On Friday, March 12, we begin reading the novel Kite Runner. Since the novel, set in Afghanistan, introduces the custom and art of kite fighting, please view the video clip attached to this blog and then click on the link below and read a short article that provides more specific information about it. I am sure you will find it very interesting.
http://www.afghana.com/Entertainment/Gudiparanbazi.htm
After viewing and reading, please share your thoughts or reactions to what you have learned.
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Wow kite fighting is something that I never would of thought could be used to put bacon on the table. This goes to show how different countries are from each other. Based on the book as well if not mistaken they fly kites in the winter to. Just imagine how difficult it is to run in the snow and being out in the cold for so long. It kind of amazes me how young kids all the way up to adults fly kites. There was a connection I made to with this article and the novel Things fall apart. In the novel Okonkwo stands up for what he believes in follow his customs no matter what and the Afghans still flew kites even when the Taliban took over.
ReplyDeleteAt first glance, kite fighting really seemed bizarre to me. I had never heard of it before, and from all of the videos I watched I could barely even see how the sport works. However, I think the most I learned about kite fighting I learned from Hosseini's description in the book. My final impression of kite fighting is that it seems somewhat dangerous and extremely competitive, but that it is extremely intriguing and, to me, it is similar to the American game of football. Football is violent, kids learn to play from a very young age, and it is a wholly American custom that is not very well-known in other countries. All of these characteristics seem to apply to kite fighting in the Middle East.
ReplyDeleteAfter seeing the clip of kite fighting, i really think that it's really amazing. The video makes you want to try to kite fight so bad! In the United States when you say sports you think of basketball, football, soccer, hockey and many more but not kite fighting. I really had no idea that you can actually be well-known and provide for yourself and your family from running and flying a kite. Many things intrest me about this sport, but the what i love about it the most is that any age can play! Watching this video made me want to contiue reading this book.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the first couple chapters of Kite Runner and even hearing the title, I was interested in finding out what kite running and kite fighting really entailed. Then watching that video make it much more clear. Its more about a tradition. The guy in the video says, "Afghans will always fight kites". He has taught his brothers, as his brothers will probably continue the tradition, teaching their children and relatives. Kite fighting brings people together in these countries, although it has been banned. They spend long amounts of time decorating their kites, only for the possibility that someone else could be taking their kites home after cutting it.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first heard about kite fighting in the book, I really didn't understand it. Like angel said it was kind of bizzare to me. what I pictured were two kites getting tangled up and I guess some how the other cutting lose and falling. Although after I watched the clip it was more clear to me, there was more to it than I thought. I find it interseting how the guy in the clip explains that his family passes on to the younger children how to keep building these kites and how to fly them. It was also a source of income to them, they spent hours building these kites. What also surprised me was that they said that some people would get hurt or even lose fingers by participating in this. Overall its and interseting sport, but I personally would never participate in..
ReplyDeleteAfter watching the video and reading the article about kite fighting I realized that it is a very interesting sport. the Afghans would teach their family and children how to construct the kites and the techniques needed to win the events
ReplyDeleteMy first impression of Kite Fighting is that it seems to be an intense and competitive game. You have to be able to skillfully fight your opponents but also remain the last kite in the air. I love how the man says that he won't let the Taliban take this game away. it shows that this is a traditions that is very popular with the Afghans. i would be really interested to try this game my own self just out of curiosity. I too wonder if the Taliban will take it away if they gain full power!
ReplyDeletewatching the clip it really amazes me how different the world is period. Kite fighting at first, seemed dumb only because i didnt know what it was. It funny how kite fighting relates to so many sports that we have here. A little connection that i made to kite fighting was the game Polo. The game Polo first played in Iran. Similar because both sports are very competitive and something that i didnt understand at first.
ReplyDeleteBefore watching the video kite fighting seemed very strange and unfamiliar. But now it seem to be like many of the extreme sports we have today it has its dangers such as losing a finger like skateboarding can sprain an ankle. Just like other extreme sports it can be used for income by making the kites and surprising at least to me that it has become a part of the culture when generations teach it to younger family members. I respect those who participate in this sport or competition because it must take a lot of dedication to stand in the cold and even risk body parts just to fly a kite.
ReplyDeleteI really learned a lot about kite fighting after reading this article. I never heard of such thing, but it is interesting. One interesting thing I learned was that the Afghans really took this sport seriously like how they have to find a certain wire that they think would work for their particular kite. Also they took time to decorate their kites in unique patterns.I found it interesting that they took what they loved seriously. I admire their hardship/artistic sport kite fighting.
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