdog: Chris Gardner
“I’m going to kill this motherf*cker.” These are not exactly words that people think might come out of Chris Gardner (played by Will Smith), the amiable and innocuous salesman from the blockbuster hit, “The Pursuit of Happyness.” From watching this movie, society believes that he is the paradigm of the perfect citizen—diligent, tenacious, and industrious. However, the representation of Gardner’s adverse life that Hollywood has so glamorously tampered with, is far from the inconvenient truth; the movie fails to portray the destructive tendencies that he fostered at one point in his life. In times when he was blind to the public eye, Chris Gardner formulated violent plans involving murder, knives, and even lethal poisons.
Abandoned by his father at an early age, Chris Gardner wandered through life without the presence of a real father figure. Instead, he had Freddie, his stepfather, who was “[his] enemy from the second [he] laid eyes on him” (28). He was a man of malicious intentions who seemed to take pleasure in inflicting misery, and his favourite method of tormenting Gardner was by snarling, “I ain’t your goddamn daddy!” Due to exposure to an irresponsible and dangerous guardian, Chris inevitably began to develop a violent streak of his own.
On one Sunday afternoon, when Chris was only eight years old, the landlord of their apartment was furious with his mother due to her inability to pay rent, so in a response to his shouting, he fetched a butcher knife from the kitchen and shouted, “You can’t talk to my momma like that!” (40). Over time, Chris began to cultivate an inclination for violence, due to the bad example set by Freddie, and eventually, there came a time when Chris devoted his time to concocting plans for killing Freddie himself—“I wanted him gone from my life, but how could I do it?” (51). At long last, he conspired a foolproof plan: to invent a lethal potion that his stepfather was going to mistake for alcohol. However, due to his childish ignorance, his plan failed miserably, but Chris’ desire to rid himself of Freddie’s antagonistic presence was never fully staunched. Regardless of his good intentions (not only freeing himself from his stepfather’s grasps, but preventing him from further abusing his mother and sisters), Chris Gardner clearly possessed a dark evil, which was blind to the public eye simply because of his penurious standard of living.
When we think about Will Smith from the movie, “The Pursuit of Happyness,” the initial images that come to mind are not those of bloodshed and murder, but rather, of perseverance and overcoming obstacles. But, public perceptions are not always the best source of information, as they are more often than not superficial, bias, and heavily distorted. However, regardless of Chris Gardner’s history with violence, he is still a saviour of the broken and the impoverished, for epitomizing what it takes to claim the American Dream, and for demonstrating that the “impossible is now simply possible” (296).
“I’m going to kill this motherf*cker.” These are not exactly words that people think might come out of Chris Gardner (played by Will Smith), the amiable and innocuous salesman from the blockbuster hit, “The Pursuit of Happyness.” From watching this movie, society believes that he is the paradigm of the perfect citizen—diligent, tenacious, and industrious. However, the representation of Gardner’s adverse life that Hollywood has so glamorously tampered with, is far from the inconvenient truth; the movie fails to portray the destructive tendencies that he fostered at one point in his life. In times when he was blind to the public eye, Chris Gardner formulated violent plans involving murder, knives, and even lethal poisons.
Abandoned by his father at an early age, Chris Gardner wandered through life without the presence of a real father figure. Instead, he had Freddie, his stepfather, who was “[his] enemy from the second [he] laid eyes on him” (28). He was a man of malicious intentions who seemed to take pleasure in inflicting misery, and his favourite method of tormenting Gardner was by snarling, “I ain’t your goddamn daddy!” Due to exposure to an irresponsible and dangerous guardian, Chris inevitably began to develop a violent streak of his own.
