Discuss the connections between women's lives in the Haitian-based stories vs the American-based stories. How are their experiences similar and different? Be specific. Also, be sure to read and include Caroline's Wedding in this post.
The differences between women's lives within the stories based in America and Haiti display a strong deviation in gender roles in these two cultures. Based on all the readings of Krik Krak thus far, the role of a woman in the Haitian society is very specific. In A Wall of Fire Rising, the mother, Lili, was seen as the care taker. She looked after the son and relied on her husband, Guy, to provide for the family. Her sole responsibilities belonged in the home. Similarly, the first story, Children of the Sea, the female narrator wrote many times about respecting her father and being obedient towards his wishes. She ignored love to follow his rules, proving a strong sense of male/father superiority and obligatory respect. These gender roles are engrained in the Haitian world and shape the lives and mindsets of the women bound by them.
Despite these long standing traditions for women, once families immigrate the to US, everything within the gender and family dynamic changes. This is first shown in New York Day Women when the daughter finds her mother working to support the family. This contrasts the previously mentioned roles of men being the primary economic providers. In this story, the relationship between the mother and daughter contrasts the female relationships seen before. For example, in The Missing Peace, the Granddaughter was always expected to respect and look up to her grandmother. While she does disobey her, the consequences she faces are very drastic. The consequences are especially different in comparison to the daughter in New York Day Women, who is annoyed by her mother and does not see her as a role model. The two women lack communication forcing the daughter to respect her mother less. The mother does not work to change this though. It seems that the idea of the American dream seemed stronger in her eyes.
These Haitian and American female experiences are the most contrasted in the story Caroline's Wedding. The first time we see the contrast is when it is explained how Caroline is marrying Eric against her mother's wishes. While Ma voices her displeasure, Caroline ignore it. This shows a direct difference to Children of the Sea, where the girl could not even date a boy her parents disapproved of, nevertheless marry. This is very interesting to me as it is a common stereotype of American's lacking resect for parents or elders. I believe that this culture is so prominent within American society, that it can undo years of traditions and culture. This can be especially true for children who grew up with immigrant parents but only ever knew American culture. This specific experience Danticat is writing about, is very unique as it tells a story of the way cultural assimilation and immigration can strain parent/child relationships in powerful ways. I think that this perspective of comparing and contrasting American vs. Haitian female experiences puts the narrative of immigration into a new lens. It forces us as readers to find the ways sacrifice for a better life can change not only your physical or financial situation, but your way of thinking as well. The one thing that is always true in every single parent/child relationship in this book, is the parent's undeniable wish to see their children successful, happy and healthy. This says a lot about Danticat's view of Haiti and her experience as a female immigrant.
No comments:
Post a Comment