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Boy Without a Flag
A New York Times Book Review Notable Book of the Year
Abraham Rodriguez, Jr. captures what it's like to grow up too fast amid the crushing poverty of the South Bronx in this collection, a gritty slice of New York Latino life. The Boy Without a Flag is “about the rancid underbelly of the American Dream," says the author. "These are the kids no one likes to talk about; they are seen as the enemy by most people. I want to show them as they really are, not as society wishes them to be.” In these truth-telling stories about his neighborhood of Puerto Rican adolescents growing up in the South Bronx, Rodriguez introduces us to the youth who fight every day for survival in our cities.
Abraham Rodriguez, Jr. captures what it's like to grow up too fast amid the crushing poverty of the South Bronx in this collection, a gritty slice of New York Latino life. The Boy Without a Flag is “about the rancid underbelly of the American Dream," says the author. "These are the kids no one likes to talk about; they are seen as the enemy by most people. I want to show them as they really are, not as society wishes them to be.” In these truth-telling stories about his neighborhood of Puerto Rican adolescents growing up in the South Bronx, Rodriguez introduces us to the youth who fight every day for survival in our cities.
- GenresFiction
120 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1992
1 person is currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Abraham Rodriguez Jr.
6 books14 followers Author Abraham Rodriguez Jr. is an author well-versed in the hardships of city life. Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, he has opened the doors of inner-city America to the world by writing about an environment he knows best: his own.
Mr. Rodriguez is best known for his books The Boy Without A Flag, a 1993 New York Times Notable Book of the Year, and Spidertown, winner of a 1995 American Book Award, which has also appeared in British, Dutch, German, and Spanish editions. Spidertown has been optioned by Columbia Pictures.
Mr. Rodgriguez's newest novel, The Buddha Book, which will be published by St. Martin's Press, is scheduled for release this year.
His work has appeared in dozens of anthologies and literary magazines including Story, Best Stories from New Writers, Chattahoochie Review, and Alternative Fiction & Poetry. He was the recipient of a grant from the New York Foundation for the Arts in 2000, and he has served as a literary panel member on the NewYork State Council of the Arts.
Mr. Rodriguez's current projects include writing the narration for a film called "Chenrezi Vision," and starting an East-Coast small press named "Art Bridge."
- From http://www.nationalbook.org/arodrigue...
Mr. Rodriguez is best known for his books The Boy Without A Flag, a 1993 New York Times Notable Book of the Year, and Spidertown, winner of a 1995 American Book Award, which has also appeared in British, Dutch, German, and Spanish editions. Spidertown has been optioned by Columbia Pictures.
Mr. Rodgriguez's newest novel, The Buddha Book, which will be published by St. Martin's Press, is scheduled for release this year.
His work has appeared in dozens of anthologies and literary magazines including Story, Best Stories from New Writers, Chattahoochie Review, and Alternative Fiction & Poetry. He was the recipient of a grant from the New York Foundation for the Arts in 2000, and he has served as a literary panel member on the NewYork State Council of the Arts.
Mr. Rodriguez's current projects include writing the narration for a film called "Chenrezi Vision," and starting an East-Coast small press named "Art Bridge."
- From http://www.nationalbook.org/arodrigue...
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
November 1, 2016
come on, Abraham, write some more books. no one describes the hopelessness yet the occasional enthusiasm like this writer. living in the south Bronx and surviving it is character building, and so was this book. the stories are absolutely arresting.
July 23, 2014
The story was about a young Puerto-Rican-American, inner-city boy, has ideas of becoming a writer. He finds it almost impossible to develop strength with-in him, to be able to work hard enough to achieve his goal. Distractions everywhere, in his life, and no encouragement cause his failures. Unfortunately, with no chance at a better life he gives up his ideas and becomes bitter.
The boy tightly grasps his pride toward Puerto Rico and its history, but, then turns it against our great America with disrespect. This is mainly because he was never appreciated for his aspirations or for being himself.
Another thing that should be taken into account are the negative comment his father told him about America; “All this country does is abuse Hispanic nations, tie them down, and make them dependent. It says it’s a democracy with one hand while it protects and feeds fascist dictatorships with the other.”
After coming across that line, it isn’t hard to understand where the boy’s animosity toward America stems from. This line also shows the fact his father had no faith in The True American Dream, which impacts how his son is raised.