On one Sunday afternoon, when Chris was only eight years old, the landlord of their apartment was furious with his mother due to her inability to pay rent, so in a response to his shouting, he fetched a butcher knife from the kitchen and shouted, “You can’t talk to my momma like that!” (40). Over time, Chris began to cultivate an inclination for violence, due to the bad example set by Freddie, and eventually, there came a time when Chris devoted his time to concocting plans for killing Freddie himself—“I wanted him gone from my life, but how could I do it?” (51). At long last, he conspired a foolproof plan: to invent a lethal potion that his stepfather was going to mistake for alcohol. However, due to his childish ignorance, his plan failed miserably, but Chris’ desire to rid himself of Freddie’s antagonistic presence was never fully staunched. Regardless of his good intentions (not only freeing himself from his stepfather’s grasps, but preventing him from further abusing his mother and sisters), Chris Gardner clearly possessed a dark evil, which was blind to the public eye simply because of his penurious standard of living.
When we think about Will Smith from the movie, “The Pursuit of Happyness,” the initial images that come to mind are not those of bloodshed and murder, but rather, of perseverance and overcoming obstacles. But, public perceptions are not always the best source of information, as they are more often than not superficial, bias, and heavily distorted. However, regardless of Chris Gardner’s history with violence, he is still a saviour of the broken and the impoverished, for epitomizing what it takes to claim the American Dream, and for demonstrating that the “impossible is now simply possible” (296).
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
10.
-devoted
-willing to make any sacrifice for his son
-bright
-energetic
-quits Dean Witter because he finds that it lacks a competitive nature. it is very lethargic and stagnant
-joins Bear Stearns instead
-much more intense, competitive
-$5000 a month is his new salary
-PSD: “Poor, smart, with a deep desire to become wealthy” (275)
-moves back to San Francisco because he is free of financial burdens
-life very secure
-lives the American Dream
-money not a problem anymore
-very wealthy and soon makes a million dollars a year
-moves to New York to enter Wall Street
-another daughter: Jacintha Gardner in 1985
-energy, drive, creativity
-the ultimate opportunist
-very capable
-promotes minority ownership and prosperity
-promotes education and literacy
-moves to Chicago and settles there permanently with his 2 kids
-egalitarian
-cosmopolitan
-“The impossible is now simply possible” (296)
-willing to make any sacrifice for his son
-bright
-energetic
-quits Dean Witter because he finds that it lacks a competitive nature. it is very lethargic and stagnant
-joins Bear Stearns instead
-much more intense, competitive
-$5000 a month is his new salary
-PSD: “Poor, smart, with a deep desire to become wealthy” (275)
-moves back to San Francisco because he is free of financial burdens
-life very secure
-lives the American Dream
-money not a problem anymore
-very wealthy and soon makes a million dollars a year
-moves to New York to enter Wall Street
-another daughter: Jacintha Gardner in 1985
-energy, drive, creativity
-the ultimate opportunist
-very capable
-promotes minority ownership and prosperity
-promotes education and literacy
-moves to Chicago and settles there permanently with his 2 kids
-egalitarian
-cosmopolitan
-“The impossible is now simply possible” (296)
09.
-baby stroller is now his car
-knows when to put down his pride
-struggles from fatigue—physical and emotional
-heavily burdened
-paychecks soon start to grow
-find an apartment in Oakland
-finally has a place to call home
-relieved by a sense of stability
-filled with hope
-curious, asks a lot of questions, hungry for knowledge
-motivated
-standard of living begins to improve
-very socially active
-well liked by others, at work and on the street
-“I knew this was my time to sail” (268)
-knows when to put down his pride
-struggles from fatigue—physical and emotional
-heavily burdened
-paychecks soon start to grow
-find an apartment in Oakland
-finally has a place to call home
-relieved by a sense of stability
-filled with hope
-curious, asks a lot of questions, hungry for knowledge
-motivated
-standard of living begins to improve
-very socially active
-well liked by others, at work and on the street
-“I knew this was my time to sail” (268)
08.
