Addiction
Focus Question: What can we do to help?
The larger, underlying issue in Patron Saints of Nothing is the drug problem in the Philippines. This section provides two texts, an informational article and a TedTalk, about drug use and addiction. As students work with the essential question about whether or not to call out injustices in the world, we will inevitably be lead to the focus question of this section.
This informational article focuses on the specific drug present in the novel (and in the Philippines). It opens with easy-to-read lists about what the drug is and the side effects. Further into the text, we are given a scientific viewpoint of the societal implications of the drug use in the Philippines which gives students a comprehensive picture of why Jun possibly got involved with it.
Students can discuss text to world connections between the novel and the article. They can also go outside of both texts to think about possible solutions to the drug problem instead of Duterte's policy of executing anyone connected to the drug. The article is posted on a site that has many resources for helping with addiction. Students should feel free to explore the site further when coming up with other solutions. Small groups can write a call to action for their solution and how it can be put in place.
Connection to Standards:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.1 Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
National School Library Standards; Explore; Share Learners engage with the learning community by: 1. Expressing curiosity about a topic of personal interest or curricular relevance. 2. Co-constructing innovative means of investigation. 3. Collaboratively identifying innovative solutions to a challenge or problem.
This is recommended to be peer-led and has grade-level text complexity.
Connection to Standards:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.3 Analyze how the author unfolds an analysis or series of ideas or events, including the order in which the points are made, how they are introduced and developed, and the connections that are drawn between them.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1.C Propel conversations by posing and responding to questions that relate the current discussion to broader themes or larger ideas; actively incorporate others into the discussion; and clarify, verify, or challenge ideas and conclusions.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.9 Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
This is recommended to be teacher-led and has grade-level text complexity.
TedTalk: Johann Hari: Everything you think you know about addiction is wrong
This talk's most quoted line is at the end when Hari states, "The opposite of addiction is not sobriety. The opposite of addiction is connection" (2015). Throughout the novel, Jay is constantly seeking connections to the people he interacts with on his trip, from family members to new friends. Through Jun's letters we also see that one of the main desires in his life was to be unconditionally loved and accepted by his father. Hari challenges the way addiction has commonly been addressed through law enforcement and argues for approaches that come from a place of helping and rehabilitation.
Students will view the talk as a class and engage in a teacher-facilitated discussion about the approach Hari advocates. In addition to the discussion, students can also write a reflection. Some questions to consider in the discussion and/or reflection are listed below:
Do you agree/disagree with Hari's point that the opposite of addiction is connection? Explain.
What is your opinion on the policy Portugal took in decriminalizing all illegal substances?
Do you think Jun's fate would have turned out differently if he felt more connected to his father?
References
Stotts, I. (2019, December 19). Shabu – What is it? Side effects, and filipino social problems. Addiction resource. https://addictionresource.com/drugs/speed/shabu/
Ted. (2015, July 9). Everything you think you know about addiction is wrong | Johann Hari [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY9DcIMGxMs