First:
After reading the two PDF, then answer in 300 words or more: Choose and discuss one particular internal conflict (a person’s experience of opposing forces within oneself) that Cathy shares in the chapter “End of White Innocence.” How does this internal conflict compare and contrast with that of Leny Mendoza Strobel?
Second:
Respond in 200 words or more
An internal conflict that is expressed in Cathy’s passage is the violence that White America imposes on immigrants and people of color, specifically Asian Americans, that is felt and experienced from pre pubescent ages into adulthood. I think the title of the passage, End of White innocence, speaks to the issue that White people have not taken responsibility for there actions and have perpetuated their behavior throughout history to today as she shares in her own personal experiences. This internal conflict also highlights the reaction of Asian Americans because any response to racism or discrimination is deemed an overreaction, or acting out when any human being would respond to protect themselves, family, or people in their community. I think her last example of how far White privilege extends is crucial in understanding how power in politics directly effects members of society, and deeply scar a developing mental capacity. I also think this is the perfect example to contrast the internal conflicts addressed in Mendoza’s writing.
The conflict that stood out to me in Mendoza’s writing was the search of White approval. She mentions growing up in a church and having a relationship with God along side other White church go-ers. She says how even though they both grew up at the church learned the same songs and lessons, she doesn’t feel accepted or welcome even in a mutual space like church. She goes on to explain how she’s even immersed herself in White media like recognizing certain white actors/ actresses, knowing chants and songs like the star spangled banner, and even naming her child after a White actor, but she then highlights that people still look at her like she’s crazy and wonder how it’s possible for an Asian person to know all of these white histories and references.
One similarity between the two writings is that they both portray the reaction process of Asian minorities in America. The biggest differences I found between the two writings were their reactions to Whiteness. In Mendoza’s writing she expresses a longing for white approval and exemplified this in her own life experiences. In Cathy’s writing, she exposes White America for the oppression and racism that’s been codified in todays behavior and even uses her platform as a writer to encourage the new generation to flip the script on the white imaginary and create a world that empowers the minority that is becoming the majority.
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