-extremely patient
-interview at Dean Witter with Mr. Albanese to enter their trainning program
-eventually makes it into the training program due to a lucky interview
-very hopeful
-spends time training, working, studying for exam
-self-sustained
-time efficient, productive, disciplined, polite
-Christopher and Jackie still missing
-passes exam
-has a full license to be a stockbroker and now has a real job (225)
-faces racial discrimination at work
-ignores it, and proves to everyone he’s the hardest worker and that he's the most productive
-Jackie returns with Chris, and leaves Chris in his care
-Chris and his son are homeless
-wander around for shelter
-cheap motels, spend nights at his office, public parks, airports
-go to food lines, and homeless hotels
-interview at Dean Witter with Mr. Albanese to enter their trainning program
-eventually makes it into the training program due to a lucky interview
-very hopeful
-spends time training, working, studying for exam
-self-sustained
-time efficient, productive, disciplined, polite
-Christopher and Jackie still missing
-passes exam
-has a full license to be a stockbroker and now has a real job (225)
-faces racial discrimination at work
-ignores it, and proves to everyone he’s the hardest worker and that he's the most productive
-Jackie returns with Chris, and leaves Chris in his care
-Chris and his son are homeless
-wander around for shelter
-cheap motels, spend nights at his office, public parks, airports
-go to food lines, and homeless hotels
07.
-Jackie threatens to take Christopher away from him
-finds Thomas Turner, his real father, in Louisiana
-decides to become a sales rep for a medical company called CMS
-discovers that his father is very gentle, generous
-back in California, relationship with Jackie bad
-very self motivated
-meets Bob Bridges (the man with the Ferrari)
-introduces him to the job of a stock broker
-introduces him to branch managers at brokerage firms
-interviews everywhere
-quits Van Waters and Rogers(CMS) to become a stock broker
-fights with Jackie
-she accidently falls down stairs
-calls cops, says he abused her
-after, she decides not to press charges against him
-has $1200 in unpaid parking tickets
-goes to 12 days in a detention center because he can't pay off that debt
-returns home after jail, discovers Jackie, Christopher, and everything gone
-finds Thomas Turner, his real father, in Louisiana
-decides to become a sales rep for a medical company called CMS
-discovers that his father is very gentle, generous
-back in California, relationship with Jackie bad
-very self motivated
-meets Bob Bridges (the man with the Ferrari)
-introduces him to the job of a stock broker
-introduces him to branch managers at brokerage firms
-interviews everywhere
-quits Van Waters and Rogers(CMS) to become a stock broker
-fights with Jackie
-she accidently falls down stairs
-calls cops, says he abused her
-after, she decides not to press charges against him
-has $1200 in unpaid parking tickets
-goes to 12 days in a detention center because he can't pay off that debt
-returns home after jail, discovers Jackie, Christopher, and everything gone
06.
-only black man at the lab
-marries Sherry Dyson
-at first, both happy
-then, realize that they are so different
-attends Baptist church
-doesn’t like structure, organization. Too orderly and rigid
-wants change, excitement, unpredictability
-first baby miscarried
-slowly being to part from one another
-soon decides not to become a doctor
-too time consuming (10 years)
-not enough salary (169)
-begins to see Jackie
-sexual intercourse
-leaves Sherry
-Jackie pregnant
-Christopher Jarrett Medina Gardner Jan 28, 1981
-apartment too small
-not enough money
-fights and arguments common
-marries Sherry Dyson
-at first, both happy
-then, realize that they are so different
-attends Baptist church
-doesn’t like structure, organization. Too orderly and rigid
-wants change, excitement, unpredictability
-first baby miscarried
-slowly being to part from one another
-soon decides not to become a doctor
-too time consuming (10 years)
-not enough salary (169)
-begins to see Jackie
-sexual intercourse
-leaves Sherry
-Jackie pregnant
-Christopher Jarrett Medina Gardner Jan 28, 1981
-apartment too small
-not enough money
-fights and arguments common
05.
