This quarter I have grown academically by understanding themes and ideas in literary works and applying them to my daily life. Understanding where ideas come from and why they emerge the way they do have helped me in identifying myself. Specifically, my identities as a feminist and as a Chicano have strengthened. I have learned to embrace both cultures I have grown with and understand that both contribute to who I am today.

Literary works I have read this quarter have strengthened my values and helped become a better advocate for what I believe in. Specifically, Gloria Anzaldua, whom I identify with, has influenced my ideas in her book Borderlands. I identify with her because she is also of Mexican descent. In her book, she illustrates the life of a Mexican immigrant and the hardships they encounter, which is what I connect with because I have encountered stories like these. Anzaldua has influenced me in embracing my Mexican culture when she illustrates immigrants as brave and daring when she emphasizes their journey crossing the border as risky, yet they continue in order to find a better life. Furthermore, she examines how Mexican has been dominated since the 16th century, which has not yet changed in the U.S. Because Mexicans are seen as foreigners, they are undermined.

Moreover, I have come to the understanding that the idea of domination occurs when people believe they are superior to others because of stereotypes. These stereotypes are based on perception, for example, Edwards Said’s explanation in Orientalism illustrates that the West could not understand the East, therefore, created stereotypes. Stereotypes created were that the East was exotic because they are not something they are used to seeing. In their eyes, they are seen as primitive and therefore think they superior.  Furthermore, because people believe they are superior they feel a sense of “sympathy” and believe they need to aid the weaker in order to save them. However, this inequality and misperceptions are not the only one in society.

Physical inequality is portrayed in society mostly between genders. Many women today are undermined because they are not seen as strong, therefore they can not perform the same work as a man. For instance, in The Aeneid women are undermined specifically Lavina, daughter of Latinus. She is undermined by only being seen as an object,  essential only for political alliances such as the alliance with Aeneas, a great war hero. Moreover, even today there are some people who still believe in this and do not value women. Specifically in jobs where they are not treated equally to men.

Overall, being exposed to these works have made me realize what my values are and what I identify with. Seeing common ideas and themes have allowed me to focus on what I advocate for, equality in race and women. Being able to connect ideas to my daily life has led me to a greater understanding of issues in the world.

 

Bibliography:

Said, Edward W. “Introduction.” Orientalism. N.p.: Penguin, 2003. 1-28. Print.

Virgil. The Aeneid. Translated by Robert Fagles Penguin Books, 2006, Book 12

Anzaldúa, Gloria. “The Homeland, Aztlan.” Borderlands = La Frontera: The New Mestiza. San Francisco: Aunt Lute ., 2012. 24-35. Print.