Topic > Money Boy by Paul Yee: The Question of Sexuality and Sexual Preferences

Sexuality and sexual preferences have been a sensitive topic from the past to the present. Acceptance of individuals' choices and views in society has not been the friendliest in various parts of the world, including America. Laws are being passed to help ensure true equality for the LBGT community. While progress has been made, individuals still face negative reaction from family, colleagues, and society. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay In Money Boy, written by Paul Yee, Yee explores Ray Liu, a young teenage Chinese immigrant trying to fit in while internally struggling with being gay. In this novel, Ray Liu faces difficult decisions as he tries to please his father and find his place in society. Ray Liu, an immigrant, finds his escape through an online computer game that allows him to feel normal. Liu's military father doesn't think much of video games and thinks they are a waste of time. After exploring Ray Liu's computer, he discovers some gay male websites which make him prematurely angry and throws his son out on the street. Without much time to discuss what or why he is watching such content, Ray Liu must survive on his own and find his true identity. Money Boy tackles a trending topic that kids are wondering about at a young age and that leaves parents feeling clueless and caught off guard. The book dealt with many intense situations such as being robbed, starving, sexual content, and estrangement from family members which made it seem authentic. After finishing the novel, I feel that it would be a good choice to read for 12th graders to provide a better understanding of homosexual desires and struggles. As a parent, you have a vision of what you would like your son or daughter to become. You want them not to feel pain, sadness, or make the same mistakes you made as a teenager. When a parent discovers something that differs from that vision, he or she is filled with mixed emotions such as disappointment, sadness, or anger. The way we handle ourselves can do wonders for our children. When Ba discovers the websites his son has visited, the reader is able to see the disappointment and failure a parent feels: “Now you want to be gay. What should I think? Your grandfather was right. I'm a failure. I should have used more travel to raise you. Now it's too late. “The text provides a scenario that prohibits teens from wanting to come out or even discuss the possibility that they have a different sexual gender preference. Reading Money Boy provides insights for readers who don't understand the internal struggles and fear that teens face secrets of this magnitude. Over the course of the adventures of Money Boy and Ray Liu, readers will gain knowledge about the difficulties that individuals like the character Ray face. When individuals find themselves having to go against social norms, the fear of numerous consequences drives them individuals to question their own thoughts. Readers can see this as they read as Ray gets robbed, makes friends, and is faced with the difficult decision of becoming a “money guy” to survive reader to see the backlash that comes from pursuing his own desires. Ray is struggling to find family culture and acceptance in a world that doesn't understand or share his desires. Yee is able to demonstrate that Ray challenges queer theory regarding whether binaries..