From the reading, I believe Anzaldua does
a better job in her claims about having to deny their culture and upbringings
to fit in with those around her. This country fought hard to gain their freedom
and believes that everyone has the opportunity to express their opinions and
that includes practicing their culture. She describes that being Mexican is a
state out soul, not one of mind”. Regarding to John McWhorter, yes
languages come together and become one so another culture arises but where is
the originality? One's culture should be able to prevail for many years and
once this happens that culture gets lost if it merges and becomes a new one. No
one should feel that their culture is suppressed to look good in front of
others. His main point is that when new cultures collide so do languages and
that causes languages to be lost along the way. Part of having your own culture
helps others appreciate and respect so that it stays alive. Anzaldua had pride
in her roots and kept in mind that there were both great cultures. She did not
let other bring her ideas down she instead appreciated it and spoke up she knew
she had the right to do so since this country’s goal is to be open to everyone’s
ideas. Both these people wanted their cultures to be recognized and discussed
how cultures are constantly changing. Anyone can fight for what they believe is
right not just these two individuals, we live in a nation that protects everyone’s right regardless of what
background they have.
I agree Gloria Anzaldúa thinks that she has to deny her culture, specifically her language to feel like she can fit in with the people she meets. She says, “Often it is only with another Chicana tejana that I can talk freely”. Anzaldúa feels she has to change how she speaks when she talks to certain people. Which is strange since we live in a country that prides itself on being a free nation and letting its people be free to practice their cultures. John McWhorter knows that if cultural things like language are ignored or not used they begin to disappear. McWhorter believes that people should not ignore their language just to please someone else and their culture. I agree that they both wanted their cultures recognized and would fight to keep their culture, language, and traditions alive and make sure that it was used and respected.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Anzaldua does a better job with her claims. She does take pride in where she is from and is always reminding herself that all cultures are equal, which is hard to do when you can get physical punishments, three licks on the knuckles, just for speaking Spanish at recess. I believe that countries should be able to stay independent in what they believe in, like you said, they need to have some sort of originality. People take pride in their cultures for various reasons, we shouldn’t be forcing our own culture onto people who don’t want it. That is just merging cultures, we need diversity in order to strive in the world. Like you also said, cultures have fought hard in order to keep their cultures up and running. Why set aside all of their hard work and make them merge into another culture? It would be heartbreaking to know you aren’t welcome.
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