There is a cycle of oppression. It begins in the first generation. Like father like son, the boy’s father also had a dream to be a writer. One day, after all the boy’s father’s work and preparations to become a writer were completed, the man’s family tore his dream apart. They advised; “You should find yourself real work, something substantial.” That lowered confidence; as a result, the man doesn’t pursue a job he would’ve been happy with. He decides to accept a job a Nedick’s grocery store. His father’s hopes and training to become a writer, is belittled so that the dream becomes a “fun hobby” and writing seriously is no longer an opportunity.
The man feels that since he couldn’t get a job that he wanted neither can his son. This belief is a common perception in America. It's a tragic perspective which creates a trapped feeling throughout many people’s lives. With the lack of encouragement, motivation, and support, it is no surprise people lose confidence and quit.
The job that the man gets wasn’t even substantial enough to get his son to a decent school. The school this Puerto Rican American boy attends has a teacher named Miss Colon. Her classroom atmosphere is corrupted by an affair she has with the gym/English teacher. What is worse is she blatantly lives it out in front of them by having him inappropriately around from time to time.
This can reflect on the American culture which tells people to “do whatever feels good” and, it is okay to be promiscuous or engulfed by sexual desire even if you’re married. It is a place that ultimately promises nothing and provides nothing to help him understand a quality life. This teacher impacts these young minds that have no concept of respect, pride, and the American dream. They are all in all abandoned and left alone to develop without a decent role model.
On top of that, one day this boys’ father gives him the same “advice” that was given to him about writing. He tells him, “You have to find something serious to do with your life.” And “This is fun as a hobby, but you can’t get serious about this”. The father pressures his son to be like him and get a stable job regardless if he may or may not like it. I don’t think the father realizes how much potential he and his son have; if he tried he might get financial assistance or overall guidance. None tells him anything to help make their dreams reality, so he probably had no idea.
Most migrants have a weak concept of their identity, having lost it while searching for success. It shows when they misunderstand the pledging to the flag. The majority in this boy’s school is Puerto Rican; both the American and Puerto Rican flag are present. Most of the students view it as a loathsome and insignificant ritual; their history awareness to their own culture is weak.
Unlike his classmates, he takes pledging to the flag seriously and refuses. This boy knows some history of his culture, and this helps him create an identity of himself. This is why his pride toward his own country is very strong. This pride conflicts with his respect he has toward America, which is scarcely visible. The boy flat-out refuses to pledge allegiance to the American flag.
No one understands him or his intentions; he didn’t do it to be a punk. The boy made a noble decision which demands respect. An ironic aspect was also a small triumph, the boy knew what he was talking about when talking to the teacher, and later when Mrs. Colon told him she agreed with him but, that was all she did. Then, he is also told he should do as expected. The American Dream, in his perspective is now viewed as unattainable.
People in general don’t respect the boy’s aspirations or pride, resulting in him not respecting America, which in turn diminishes his credibility qualifies him for even less respect.
Another negative cycle is formed. The stress created is an attempt to force him to conform like everyone else. This causes him a great deal of anger. The boy doesn’t understand why he can’t proceed in life with his own thoughts or opinions toward America in America.
This is ironic since the flag is the symbol of freedom. It's difficult for anyone in his position or one similar to not feel as he did. Its no wonder the flag is a big misunderstanding. It is difficult to believe that he was punished for standing up for what he believed, and not taken seriously, just because he was a young kid. It is upsetting to be aware that situations like this happen in many forms everywhere everyday.
The kid was hurt the most when the principal had his father called in to talk to the boy about not pledging to the flag. The father didn’t give any support to his son. This causes the boy, not only to lose his hope of the American Dream, but also his faith and understanding of his father.
The boy is probably going to turn out like his father. These are the people who are left to either fall between the cracks, or on their face.
It seems the American culture is overly concerned with self-sufficiency, not poor people. This drive progresses and creates our selfish-cut-throat-society. Nowadays life is all about bettering one-self. Whoever doesn’t figure out how to do that is left to facilitate himself, no matter how vulnerable. It is disgusting that, this occurs everyday somewhere, mostly in any urban/ suburban city in America.
There is a lack of empathy towards, minorities, immigrants, and children who live in inner-city America. Yes, this is the richest country in America, but we can be morally bankrupt at times. How cans this happen? As we see, American can be selfish individuals.
Abraham Rodriguez Jr. focuses on the lives of angry children who are forced to grow-up abruptly in this country; I think he does this to show America in its true colors for everyone. Rodriguez captures the miserable cycle Americans’ youth and others are doomed to practice unless they choose to deliberately balance this new identity. He uses this story as a tool to illustrate the lack of faith in the American Dream.