-enlists in Navy after high school
-wants to go overseas and explored the world
-goes to Orlando
-then U.S. Navy Hospital Corps School in Illinois
-wants to be overseas in a medical naval facility
-12 months of training
-goes to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina
-associates himself with orthopedics, podiatry, proctology, psychiatric
-works with Charlotte Gannon
-very bright, well respected, very skilled (138)
-loves what he’s doing and where his life is going
-wants to be a doctor when he leaves Navy
-real father who abandoned him is Thomas Turner
-works with Dr. Robert Ellis
-plans to start a lab in San Francisco
-wants Gardner as his assistant
-leanrs a lot, well educated under him
-loves San Francisco, new home
-wants to go overseas and explored the world
-goes to Orlando
-then U.S. Navy Hospital Corps School in Illinois
-wants to be overseas in a medical naval facility
-12 months of training
-goes to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina
-associates himself with orthopedics, podiatry, proctology, psychiatric
-works with Charlotte Gannon
-very bright, well respected, very skilled (138)
-loves what he’s doing and where his life is going
-wants to be a doctor when he leaves Navy
-real father who abandoned him is Thomas Turner
-works with Dr. Robert Ellis
-plans to start a lab in San Francisco
-wants Gardner as his assistant
-leanrs a lot, well educated under him
-loves San Francisco, new home
04.
-James Brown a big influence on him
-“Say it loud, I’m black and I’m proud!”
-exposed to sex and puberty for the first time
-has girlfriends, sexual desires
-gets rapped once
-one man that Freddie respects is Doodabug
-rare occasions, Freddie is nice when they go fishing
-lost interest in sports
-football coach racist. Cuts him off the team
-makes a band: The Realistic Band
-drinks cheap wine and smokes weed
-girlfriends: Jeanetta, Belinda, Sherry Dyson
-“Whatever I was going to do in life, I wanted to give it my all, to go beyond what was expected of me” (115)
-“Say it loud, I’m black and I’m proud!”
-exposed to sex and puberty for the first time
-has girlfriends, sexual desires
-gets rapped once
-one man that Freddie respects is Doodabug
-rare occasions, Freddie is nice when they go fishing
-lost interest in sports
-football coach racist. Cuts him off the team
-makes a band: The Realistic Band
-drinks cheap wine and smokes weed
-girlfriends: Jeanetta, Belinda, Sherry Dyson
-“Whatever I was going to do in life, I wanted to give it my all, to go beyond what was expected of me” (115)
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
03.
-Ophelia was sent away from him to another home
-most father like figure in his life was Uncle Henry
-“Uncle Henry not only made me feel special but allowed me, for the first time ever, to feel love for a man” (67)
-drowned while fishing
-most difficult time of Chris’ life
-Chris’ nickname: Chrissy Paul
-Ophelia has a daughter: DeShanna
-Chris has a violent side
-very defensive, protective
-beats up friend for making fun of his mother
-enjoys school and learning
-loves to read
-likes being interested, challenged
-caused mischief as a teen. Stole things, was arrested, etc.
-attended Roosevelt Junior High
-mother was a teacher
-most happy when her kids read
-most father like figure in his life was Uncle Henry
-“Uncle Henry not only made me feel special but allowed me, for the first time ever, to feel love for a man” (67)
-drowned while fishing
-most difficult time of Chris’ life
-Chris’ nickname: Chrissy Paul
-Ophelia has a daughter: DeShanna
-Chris has a violent side
-very defensive, protective
-beats up friend for making fun of his mother
-enjoys school and learning
-loves to read
-likes being interested, challenged
-caused mischief as a teen. Stole things, was arrested, etc.
-attended Roosevelt Junior High
-mother was a teacher
-most happy when her kids read
Monday, December 3, 2007
02.
