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46 comments:
There are many different cultures throughout the world. It is no surprise then when you consider how imperialism can change lives. Because the cultures are so different, the lives of the citizens of the country being imperialized are changed drastically. In When I was Puerto Rican by Esmeralda Santiago the author uses the food, and character interactions to show the affect that imperialism can have on the lives of citizens of a country.
Through Esmeralda Santiago’s personal experiences with a change from Puerto Rico to New York, and growing up in an intensely and culturally Hispanic society, she learns, and in turn teaches the readers, to live life to the fullest and ‘lo que no mata, engorda’.
The theories of New Historicism and Cultural Materialism, New Criticism, and Gender Studies are depicted in When I was Puerto Rican through America’s influence on Puerto Rico as seen in Esmeralda as well as others who do not want to accept American culture. The American and Puerto Rican society are converging, however Esmeralda desires to keep her identity. When Esmeralda immigrates to the United States, she struggles to keep her Puerto Rican identity.
Through the eyes of herself as a young girl growing up in Puerto Rico, Esmeralda Santiago explores the realities of conflict between genders within her own family as well as the society.
just for the record...'lo que no mata, engorda' means 'what doesnt kill you makes you stronger'. = )
Imperialism has lead to the loss of lifestyles across the world and throughout history. When one culture dominates over another the lesser culture, the lesser culture finds itself in a crisis fighting the dominate culture. In When I Was Puerto Rican the main character emphasizes how imperialism has led to an internal struggle of power, culture, language and gender roles. Most of the characters in When I Was Puerto Rican have different reactions to the imperialism of America in Puerto Rico. Esmeralda Santiago, the author of this novel, relates this internal struggle with life and growing up, realizing an individual’s full potential and culture in the life.
American critics around the world argue that Americanization is denying countries of their traditions customs and overall identity. Through When I was Puerto Rican, (insert country here), and (insert another country here)....
these are the things I am thinking of class, power, gender, language, poverty, nutrition, and culture.
In the passage provided, Esmeralda Santiago shows that Negi is a young, imature child. Santiago portrays Negi's characgter by using literary elements such as diction, imagery and metaphors.
In response to mathaman, I think your thesis has a good point and your paper will have a great message. I think that you could probably choose four or five of the topics you listed below to use in your essay, with maybe three to five countries. Power, lanuage, culture, and class are probably good. I know in a lot of countries, they don't really seperate the classes as we do, so that would be something you could explore.
Throughout history citizens of different countries have viewed each other through distorted lenses bad on issues of wealth, religion, marital status, and race. Santiago uses her novel as a tool emphasize the economic and social realities and ideologies of power and subversion that is ever present in Puerto Rico’s and the United States’ interactions.
The effects of imperialism can be seen in countries that have struggled internally with governmental, economic, and social issues. The original customs of the country that is going through the process of imperialism by another country shifts from being traditional to being culturally influenced. In Esmeralda Santiago’s When I was Puerto Rican, the American culture that the government of Puerto Rico tried to impose on the citizens impacted them in a negative way.
to mathaman...i think your thesis is really strong! and i also like the topic ideas that you listed. i think that you are going to end up writing a really good paper. = )
Food may often times represent the actual structure of a country or nationality. The food referred to in When I was Puerto Rican represents the cultures of both America and Puerto Rico. The food symbollizes how America is a melting pot, how Puerto Rico is rich in culture, and *im still workin on it*
queesh, nice use of spanish language in yours just like santiago does in the book. I like the thesis but i think you should explain through what channels she teaches that (i.e. through interactions, ect.) also, put why the author does that.
In response to 123456789:
The thesis is alright and could make a great paper topic. Fix the gramatical error for society to societies. Make sure to look it over to make more sense. You have the oppurtunity to write the paper without struggling because your thesis is proper.
Within each individual lies a force which controls what decisions they make. This acting force is gender. When a woman or a man decides to do something it is in respondence to the sterotype of their gender.
Bobert, I think you've got a great start on your intro paragraph. Your thesis is rockin'!!!
In response to venom, you need to develop your three reasons and explain why the author has done this.
In response to venom:
I think that you have a good idea, but i think that Mr Donlon wants our thesis to be more general. Try to view the issues you will discuss through a wider lens; what does Esmeralda's view of gender prove about the views of the people in her society?
to cantante...i really like your thesis, its really strong! perhaps edit some gramatical errors? but other than that, its great! good job! = )
Cambo your thesis is right on point. You include the what, how and why of your topic. Your supporting reasons are evident and have concrete supporting facts.
-CiMi
Men are often seen as being the negative counterparts of women in society. They can be seen as causing more problems to the family unit then helping out. With this stereotype, men have also proven themselves capable of making positive contributions to family and society. In “house on Mango Street,” Santiago uses her father as a medium to prove this fact based on her childhood experiences. Her father played the role of teacher and disciplinarian to her as well as left her for what seemed to be an adulterous affair when he had arguments with his wife. Over the course of the novel, the father’s relationship with the mother severed. This continuous cycle of good and bad relationships reveals what Santiago feels about men.
(Did I hit the WHY part enough? If not, what should I say?)
I did the wrong thing...that is pretty much my thesis but I did it wrong...
this is what it's supposed to be...