The boy tightly grasps his pride toward Puerto Rico and its history, but, then turns it against our great America with disrespect. This is mainly because he was never appreciated for his aspirations or for being himself.
Another thing that should be taken into account are the negative comment his father told him about America; “All this country does is abuse Hispanic nations, tie them down, and make them dependent. It says it’s a democracy with one hand while it protects and feeds fascist dictatorships with the other.”
After coming across that line, it isn’t hard to understand where the boy’s animosity toward America stems from. This line also shows the fact his father had no faith in The True American Dream, which impacts how his son is raised.
There is a cycle of oppression. It begins in the first generation. Like father like son, the boy’s father also had a dream to be a writer. One day, after all the boy’s father’s work and preparations to become a writer were completed, the man’s family tore his dream apart. They advised; “You should find yourself real work, something substantial.” That lowered confidence; as a result, the man doesn’t pursue a job he would’ve been happy with. He decides to accept a job a Nedick’s grocery store. His father’s hopes and training to become a writer, is belittled so that the dream becomes a “fun hobby” and writing seriously is no longer an opportunity.
The man feels that since he couldn’t get a job that he wanted neither can his son. This belief is a common perception in America. It's a tragic perspective which creates a trapped feeling throughout many people’s lives. With the lack of encouragement, motivation, and support, it is no surprise people lose confidence and quit.
The job that the man gets wasn’t even substantial enough to get his son to a decent school. The school this Puerto Rican American boy attends has a teacher named Miss Colon. Her classroom atmosphere is corrupted by an affair she has with the gym/English teacher. What is worse is she blatantly lives it out in front of them by having him inappropriately around from time to time.
This can reflect on the American culture which tells people to “do whatever feels good” and, it is okay to be promiscuous or engulfed by sexual desire even if you’re married. It is a place that ultimately promises nothing and provides nothing to help him understand a quality life. This teacher impacts these young minds that have no concept of respect, pride, and the American dream. They are all in all abandoned and left alone to develop without a decent role model.
On top of that, one day this boys’ father gives him the same “advice” that was given to him about writing. He tells him, “You have to find something serious to do with your life.” And “This is fun as a hobby, but you can’t get serious about this”. The father pressures his son to be like him and get a stable job regardless if he may or may not like it. I don’t think the father realizes how much potential he and his son have; if he tried he might get financial assistance or overall guidance. None tells him anything to help make their dreams reality, so he probably had no idea.
Most migrants have a weak concept of their identity, having lost it while searching for success. It shows when they misunderstand the pledging to the flag. The majority in this boy’s school is Puerto Rican; both the American and Puerto Rican flag are present. Most of the students view it as a loathsome and insignificant ritual; their history awareness to their own culture is weak.
Unlike his classmates, he takes pledging to the flag seriously and refuses. This boy knows some history of his culture, and this helps him create an identity of himself. This is why his pride toward his own country is very strong. This pride conflicts with his respect he has toward America, which is scarcely visible. The boy flat-out refuses to pledge allegiance to the American flag.
No one understands him or his intentions; he didn’t do it to be a punk. The boy made a noble decision which demands respect. An ironic aspect was also a small triumph, the boy knew what he was talking about when talking to the teacher, and later when Mrs. Colon told him she agreed with him but, that was all she did. Then, he is also told he should do as expected. The American Dream, in his perspective is now viewed as unattainable.
People in general don’t respect the boy’s aspirations or pride, resulting in him not respecting America, which in turn diminishes his credibility qualifies him for even less respect.
Another negative cycle is formed. The stress created is an attempt to force him to conform like everyone else. This causes him a great deal of anger. The boy doesn’t understand why he can’t proceed in life with his own thoughts or opinions toward America in America.
This is ironic since the flag is the symbol of freedom. It's difficult for anyone in his position or one similar to not feel as he did. Its no wonder the flag is a big misunderstanding. It is difficult to believe that he was punished for standing up for what he believed, and not taken seriously, just because he was a young kid. It is upsetting to be aware that situations like this happen in many forms everywhere everyday.
The kid was hurt the most when the principal had his father called in to talk to the boy about not pledging to the flag. The father didn’t give any support to his son. This causes the boy, not only to lose his hope of the American Dream, but also his faith and understanding of his father.
The boy is probably going to turn out like his father. These are the people who are left to either fall between the cracks, or on their face.
