All I Asking For Is My Body Analysis

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Humans, as a species, are always under the authority of another. Even in times of anarchy, a power structure is always present. Whether the powerful are that way because of charisma, gender, age, or even simply because they have the most advanced weaponry, humans are defined by the amount of power they hold. This concept is exhibited frequently throughout the novella by Milton Murayama, “All I Asking for is My Body.” The book revolves around a Japanese family, the Oyamas, and their life in Hawaii, specifically the conflicts each member of the family experiences. Most of these conflicts are due to struggles with personal choices. Choice, of the freedom to choose, is commonly viewed as a basic human right, but it proves to be only the illusion…show more content…
Toshio is frequently found arguing with either parent about what they expect of him. As their first son, he is expected to work for many years to assist in paying off their $6,000 debt, and Toshio objects to the expectations he has been given. As he says, “‘With me, it’s different. I like school.’...’So now you want us to throw away our lives to get papa out of debt,” (30). He believes that he should have the choice to be educated rather than used for a source of income by his parents, and this sparks many conflicts between them. He frequently speaks out against them and the concept of filial piety, which serves as his main method of rebellion. However, he always returns to his parents, despite his verbal objections. Even after his parents continuously verbally and physically abuse him, he returns. After his parents express their desires to force him from their lives, he returned that night with Kiyoshi and continued to work (45-47). Toshio did not want his life to be designated for him, he did not want to have no choice in the matter, especially when the choice provided was of life of hard labor to benefit those who exploit and abuse him, but he always came back because he was a child. His parents were the only constant source of authority and stability in his life, no matter how cruel he perceived

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