Two unique essays from two outstanding authors explain what it was like to be different in a certain time and place in mainly dominant white America. Also, both stories were fun to read while learning their experiences of growing up as outsiders. I will be comparing their stories, first, Champion of the World by Maya Angelou is the nineteenth chapter in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. This story has a flow and rhythm, some readers might need to re-read the story a couple of times to understand it or do some research about US History to understand why African-American we're treated differently. The second essay is Amy Tan's Fish Cheeks, that first appeared in Seventeen- a magazine for teenagers, in 1987 was easier to read which held my interest as an ESL reader more than Maya's. The author Amy Tan used simple words that new ESL readers can understand and relate to the story.
I mentioned above that Maya's readers might need some history background because in paragraph 16 it narrated the intensity of the suffering happened in 1600s and that it will be happening again if Joe Louis, the "Brown Bomber," who was a hero to the black people, defending his heavyweight title against a white contender, will lose- then it will be the end of their dreams to get equality. Many of the first African-American people were brought from their African homelands by force to work in the New World. Some information I researched online that on May 18, 1896 segregation is made legal. The supreme court decides that it is legal to separate black and white in schools, on buses, restrooms, in restaurants, or in any other public place. Reference: softschool.com. The history, clearly viewed how the black people are affected today.
Maya Angelou's story tells of a story of people who feel like outsiders of the white America. Amy Tan's story is similarly tell of people who feel the same way too. Even though, they came from a diverse culture and both face the same harsh society of being outcast, their stories have a different purpose. Angelou wanted equality and success of her people, however, Tan desires to be accepted that's why she was ashamed of her origin.
Both authors have very unique writing abilities and styles. Maya made her story entertaining using a boxing fight that happened during her childhood days, while Amy created a very relateable story in the event of Christmas Eve. However, it may differ with the kind of readers that will read their work. The black, older generation, and people who love boxing can relate and will love the Champion of the World. In contrast, the Fish Cheeks will be liked by readers that are Asian, teenagers and people who like to read stories about family celebrating Christmas.
In addition, the story Champion of the World symbolizes hope and change. Paragraph 16 shows intensity of the suffering and on paragraph 27 described how people celebrated the victory. These show that Maya's essay tells a story of how people are proud of their heritage, unlike, Amy's essay tells a story of her being embarrass of her own ethnicity. Paragraphs 3 and 5 described how her family celebrated Christmas and how she wished it was different.
Champion of the World by Maya Angelou grabbed my attention, because we Filipinos love a boxing match too. Manny Pacquiao is our Champion of the World. We take pride of our own and believe that our Manny gave us joy and success in the entire Filipino race. We also listened to Manny Paquiao's fight, whether on TV or radio. Like in the 1930's we also gathered, screamed and held breaths during his fight against other boxers around the world. Similarly, Fish Cheeks by Amy Tan helped me realize that I shouldn't feel ashamed of my origin. I used to not eat Filipino food when I was in general public, but now I am comfortable enjoying my native food. Maya's story shows a lot of support, I take pride too. I am very proud to be a Filipino, I like sharing similarities, differences and our achievements with others. But I also learned, that what matters most is that to accept that we all have different backgrounds, there will be conflicts between groups as we move forward and that we need to remember to compromise with each other.
In paragraphs 7 and 8, Tan learns from her mother that she should be proud to be different. I was touched in paragraph 7 the most when her mother said, "You must be proud you are different. Your only shame is to have shame." That's so true, anybody can learn from these lines. When I first moved in America, I felt like an outcast because I, for one, did not know many people, and, two, I was different. I was uncomfortable about trying to fit in. But, I asked myself, why should I have to fit in when we're all created differently? Like crayons in a box, we are all different colors but its color is important to make a great picture. So, be proud to be different and celebrate diversity!
If you ever felt like an outsider, please share your experiences below! =)
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Job well done Jessa!
ReplyDeleteThanks!!!!!
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