In the novel, When I was Puerto Rican the author, Esmeralda Santiago uses different literary elements, such as metaphors, similies, and diction, to reveal different aspects of her character's personalities. With this, Santiago reveals how one's identity can change due to a change in their environment.
Thanks optimusprime. Here's a revision:
Reflection of oneself is a valuable tool in life and especially in literature. In When I Was Puerto Rican , the author Esmeralda Santiago reflects upon how she grew up in a society where gender roles were prominent and set in stone. Through the eyes of herself as a young girl growing up in Puerto Rico, Esmeralda Santiago explores the realities of conflict between genders within her own family as well as the society.
In the book "When I was Puerto Rican", the author devlops a sense of character by the was the main character, Negi, acts and the questions she asks. negi is portrayed as a child who is responsible for taking care of her siblings, but at the same time, needs to learn about the world around her.
In response to Cambo,
I think you have a great thesis, but maybe another reason in addition to use of food, and character interation would make it a strong thesis statement.
By the way, I just relaized it's "When I was Puerto Rican" not "House on Mango Street".
Good thesis but consider revising your choice of words
チラへ、
「To Chira]
The effects of imperialism can be seen in countries that have struggled internally with governmental, economic, and social issues. The original customs of the country that is going through the process of imperialism by another country shifts from being traditional to being culturally influenced. In Esmeralda Santiago’s When I was Puerto Rican, the American culture that the government of Puerto Rico tried to impose on the citizens impacted them in a negative way.
Your thesis is really good but the second sentence is a little confusing… ”The original customs of the country that is going through the process of imperialism by another country shifts from being traditional to being culturally influenced.” Try re-reading this, the sentence feels a bit awkward. Maybe this could work out better… “When a country is in the process of being imperialized, the traditions shift from one culture to another. This causes a loss of traditional lifestyle in favor of the imperial power’s lifestyle.” Also the last sentence should be “tried to impost on their citizens…” Also you should include how the citizens reacted in a negative way.
^^ Directed at Pari
Thanks Bobert! I really appreciate it!
cantante is amazing...there are no words to describe her wonderfulness
punjabirani, cimi, thanks so much guys. :)
Ey Cambo,
Me gusta que ha escrito porque es muy general principio y específico al final. Tambien, la técnica de usar comida para explicar las diferencias entre culturas es creativa y me gusta mucho también. Tengo un pregunta, hay otro metodo que usa Santiago para hacer esto? Si hay, es mejor para ayudar en escribir más, pero es posible que los dos puntas son suficientes también. Ademas de esto, excelente!
(Translations: Hey Jerry, I like the thesis you made because it goes from general to specific and the technique for using food to explain the relationship between cultures is creative. I was just wondering if you could add one more point in there if you needed fore info for it. If not, I think that it perfect the way it is. Other than this, excellent!)
to fxfyr, i like your thesis, but it seems very short. dont make it to much like a list. use big words. they make you sound edumacated. ^.^
this is the new identity for queesh = )
Once again, thank you very much Bobert. Here is my revised thesis statement:
The effects of imperialism can be seen in countries that have struggled internally with governmental, economic, and social issues. The original customs of the country that is going through the process of imperialism by another country shifts from one culture to another. In Esmeralda Santiago’s When I was Puerto Rican, the American culture that the government of Puerto Rico tried to impose on the inhabitants effected them in a negative way, which is seen through the actions of each individual, the attitude each individual displays towards the imperialist power, and the struggle to revive their own culture.
queesh,
I like the thesis that you did and the Spanish in adds a flare to it. I also think that the point you make is very significant to the story in that Negi needed to make the most of what she had in life, during the good and bad times. There should be some pretty good evidence for it.
Esmeralda Santiago in When I was a Puerto Rican illustrates the imperialism of the United States in the barrio to reveal how the United States is denying the Puerto Ricans of their identities through highlighting the change of Nutrition, educational values in the schools, living conditions, and the cultural standards which have been valued by the Puerto Ricans for centuries.
Bobert's thesis:
Your thesis is well thought out and detailed. This is a great topic. You can write a lot on this topic as it covers many aspects of how Esmeralda struggles interally. Your thesis is clear and it would make an excellent essay. Nice job :-)
The tone and perspective that Esmeralda Santiago weaved through the colorful picture that she painted as her childhood, proves the conclusion that the reader gathers, that Negi is an immature, young girl who is know learning about the world around her. She uses these techniques to prove the innocence and adolesence of Negi.
In When I was Puerto Rican, author Esmeralda Santiago uses her personal experiences to illustrate the dominant role of men and the subversive role of women in society. By utilizing literary techniques she creates an image of the unequal roles of men and women throughout the world.
A common elemant of society is the double standard between men and women. That double standard manifests itself through a set of ancient taboos that have been rooted in human culture over time. However, the taboos are becoming outdated in most societies all over the world and slowly but surely women are breaking down most of those barriers. In the story, When I Was Puerto Rican Esmeralda is surrounded by both the conservative and progressive attitudes about the relationships and roles between men and women.
Dear 123456789,
I understand what you were trying to say. Your thesis is very general. I wouldn't mention the literary theories in my thesis. And how can you see things "in" Esmeralda.
Dear venom,
Your thesis is very good. The only thing I would say is to make sure your topic sentences keep your paper from being too broad.u
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