It seems the American culture is overly concerned with self-sufficiency, not poor people. This drive progresses and creates our selfish-cut-throat-society. Nowadays life is all about bettering one-self. Whoever doesn’t figure out how to do that is left to facilitate himself, no matter how vulnerable. It is disgusting that, this occurs everyday somewhere, mostly in any urban/ suburban city in America.
There is a lack of empathy towards, minorities, immigrants, and children who live in inner-city America. Yes, this is the richest country in America, but we can be morally bankrupt at times. How cans this happen? As we see, American can be selfish individuals.
Abraham Rodriguez Jr. focuses on the lives of angry children who are forced to grow-up abruptly in this country; I think he does this to show America in its true colors for everyone. Rodriguez captures the miserable cycle Americans’ youth and others are doomed to practice unless they choose to deliberately balance this new identity. He uses this story as a tool to illustrate the lack of faith in the American Dream.
January 30, 2021
So glad I stumbled upon this book. Several of the stories in this collection rival the best in Junot Diaz’s first book of short stories, “Drown,” which came out years after “The Boy Without a Flag.” Can’t quite understand why Rodriquez wasn’t similarly lauded. In any case, I’m looking forward to reading his novel, “Spidertown,” next.
July 12, 2021
Abraham Rodriguez tells a short story about a boy that refused to salute the flag of the United States because he considered himself Puerto Rican, so it made perfect sense to him that the flag wasn’t his. This situation happened in his school, the teacher called his dad, and it is in this encounter where the boy was stunned to find that his father sided with the teacher.
It may appear seemingly trivial, but it represents a fundamental conflict immigrants encounter. There are different forms of cultural assimilation in the U.S leading to this dissonance between family members, some of those who immigrate eventually truly feel bound to the new location. It is not that they lose their identity, but they come to terms with the new nationality to survive and do better. It is a form of truce in which you understand that to get by; you have to blend in. How sad is this that we have to feel like we need to relinquish a part of ourselves, our roots, to survive? But for those who have migrated it is a familiar discord at some point. The father in the story portrays that truce because he wants his boy to have a safe transit and be treated better as he grows older.
For disclosure, I know P.R is a U.S territory. Still, our national identity is not as easily defined as sociopolitical boundaries but a complex product of colonization. And for many reasons, some (conflicting experiences, distorted narratives, longing, idk) that many still feel mainly Puerto Rican. The way we hold on to our puertorriqueñidad so tightly speaks volumes of our inner resistance.
It may appear seemingly trivial, but it represents a fundamental conflict immigrants encounter. There are different forms of cultural assimilation in the U.S leading to this dissonance between family members, some of those who immigrate eventually truly feel bound to the new location. It is not that they lose their identity, but they come to terms with the new nationality to survive and do better. It is a form of truce in which you understand that to get by; you have to blend in. How sad is this that we have to feel like we need to relinquish a part of ourselves, our roots, to survive? But for those who have migrated it is a familiar discord at some point. The father in the story portrays that truce because he wants his boy to have a safe transit and be treated better as he grows older.
For disclosure, I know P.R is a U.S territory. Still, our national identity is not as easily defined as sociopolitical boundaries but a complex product of colonization. And for many reasons, some (conflicting experiences, distorted narratives, longing, idk) that many still feel mainly Puerto Rican. The way we hold on to our puertorriqueñidad so tightly speaks volumes of our inner resistance.
July 10, 2015
This is a collection of essays about the South Bronx and they are honest, raw, eye-opening, and often very tough to read.
All of the stories are about teens in the South Bronx and they share the harsh-reality of the poverty, broken homes, and rough coming-of-age in the community of mostly Puerto Rican heritage. The stories are heart-wrenching and often horrifying in their reality. Read with caution. Stories containing language, violence, and sexual content are both unapologetic in honesty and difficult to read. While I wouldn’t consider this a recommended casual read, I am thankful that I expanded my understanding of a world I did not grow up in and a childhood that I did not have. I hope that it grows my compassion and comprehension of cultures and poverty around me. Full review at http://bookshelf.threebooksanight.com...
All of the stories are about teens in the South Bronx and they share the harsh-reality of the poverty, broken homes, and rough coming-of-age in the community of mostly Puerto Rican heritage. The stories are heart-wrenching and often horrifying in their reality. Read with caution. Stories containing language, violence, and sexual content are both unapologetic in honesty and difficult to read. While I wouldn’t consider this a recommended casual read, I am thankful that I expanded my understanding of a world I did not grow up in and a childhood that I did not have. I hope that it grows my compassion and comprehension of cultures and poverty around me. Full review at http://bookshelf.threebooksanight.com...
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews