Short Story 'What, Of This Goldfish, Would You Wish?'

Criss Jami, a modern American poet, essayist, and philosopher, best known for his book, Killosophy, wrote, “It’s not at all hard to understand a person; it’s only hard to listen without bias.” In today’s world, differences form an obstinate barrier in relationships with others. To overcome this tremendous obstacle, one must resolve to communicate, look past stereotypes, and extend friendship to those who are different.

The Short story “What, of This Goldfish, Would You Wish?” by Etgar Keret examines the idea that communication is key to understanding and resolving conflict. As Yonatan attempts to interview Sergei, a lack of communication causes Sergei to jump to the wrong conclusion. The story reads, “Sergei understands the boy didn’t come

for television, what he came for, specifically, is to snatch Sergei’s fish” (96). Sergei was not able to understand Yonatan’s intentions clearly because he shut out communication and assumed he knew Yonatan’s motives. Similarly, one must be open to communication in order to realize the motives of others who are different. After Sergei’s decision to kill Yoni, the fish begins a somewhat comedic dialogue between the two. The fish explains to Sergie the boys true intentions: “He said (...) exactly what he was doing. But you didn’t get it. Honestly, your Hebrew, it’s terrible” (120). Often, in instances of misunderstanding, the lack of communication will not be quite as literal as in the story, but the lack of effort to comprehend true intent can be likened to understanding differences. In order to overcome the differences of others, one must attempt realize why others think or act. Consequently, shutting oneself off from communication leads to misconceptions and hasty actions, as it did with Sergei. These Misconceptions form stereotypes that create lasting impressions in one’s mind of who they are as people.

The documentary My So-Called Enemy shows the importance of looking past stereotypes to see individuals as they really are. The documentary follows six girls who were “taught to be enemies (and) given 10 days to fight for something better”. Since birth, stereotypes had been bored into these girls’ minds of what kind of people the opposite group was. As a result, stereotypes cause one to avert from reasonable thinking, and automatically decide their opinion of others. Ines, a young palestinian girl, commented on her view of the Jewish girls saying, “When I see the Jewish girls as individuals, I love them and all of them are my friends (...) But when I remember that they are Jewish I have my feelings at the same time”(My So-Called Enemy). When thought about rationally, one is capable of looking past stereotypes. Because of this, it becomes easier to accept others as kind individuals and befriend those who may be different.

Lastly, the story Of Mice and Men asserts that in order to accept those who are different, extending acts of friendship is key.

George and Lennie seemingly contrast each other throughout most of the story, constantly arguing about Lennie’s actions. After the two fight about Lennie needing ketchup for his beans, the author writes, "But I wouldn't eat none, George. I'd leave it all for you. You could cover your beans with it and I wouldn't touch none of it" (12). Lennie’s innocent offer to give up ketchup for his friend, resolving their argument, also establishes that extending acts of friendship is an astounding way to overcome differences. Certainly one must not only be kind in order to gain acceptance, but persistent in attempts to establish friendship. Lennie is another perfect example of this when he befriends Crooks: “Lennie’s disarming smile defeated him. ‘Come on in and set a while,’ Crooks said. ‘ ‘Long as you won’t get out and leave me alone, you might as well set down.’ His tone was a little more friendly” (69). Analogous to Lennie’s tenacious attempts to win Crooks’ trust, one must be resolute in order to accept those with differences. Constant acts of friendship show compassion and clear purpose in actions, ridding any stereotypes or misunderstandings in a

relationship.

Today’s world is so full of innovation, that any hurdle can be cleared as individuals work together and accept one another’s differences. To reach this immense goal, one must look past labels, and make persistent effort to understand and befriend those who are different. This should be a goal as people, to work towards eliminating bias and judgement based on differences.