Thursday, 1 November: Jewish-American: Chosen People in the New World. Anzia Yezierska, Bread Givers (1925)

·        Dominant culture moment: Tami Gilley

Relating to Objective 4.  To identify the “dominant culture” to which immigrants assimilate, particularly in terms of class, ethnicity, gender or family life, and religion.

In most immigrant groups they try to better themselves through material things as we see Mashah decides to do. She was pretty much in her own world not showing concern for anyone in her household.

Page 2 we see Mashah so excited about materialistic things....

“Give a look only on these roses for my hat,”

“Like a lady from Fifth Avenue I look, and for only ten cents, from a pushcart on Hester Street.”

Just like in our society today.  Some people may drive fancy cars or have a nice house, but can they really always afford those things?  Mashah would sometimes not eat just so she could buy something new to wear.

Page 3.  “It aint my fault if the shops are closed.  If I take my lunch money for something pretty that I got to have, it don’t hurt you none.”

As an American society most of us unfortunately try to “keep up with the joneses”; therefore, we seem to get what we want at all costs. Although everyone in the house must cater to their father’s religious beliefs, Mashah seems determined not to. Mashah was all about herself and no one else.

Also in relation to Objective 4, the Father definitely wanted to see his daughters marry wealthy men. This could fit the mold of the dominant culture because most fathers would love to see their daughters marry a successful man.

As Calvin Coolidge once quoted, “The business of America is business, and the chief ideal of the American people is idealism.”

This proved true as he pushed Bessie to marry Zalmon, Mashah to marry Moe Mirsky and Fania to marry Abe Schmukler.  Each one of these men painted a facade that they were successful businessmen.  It is interesting to note that Reb did not question the men too much about their religion, but how much money they made.  A particular interesting comment that I noted was when Moe Mirsky invited everyone to Coney Island on a Sunday (page 74).  As we know Reb Smolinsky wanted to keep that day holy, but I am sure the dollar signs were a good enough excuse.

One daughter who chose to defy her father’s marriage demands was Sara.  To her the American dream could be accomplished alone and not through the stronghold of another man.

Page 137.  “I’m smart enough to look out for myself.  It’s a new life now. In America, women don't need men to boss them.”

Sara continues this dream in pursuit of a college education, but not without facing the trials of the dominant culture.  We see this from the beginning when she tries to rent a room.

Page 157.  “You have a room?” I asked.....   “I don't take girls.”  And the woman slammed the door.

Another turning point for Sara was in the restaurant waiting for a heaping bowl of stew.  The waitress decides to barely give Sara any meat, but treats the gentleman behind her with a large portion.

Page 168.  “Oh thank you!  Thank you!  I’ll take it now,” I cried, reaching for it with both hands.

“No, you don't.”  And the man took the plate from the server and set it on his tray.

.........”But you didn't give me as much as you gave him.  Isn't my money as good as his?”

This situation along with many other trials that Sara faces alludes to the fact that our society still does not treat everyone equal.  The struggle for the American dream not only comes from within but through society itself.  Even though Sara faces these struggles with dominance in society, her desire proves stronger than her struggle.

Questions or comments?