Belize The Poor America

What I need is to go home to Belize, sit him down and talk straight to him But I cant go
till the damn papers come through (Ellis 56). Why? Why? Why must we bear the burden of being
subdued under the dark clouds produced by America? Belize, for example, has taken a systematic
beating as a result of our people constantly seeking to find better way of life. The Belizean society
being demonstrated by Zoila Ellis, in the short stories she constructed, exhibits only the many
hardships of poverty, the anguish of not being able to make a living in their own country and the
strong desires of going to America. Even though these many short stories have been written in the
past, the main ideas being brought to our attention can be affiliated with the present Belize we are
residing in today.
In White Christmas an Pink Jungle, the hardship of a young mother, Julia, attempting to
make a living is portrayed. Being in a small town making preparations for the upcoming Christmas
holiday, there are many evidences of poverty, a single parent family household and a failing
economy. We poor people go cross the border for cheap toys for we pikni (Ellis 83), display the
lifestyle of these people as being deprived. Just having to crawl across a neighboring country for
something as belittled as a toy just for a childs enjoyment is unbelievable. The way how Julia is
living is pretty harsh as well. If I make enough money I could rent a house with sewerage and bath
(Ellis 87) she exclaimed to her grandmother. Ms. Ellis is really trying to get her point across in this
story and with more hardships being added. Julia is pregnant with her second child not to mention
theres no male counterpart to assist in maintenance. Working as a sales clerk raises the main
question: Will she be able to provide for not only herself but two children? He grandmother, however
wants the best for her. When you eighteen and pregnant, is no joke You do whatever yu think
right (Ellis 91).
In And the Subway Takes me Home, the main character, Carla, ran away to America to try
and find a better life for herself and provide for her son, who is still living in Belize. Why he think I
put up with this all these years? For him. So they could live like they should live (Ellis 56). White
Christmas an Pink Jungle also showed a reference to the main character wanting to go abroad to try
and make a better living. After the Crismus I will look for a better job with more pay so I could save
an try go to the States (Ellis 87). These two stories portrays the most interest in the hardships of life
and aiming for better because they have realize that Belize cannot provide enough resources to
sustain their lifestyle. Coincidentally, the main reason for both main character is to try and provide
for their children.
In the story The Waiting Room, Elisa, the main character, is being stationed at the waiting
room getting ready to apply for a visa. It can be seen by her composure that she is tensed and afraid
of the outcome. A minor character even noticed this in the beginning. Right so me stay when I come
here. Frighten (Ellis 96). As the story progressed, Ms. Ellis made sure to show the characters
eagerness to obtain this visa, going all out when doing her interview. I can assure you that, unlike
other women who may have come here before, telling lies about their marital and financial status, I
am above such things (Ellis 104). Sadly, however, it was all done in vain as the last line portrays.
See what I tell you. She no get through (Ellis 105).
Zoila Ellis is an exceptional writer by the way she develops her plot and demonstrates her
theme throughout. In each of her story, a character can either be seen struggling or unable to make a
living in Belize, depending on America or another country for their many necessities and viewing
Belize to be not a safe haven but a place of despair. Sadly, it can be seen in todays day that Belize
hasnt dramatically improved or developed from this generation. However like what Julia told her
grandmother, Well, Granny, yu never know what life will bring, you know (Ellis 87).