Munira Omari

June 19, 2012

                                                         Minority vs. Immigrant Literature

 Many people have many misconceptions about the differences between minority and immigrant literature. Before I took this class, I thought that minority and immigrant literature were the same and could not differentiate between them. But as it turns out, they are quite different other than the fact that they are both written about America and by Americans. In this essay, I will clarify the differences between the Minority Narrative and the Immigrant Narrative.

When we say Minority, it is intended about African American and Native American writers. When Immigrant writers write about America and the American culture as mentioned in the previous essay, the process of migrating happens willingly; and the immigrants search for the better life, better future for themselves and their children. However, when the minority comes to the United State as in African American, they come as slaves, as workers that do not get paid and are somewhat forced into this society and are expected to assimilate according to its laws (in the Declaration of Independence). From this idea, you see many minorities resisting and hating the situation they are in and try their best not to assimilate. This is noted in “The Lesson” where Sylvia clearly hates the place she is forced to be in “America” and it is symbolized by the summer class that she is forced to attend as it is with the African slaves.

The expectations of America and the American Dream are symbolized in the toy shop and the yacht. In which economy and education is what it is expected and what makes you American. But Sylvia clearly resents it and does not want to think about it. The American Dream generated in “The Lesson” is in two ways: first, the woman in the fur coat; which is related to fortune and wealth, and the embracement of it from the white society and calling it crazy from the African American society. Second is the toy shop, with all its expensive toys which is expected to understand the American way of living as well as accepting it for what it is and trying to assimilate to it. Yet Sylvia is not desiring the toys and pleasures and embracing it. She feels jealous when her friend touches the yacht because she is trying so hard to resist the pleasures, she likes it and she wants it but she is resisting it while the other kids want to buy it and add it to their list.

Another difference between minority and immigrant literature is in the resistance of the White culture. It is shown in the poem by Chrystos “I Have Not Signed a Treaty with the United States Government,” in this poem, shows her resentment and hate to the American government and the ideals that they are trying to impose on her people, from colors, McDonald’s, soap suds and papers that identify America in her eyes. It is also seen in “The lesson” as well as in “American Horse” and the struggling to stay away from the white culture and not accepting it as their own. While in immigrant literature, immigrants embrace papers (as in education and laws) shown in “Silver Pavements, Golden Roofs” and the character of Hom Hing with his acceptance of the American laws, in addition to soap suds (which are mentioned often in immigrant narratives), the Minorities resent it and try to fight it off.

Another difference in the minority literature is not in a theme but in a certain style that they write from. In immigrant literature, they tend to focus on the grammar, spelling and punctuation marks in their narratives. We find that clear in “The English Lesson” and how the students wrote notes on the subject they are were going to present because they wanted to be perfect and speak English correctly as well as pronounce it correctly in Mr. Fong’s case. However, when it comes to minority literature language is less appreciated. In “The Lesson,” there seemed to be many grammatical mistakes (street slang) and the lack of caring to correct them. In addition, the poem written by Chrystos also had that problem. She did not have very good punctuation and did not care for the rules of writing, as if saying I will speak your language that way you can understand me but I will not follow your rules.

In addition to the differences above, it is wise that we add another, very notable difference, which is the general tone. The general tone of the immigrant literature is promising; the endings are mostly hopeful, happy ending and the continued search for the American Dream. On the other hand, with the minority narrative, the tone was negative, hatred and resistance to America and the American Dream. And examples on these can be seen in many of the minority narratives. Through literature many people can express their opinions and ideas towards certain things. When it comes to minority literature, it is expressed differently and in a more negative and resenting way. But in the immigrant literature, there is always high hopes.