-another younger sister: Kim
-loved school, books, and learning
-favourite book: The Red Balloon
-Freddie was illiterate who couldn't even dial a phone until he was in grade 6
-threatened Chris with a shotgun
-worked at a steel factory
-called Chris a "big-eared motherfucker"(34)
-attempted to actually kill his mother on numerous occasions, using shotguns, knives, 2 by 4's
-"Where is that bitch?" (53)
-"Help, I fear for my life" (54)
-made poison (liquid bleach, rubbing alcohol, cleaning agents, medicines with poison warnings) to try and actually kill him
-the ability to be still (57)
-mother tried to set their house on fire when he was drunk and sleeping
-sent back to prison
-loved school, books, and learning
-favourite book: The Red Balloon
-Freddie was illiterate who couldn't even dial a phone until he was in grade 6
-threatened Chris with a shotgun
-worked at a steel factory
-called Chris a "big-eared motherfucker"(34)
-attempted to actually kill his mother on numerous occasions, using shotguns, knives, 2 by 4's
-"Where is that bitch?" (53)
-"Help, I fear for my life" (54)
-made poison (liquid bleach, rubbing alcohol, cleaning agents, medicines with poison warnings) to try and actually kill him
-the ability to be still (57)
-mother tried to set their house on fire when he was drunk and sleeping
-sent back to prison
01.
-company name: Gardner Rich & Company
-grew up in Milwaukee
-had a life changing conversation with a man driving a ferarri
-first son named Chris Jr.
-slept on the bay area rapid transit subway trains, Oakland or san Francisco airport, public bathrooms
-2 role models: mother and Reverend Cecil Williams
-“son, if you want to, one day you could make a million dollars”. A life altering phrase that his mom said to him
-sister name: Ophelia
-younger sister name: Sharon
-mother name: Bettye Jean
-grandparents name: Archie and Ophelia Gardner
-mothers’ 3 brothers: Archie Jr., Willie, Henry
-mother was beatufiul and was one of the top students in her school
-but her mother passed away early and she had to deal with a malicious stepmother and her own kids. She convinced her father to not give her any funds for college, and instead, spend the money on her own children, who were half as bright as she was.
-mother had relationships with Samuel Salter, Thomas Turner, Freddie Triplett
-first two were decent, but left her
-Freddie was very dangerous and abusive
-mother went to jail for alleged welfare fraud
-much of his childhood was spent time with uncles, aunts, foster parents
-grew up in Milwaukee
-had a life changing conversation with a man driving a ferarri
-first son named Chris Jr.
-slept on the bay area rapid transit subway trains, Oakland or san Francisco airport, public bathrooms
-2 role models: mother and Reverend Cecil Williams
-“son, if you want to, one day you could make a million dollars”. A life altering phrase that his mom said to him
-sister name: Ophelia
-younger sister name: Sharon
-mother name: Bettye Jean
-grandparents name: Archie and Ophelia Gardner
-mothers’ 3 brothers: Archie Jr., Willie, Henry
-mother was beatufiul and was one of the top students in her school
-but her mother passed away early and she had to deal with a malicious stepmother and her own kids. She convinced her father to not give her any funds for college, and instead, spend the money on her own children, who were half as bright as she was.
-mother had relationships with Samuel Salter, Thomas Turner, Freddie Triplett
-first two were decent, but left her
-Freddie was very dangerous and abusive
-mother went to jail for alleged welfare fraud
-much of his childhood was spent time with uncles, aunts, foster parents
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
What Do I Know About Chris Gardner?
After viewing "The Pursuit of Happyness" in theatres, I was engrossed and inspired by the life story of Chris Gardner, who through hard work, perseverance, and patience, overcame his lofty barriers and silenced his non-believers. Through him, I truly understood the meaning of “Impossible is Nothing”.
-he was abandoned by this father at a very young age
-his wife left him which forced him to raise their son alone
-worked to become a stock broker
-did not attend college or any other type of post-secondary institution
-is the epitome of "rags-to-riches"
-he was abandoned by this father at a very young age
-his wife left him which forced him to raise their son alone
-worked to become a stock broker
-did not attend college or any other type of post-secondary institution
-is the epitome of "rags-to-riches"
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