Reflections on “The Pursuit of Happyness”: Recognizing the Parallels with My Own Journey
While scrolling aimlessly through Netflix the other evening, I stumbled upon a film that I had started a few years prior but never managed to finish due to its initial depressing nature.
This time, watching “The Pursuit of Happyness” through to the end was a profoundly moving experience for me, resonating deeply with my own upbringing and challenging me to assess the interconnectedness of this experience with those of my community.
If you’ve ever been in a TikTok comment section on a particularly relatable video, it’s likely you’ve seen some iteration of a “Never Had an Original Experience” comment in there. I can say with confidence that the story of Chris Gardner may be one of the few portrayed on screen, but it is most definitely a united experience, transcending nations and borders across the world.
The story of Chris Gardner, portrayed with remarkable authenticity by Will Smith, reflects a universal theme of perseverance and sacrifice that is all too familiar to many of us from South Asian communities. My parents, a hardworking night-shift mother and a truck driver father, embody this relentless pursuit of a better life, much like Gardner’s journey.
The Sacrifice of Night Shifts and Long Hauls
My mother’s nightly departure for her job is a constant reminder of the sacrifices she made for our family. Her work hours are grueling, and the toll on her health and well-being is evident. Yet, she carries on, driven by the hope of providing us with opportunities she never had. My father’s absences imitate this sentiment as well. Having immigrated from Sri Lanka, they gave up academic status in order to provide my older sister and I with the oppourtunities to forge our path in this world. I still remember the first time my mother the story of her oppourtunity to study at a university in Sri Lanka on a scholarship, but who had to re-do adult high school in Canada instead.
In “The Pursuit of Happyness,” Chris Gardner’s struggle to secure a stable job and provide for his son mirrors the challenges my parents faced. Gardner’s determination to overcome homelessness and financial instability is a testament to the resilience that I see in my parents. The film’s portrayal of Gardner’s tireless efforts is a stark reminder of the countless nights my mother works and the endless roads my father travels, all in pursuit of our collective happiness.
The Interconnectedness of Happiness and Success
For many South Asian families, the concept of happiness is deeply intertwined with the success of the next generation. Our parents’ sacrifices are seen as investments in our future, with the expectation that our achievements will bring fulfillment not just to ourselves, but to them as well. This interconnectedness is symbolized in “The Pursuit of Happyness.” Gardner’s triumph is not solely his own; it represents a victory for his son and a validation of his sacrifices. The “Happyness” that his son Christopher is able to learn and witness, whether it be attending games in box seats, or imagining the floor covered in lava, comes directly from his father’s ability to support their family.
My academic achievements and future career milestones are not just personal successes; they are the fruition of my parents’ labour and dedication. Every accolade I receive is a testament to their hard work. In many ways, my victories feel like reparations for the hardships they endured. I am proud of my capacity and potential for what it can achieve for my mother, father, and grandmother. My older sister and I will often talk about what we will be able to do for our parents once we have made our mark on this Earth. :)
Cultural Expectations and Familial Duty
In South Asian cultures, there is a strong emphasis on familial duty and collective well-being. This cultural framework often places responsability on the younger generation to succeed, as their accomplishments are seen as a reflection of the entire family’s status and honour. “The Pursuit of Happyness” subtly touches on this theme through Gardner’s unyielding drive to succeed for his son’s sake.
Growing up, I was acutely aware of the expectations placed upon me. My parents’ unwavering support came with the implicit understanding that I was to make the most of the opportunities they worked so hard to provide. This sense of duty was not burdensome, but rather a source of motivation and strength that carries me throughout my challenges! The film’s narrative reinforced my belief that enduring hardships is a shared, multicultural and multinational experience — that overcoming them is a collective triumph for our communities.
Gratitude and Aspiration
Watching “The Pursuit of Happyness” reinforced my gratitude for the sacrifices my parents made. It also reminded me of the importance of perseverance and resilience. Chris Gardner’s journey is a powerful narrative of hope and determination 18 years post-release; these are qualities that I strive to embody in my own life as well. The film is a tribute to all parents who work tirelessly to create a better future for their children, and the heaps of oppourtunity the business world can provide minds that are willing to learn.
“The Pursuit of Happyness” is more than just a film for me; it is a reflection of my life and the lives of many in the South Asian community and beyond. It highlights the sacrifices made by our parents and the deep-rooted belief that their happiness is inextricably linked to our successes. Their wins are indeed our wins, and as we strive to fulfill their dreams, we honour their legacy and continue the pursuit of our collective happiness.
