Date and Time

So far in my time at Loyola, I have been exposed to Jesuit education and have developed a better understanding as to what that is, more precisely. From what I have gathered, Jesuit values are about acceptance, diversity, community, justice, and service. I have always heard great things about Jesuit traditions and that reputation was a key part of my choosing to attend a Jesuit institution. Being in Baltimore, we are more exposed to diverse settings and some of the shortcomings which follow. Unfortunately, however, I think it is hard for many people to completely understand the challenges of feeling, "out of place," in society purely on the basis of how you were born without having truly experienced it, first-hand.

 Phil Kaye in Date and Time provides insight into those distinct feelings of rejection and being disconnected. He is of mixed race as his mother Japanese and his father is Jewish. He specifically writes about the first time that he realized that he was different from the "typical" American family. This “typical” image seems to be viewed as a white, same race family. His Jewish father was speaking to him in perfect Japanese and a woman looked at them as though they were crazy because, to her, that was quite obscure. As a result, he became embarrassed of who he was as he watched his parents seemingly ashamed. This made Kaye realize how truly out of place he feels in society due to racial standards and the impacts of traditionality.

The second third of Date and Time by Phil Kaye gives even more perspective into Kaye's life and his deep-rooted insecurities. He gives insight as to what specific life instances caused these insecurities. These instances such as, thoughtless bullying by peers and girls that he wanted, as well as feeling out of place with his family and his mixed culture.  He seems to be documenting every life event or profound feeling he has experienced in order to connect fully with readers. This could be an attempt to show the pain and hopelessness he has felt. It is clear that Kaye is opening all of his wounds out on these pages in order to be vulnerable to his audience. Perhaps, he is using this vulnerability in order to open the eyes of his viewers. If they can feel his pain on this personal level, then they could possibly be more empathetic and later, more accepting.

         Jesuits are viewed as those who value diversity and acceptance. Through my short time at Loyola, and in a Jesuit education system, I would have to agree with that reputation. I have had the privilege of having a Jesuit priest as my Theology professor this semester. In hearing him speak, I can see how much he cares about reforming the ideas that people of Catholic backgrounds are not accepting. He wants to make a difference and he believes in equality, in all forms. Although this is just one person, I have no other reason to doubt that most Jesuits believe this due to what I have seen from Loyola. Kaye’s words in Date and Time would be admired by Jesuits as I believe it is a tool towards a more accepting and loving society.