Two Ways To Live In America Summary

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People are born into a custom that originated from their parents. Living in a diverse world, there are multiple cultures surrounding you on a daily basis. It is hard, when interacting with new traditions, to keep your heritage original. Throughout this year, when reading SpringBoard, I noticed that the characters expressed in the stories where influenced by personal surroundings more than their broader culture. This perception is demonstrated in the short stories, “Two Ways to Belong in America”, “An Indian Father’s Plea”, and “Everyday Use”. “Two Ways to Belong in America”, by Bharati Mukherjee, demonstrates that one’s personal surroundings is very influential and reflects on their culture. Living in America, Bharati, is affected by the American culture, more than her original, Indian culture. “America spoke to me…I embraced the demotion from expatriate aristocrat to immigrant nobody, surrendering those thousands of years of ‘pure culture,’ the saris, the delightfully accented English” (SB: page 71). Living in another nation, impacts Bharati more than her heritage. She adjusts to the American custom to connect. Bharati is motivated…show more content…
“ ‘No, Mama,’ she says. ‘Not “Dee,’ ” Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo!” (SB: page 61). Living out in the world, Dee changed her name, without anyone from her hometown knowing. When Dee came back to visit, she had changed from the time when she was living at home. “Out she peeks next with a Polaroid…She never takes a shot without making sure the house is included” (SB: page 61). When returning back home, Dee bought a camera and wanted to show her family as well as take many pictures of various things with the house in the background. Dee’s family is poor, but she isn’t like them. Having a different surrounding than her family and the farm, she moves out. Dee marries Asalamalakim, and changes
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