Family and AmbitionReading, Discussion, and Reflection

Objectives: Students reflect on how ambitions can be undermined by culture and family.

Step #1: Read the story: Hand out copies of the issue and tell the group: “We are going to read a story by a girl whose friend is forced to marry someone. After we read the story we will discuss what happened in the story.”
You can ask the group to read the story by themselves or you and they can take turns reading sections of it aloud.

Step #2: Reading check: Be sure that the group has understood the story. Ask them:

• Where does most of the story take place?
• What are Rama’s reactions to hearing about the arranged marriage?
• What are the differences between the two families?
• What happens to Rama after Oumou, the writer, goes to America?
• How are the lives of the two girls different?

Step #3: Discussion ideas: Choose a few questions to ask the group. Lead a short discussion around each question. The first group of questions focuses on the story. The second group asks teens to relate their experiences to the story.

• Why did Rama give in to her family’s plans for her?
• Is there anything about Rama’s life that is positive?
• What do you think about the writer’s reactions to her friend’s marriage? Do you think there was anything she could have done to help her?
• Does the writer explain why Rama’s father is so different than the author’s dad?
• Have you ever been forced to do something by your family that made it impossible for you to realize an ambition?
• Has your family ever helped you realize your ambitions?
• Have you ever felt like there was nothing you could do to help a friend who is facing a bad situation?
• Do you know parents who give more freedom to their sons and expect their daughters to be more obedient?