tatoo review first

“TATTOO” FIRST REVIEW
When I first approached the book, I literally thought the book was about art because of the title, “Tattoo.” So when began to read the first chapter, I was a bit confused to what was going on. Interestingly enough the book is about the so called “paradise” state Hawaii, and the dark side of troubles that no one really voices. Finally, a book about the place that I reside in and the local who was braved enough to share his experiences.
Even though Kenji Hideyoshi was born in 1969, there was still racism present (Parillo 16 ). It’s not surprising that Ken would get taunted about his Japanese name. After World War 2, there were still concepts that Japanese were minorities (Parillo 13.) “Jap” was a common racial slur towards Japanese people during the War (34). But just as Ken was a victim of racism, he also was racist towards Haloes. “Spoiled-rotten, easy living, sick suburbia, white-picket fence mother fuckers…,” that was his perception of the white race (Mckinney 17.) Ken’s father was a distant local man that implanted fear in him ever since he was child. Learning how to fight, swim, or even touch a shark was all in a “fight or flight” system. On the other hand Ken’s mother was very warm and loving towards him. That was until she passed when he was six years old and eventually only remembered her vividly.
In the Japanese culture, material culture is usually passed on to the next generation of the first born son (Parillo 31). When Ken’s mother passed, his grandfather showed him a “katana” that would eventually be in his possession (McKinney 27). From here would be the true “Japanese history” that Ken would learn about his family and their journey to Hawaii (McKinney 29). “Dey die befo dey accept defeat! (McKinney 29). This was the ultimate “non material” belief of the olden days Japanese (Parillo 31). “Culture transmission” was huge in Japanese culture especially if we were first generation Americans (Parrillo 37). That’s because if we were to learn about what had happened between the West and Asia, it’ll be through the eyes of the West. By repeating the events the way the immigrants saw it, kept their culture alive.
Ken ended up living with his father again, a drunken abusive parent that kept talking about the negative aspects of his life. It was a “vicious-circle phenomenon” that kept repeating itself through his son, Ken. The story goes on to talk about Cal, his prison mate and how he grew up on hate and Koa his high school football teammate.
It was funny to read about the stories about “obake” and the Pali highway. That is the oldest myth I have heard. The pork on the Pali will bring bad sprits towards you. I don’t know any local who doesn’t know that story. Even the stories about the Japanese, China, and America were all similar to the stories I heard.
It’s amazing how easily I could read the “moke” quotes that were being stated. As much as my parents try to learn proper “mainland” English, pidgeon is just that much easier. Everyone in Hawaii understands so to them it’s not a big deal. However, my parents prefer I don’t speak pidgeon because they understand in the real world, no one would understand me. It’s not proper career ediquette. My parents are first generation and even though I was born and raised in Hawaii, I couldn’t speak English until I was placed in ESL in first grade. Amazingly, somehow I had friends in preschool and kindergarten. Thank god kids were not as cruel in my days than Ken’s. I have a hard time relating to these characters a hundred percent, but I could understand the issues Ken faced. The way his grandpa would talk to him about history. The way the father was a “manly figure” and fear was not to shown for men. Culture is very strong in my family and I could sometimes still see the racism that Okinawan people have against the Japanese. Just like the Hawaiian Monarchy, our monarchy was also tricked and taken. The stories people usually here are the American or Japanese point of view. The real stories that I hear from family members that were actually present during the war states a completely different story. That’s probably why many people claim they are Okinawan and not Japanese. Many don’t understand that concept and I understand that I’m Okinawan but I don’t distinguish it like some.
This story is really interesting and I can’t wait to continue reading the life of Ken and the many encounters he has with people that shape his life. I can’t believe I’ve never heard of this book but apparently my younger brother read it in his English class for high school. Funny how I went to the same high school ten years ago and this wasn’t assigned to me.