Throughout one’s life there will be conflict and struggle but it is how someone deals with it that defines and shapes the person they are. In Adrian Tomine’s, Shortcomings, Ben Tanaka has many relationships throughout the novel that force him to face his own issues however he refuses to acknowledge them until he realizes that it may be the reason he ends up alone. Ben, wrapped up in his own thoughts and refusing to leave his self-imposed boundaries, remains unaware that his actions affect his relationships. Throughout Ben’s long-term relationship with his girlfriend, Miko, he behaves insensitively and overly critical of her, which eventually leads to a failed relationship. When the reader first meets Ben, he is already shown in a bad light as he puts down Miko’s accomplishments with the Asian-American film festival. As they drive in the car he goes on to say “why does everything have to be some big ‘statement’ about race? Don’t any of these people just want to make a movie that’s good?”. (13) While he may acknowledge that she worked hard, he mocks the beliefs that she stands for. He does not realize that his words are hurtful to Miko and he is unaware that he should stop talking. In this moment he is very …show more content…
While his relationship with Sasha turns out to be everything he fantasized about, it soon comes to an end and Ben is quick to attribute it to Sasha. Ben’s reaction to Sasha breaking it off with him is just like those of his other relationships however Sasha does not let Ben get away with it as Miko does in their final conversation. In response to Ben’s accusations Sasha says, “I could be totally brutally honest about why I’m doing this, but I’m going to restrain myself because I’m not sure you would ever recover.” (72) This forces Ben to reflect on what the problem may be and he must consider that he is in the