Answer:
edge
Explanation:
Both Okita’s poem and Cisneros’s short story feature speakers who, despite their strong connections to foreign cultures, feel a deeper connection to their identities as Americans. The narrators in "Mericans" and "In Response to Executive Order 9066" express their identities not through their ethnic backgrounds but by identifying with those places where they feel a sense of belonging. The authors present these narratives in different ways. In "Mericans", Cisneros draws parallels between the feelings of the narrator and her grandmother, using shared American cultural references. The emotions conveyed by both the grandmother and the narrator depict their differing views on identity: “The awful grandmother knits the names of the dead and the living into one long prayer fringed with the grandchildren born in that barbaric country with its barbaric ways.”
While the grandmother holds a negative view of the U.S. and closely identifies with her Mexican heritage, the girl’s perspective contrasts sharply. Furthermore, Cisneros integrates allusions to American pop culture: "I wanted to be a flying feather dancer too, but when he circled past me, he exclaimed, 'I'm a B-Fifty-two bomber, you're a German,' while he shot me with an imaginary machine gun.” These references indicate the narrator's connection to American society. In "Response to Executive Order 9066", Okita adopts alternative techniques, maintaining a similar essence. The narrator’s introspective thoughts provide readers with an intimate look at her own feelings regarding identity. “If it helps, I will let you know I've always felt awkward using chopsticks, and my favorite food is hot dogs.” This reveals her struggles with cultural identity, evident in her preference for American cuisine over traditional Japanese dishes. Additionally, Okita employs perspectives from others to illustrate her identity: “You’re trying to start a war,” she said, “giving away secrets to the Enemy. Why can't you keep your big mouth shut?” This viewpoint highlights that while Dwight sees herself as American, others may not perceive her that way. Both texts offer varied illustrations of their common theme. They show that the narrators articulate their identity through personal opinions, illustrated by quotes like: “I gave her a packet of tomato seeds and asked her to plant them for me, telling her that when the first tomato ripened, she’d miss me.”
Both narrators express their opinions regarding cultural identity. Another recurring device involves how outside perceptions of girls are shaped by their appearances: “But you speak English!” “Yeah,” my brother replies, “we're Mericans.” The bystander assumes the boy doesn't know English solely based on his looks, but, in fact, he identifies as American.
In summary, both authors convey a theme of identity that is defined not by heritage, but by where individuals feel a sense of belonging. Sandra Cisneros employs comparisons and cultural references, while Dwight Okita utilizes direct thoughts and external viewpoints. Although their organizational methods differ, some elements, such as the presence of narrators and perceptions shaped by appearances, are shared. Ultimately, both writers elucidate that individual identity is shaped by personal experiences in both complementary and distinct ways.
