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What evidence from Misa Sugiura's This Time Will Be Different shows both poor and effective communication between CJ and Hannah?

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In "This Time Will Be Different" by Misa Sugiura, the relationship between CJ (CJ Katsuyama) and her cousin Hannah is fraught with tension and misunderstanding, largely due to a lack of communication and respect. Here are some examples:

  1. Hannah's Privilege: Hannah is portrayed as the golden child compared to CJ. She is a successful businesswoman, while CJ struggles with her future. This relative success creates a barrier between them, with Hannah often failing to understand CJ's struggle, and CJ feeling inferior and disrespected.

  2. Different Goals: Hannah plans to sell the family flower shop, which has been managed by CJ and her mother. This decision was made without proper communication with CJ, which hurt CJ deeply as she had emotional attachment to the place. This act shows a lack of respect for CJ's feelings and her role in the family business.

  3. Communication Breakdown: Throughout the book, there are several instances where Hannah and CJ talk without truly communicating. Their conversations often end in arguments because neither takes the time to understand the other's perspective. Hannah often dismisses CJ's ideas and feelings, which shows a lack of respect.

  4. Hannah's Lack of Empathy: Hannah often fails to empathize with CJ's struggles, such as when CJ is dealing with the guilt of her role in a friend's accident. Instead of offering support, Hannah dismisses CJ's feelings and tells her to move on, showing a lack of respect for CJ's emotional state.

These examples highlight the lack of communication and respect between CJ and Hannah in the book "This Time Will Be Different" by Misa Sugiura.

Expert Answers

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The AI-generated answer is partly correct. It explains the lack of respect and communication, but does not address the second part of your question related to how they do show respect and communicate effectively. Below, you will find a more complete answer:

CJ Withholding Information:

Early in the book, CJ avoids telling Hannah about her mom's decision to sell the flower shop, especially to the McAllisters. This creates tension and frustration for Hannah, who feels shut out. "[...] but there was something else, something big, that she wasn't telling me." (This Time Will Be Different, Misa Suguira).

Dismissive Arguments:

When arguments arise, CJ and Hannah can fall into dismissive patterns. For example, when CJ expresses doubts about the protest, Hannah might respond dismissively, minimizing CJ's concerns. "[...] 'CJ, come on. We talked about this.'" (This Time Will Be Different, Misa Suguira).

Open Communication and Respect

Honest Conversations:

Despite occasional arguments, CJ and Hannah generally have honest conversations. They share their feelings and opinions, even when they differ. "We talked for what felt like hours, about everything and nothing, about the protest, about my mom, about my not-so-secret crush on Daniel..." (This Time Will Be Different, Misa Suguira).

Supportive Actions:

CJ and Hannah actively support each other's pursuits. Hannah encourages CJ to pursue her feelings for Daniel and fight for what she believes in regarding the flower shop. CJ, in turn, respects Hannah's activism and is her confidante. "You're amazing, CJ. Don't let anyone tell you differently.'" (This Time Will Be Different, Misa Suguira).

Growth Through Conflict:

While they experience communication breakdowns, CJ and Hannah often use these moments to learn and grow closer. They apologize for missteps and work to understand each other's perspectives.

Overall, while CJ and Hannah have moments of miscommunication and disrespect, their relationship is founded on open communication and mutual respect. They support each other's growth and navigate challenges together.

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