Tepper Reads: Alumni Edition discussion

Hello Tepper Readers!

Since we met in-person last week, I skipped our usual weekly discussion. But now we're back, and if you're following along in the reading guide, you should have just finished page 212.

In this most recent section, we see Ming-Chen become Sifu, Kung Fu Guy extraordinaire. We also see Willis follow in his footsteps and become a Kung Fu Guy himself. But once each generation of the Wu family achieves their goal, they still aren't happy. Why do you think that is? And have you worked toward something, and then once you got it, realized that it wasn't quite what you were hoping for? If so, how is your experience similar to Willis's, and how is it different?

We also see Willis fall in love in the section, marry, and start a family. Karen leaves Chinatown for another gig, Phoebe's television show. While some of the themes of the show—tolerance, dealing with divorce, exercise—seem wholesome and necessary for children, there’s also an undercurrent of stereotype to it. What are your thoughts about Phoebe’s show?

Looking forward to seeing what everyone thinks!

Well, I think it is because they are aiming for something that won't really make them happy. Also, happiness - like all feelings - are never permanent. Many people go through life chasing external things that will never satisfy them. Becoming Kung Fu Guy isn't really what he was looking for (in life). Sometimes you just don't know that until you live through the experience.
I haven't ever really achieved any major goals to be disappointed by them once I got them. But, as an example, I sometimes get hired for (acting) projects and then the process is less pleasurable than what I expected. However, I always learn something from the experience - whether it is about me or other people. It makes you grow as a person.
Phoebe's show makes me feel sad, but I love the singing characters around the daughter.

Cristen wrote: "Well, I think it is because they are aiming for something that won't really make them happy. Also, happiness - like all feelings - are never permanent. Many people go through life chasing external ..."

Thanks for sharing, Cristen! Yes, it's hard to know what will make one happy. And in Willis's case, he felt Kung Fu Guy was his only option, and he eschewed a relationship with a loving wife and daughter--things that likely would have made him more happy--to pursue this goal of his. I don't want to spoil anything, so won't say much more.

As for Phoebe's show, it makes me sad, too, though I find Willis's reactions to it pretty funny. Charles Yu is so good at this sad/funny satire. I'll definitely read whatever he writes next.