Experiences of Discrimination: A Comparative Analysis of Bama and Zitkala-Sa
Questions and Answers on Discrimination
Bama’s Experiences with Untouchability
Q: Why did it take Bama 30 minutes instead of 10 to reach home?
Ans: Bama took 30 minutes instead of 10 to reach home because she was distracted by the many attractions along the way, including fun, games, and novelties in the streets, shops, and bazaar.
Q: How did Annan explain the elder man’s action to Bama?
Ans: Annan clarified to Bama that the elder man’s action of carrying the package by its string wasn’t humor; rather, it stemmed from the upper caste belief that contact with lower caste individuals would pollute them, necessitating avoidance of physical touch to maintain societal purity norms.
Q: When did Bama experience untouchability?
Ans: Bama first experienced untouchability when she witnessed an elder of her caste walking along the street from the bazaar. Initially finding it amusing, her laughter ceased when she observed the elder bowing low to the landlord, highlighting the practice’s reality.
Q: What things were seen by Bama in the bazaar, according to the season?
Ans: In the bazaar, Bama observed seasonal changes in the items displayed. During the hot season, mangoes, jackfruits, and tamarinds were abundant, while in the rainy season, pumpkins, cucumbers, and watermelons adorned the stalls.
Q: Why was Annan not amused by Bama’s story?
Ans: Annan was not amused by Bama’s story because it reflected the harsh reality of caste discrimination and untouchability that Annan himself experienced. The story highlighted the systemic oppression and injustice faced by individuals from lower castes, making it difficult for Annan to find amusement in it.
Zitkala-Sa’s Experiences with Racism and Cultural Erasure
Q: Why was Zitkala-Sa terrified when Judewin told her that her hair would be cut short?
Ans: Zitkala-Sa was terrified when Judewin told her that her hair would be cut short because, in her culture, long hair symbolized strength, beauty, and identity. Losing her hair meant losing a crucial part of her identity and connection to her heritage, leading to a sense of fear and loss.
Q: Why was Zitkala-Sa in tears on the first day in the land of apples?
Ans: Zitkala-Sa was in tears because her hair was mercilessly cut, and she mourned for her mother, kicking wildly and crying out loud while resisting the situation by shaking her head continuously.
Q: What was Zitkala-Sa’s immediate reaction to the cutting of her hair?
Ans: Zitkala-Sa’s immediate reaction to the cutting of her hair was one of distress and resistance. She cried out for her mother, kicked wildly, and expressed her anguish by shaking her head continuously, unable to accept the sudden and merciless loss of her hair.
Q: What was Zitkala-Sa’s idea regarding short shingled hair?
Ans: Zitkala-Sa believed that short, shingled hair was associated with captured warriors or cowardice among their people. It symbolized mourning and cowardice, contrasting with the cultural pride and identity represented by long, flowing hair.
Q: Why did Zitkala-Sa feel uncomfortable in the dining room?
Ans: Zitkala-Sa felt uncomfortable in the dining room because she was unfamiliar with the table manners practiced there. When all the pupils pulled out their chairs upon hearing a bell, she sat down immediately, only realizing her mistake when others stood up again at the next bell, causing confusion and embarrassment.
Comparing and Contrasting Bama and Zitkala-Sa’s Experiences
Q: What are the similarities in the lives of Bama and Zitkala-Sa though they belong to their respective situations?
Ans: Both Bama and Zitkala-Sa, despite belonging to different cultural contexts, underscore the pervasive themes of racist exploitation, untouchability, and oppression faced by marginalized communities. Bama’s narrative in India portrays the harsh realities of untouchability and caste discrimination, while Zitkala-Sa’s experiences as a Native American woman in the United States illuminate the systemic racism and exploitation endured by indigenous peoples. Both episodes vividly depict the disrespect, racism, and dehumanization prevalent in society, particularly towards marginalized groups and women. Through their narratives, Bama and Zitkala-Sa not only highlight the injustices faced by their respective communities but also serve as poignant reminders of the universal struggle for dignity, equality, and human rights. Their stories resonate with readers, challenging societal norms and advocating for empathy, understanding, and social change.
Q: Compare and contrast the stories of Zitkala-Sa and Bama?
Ans: Zitkala-Sa’s writings focus on the struggles of Native Americans in a white-dominated society, highlighting their fight for survival amidst colonization. Similarly, Bama’s works center on the caste-based discrimination and violence experienced by Dalits in India. While both authors explore themes of marginalization and resistance, their writing styles and cultural contexts differ. Zitkala-Sa’s narratives often reflect the experiences of Native Americans grappling with the loss of their cultural identity and the imposition of colonial norms. In contrast, Bama’s stories delve into the complexities of caste-based discrimination and the resilience of Dalits in challenging societal injustices. Despite these differences, both writers share a commitment to advocating for social justice and equality within their communities, offering powerful insights into the struggles and triumphs of marginalized groups in navigating oppressive systems.
Q: Discuss the forms of discrimination projected in the narration of Zitkala-Sa and Bama?
Ans: Zitkala-Sa encountered racial prejudice when she was sent to a European missionary school, where her identity as a member of a local tribe led to ostracization. Her pride, symbolized by her long, heavy hair, was shattered when it was shingled without her consent. Similarly, Bama faced caste discrimination and untouchability in India. Despite belonging to different marginalized groups, both women endured societal injustices that stripped them of their dignity and identity. Zitkala-Sa’s experience reflects the cultural erasure and forced assimilation imposed upon Native Americans, while Bama’s narrative highlights the dehumanizing treatment and social exclusion inflicted upon Dalits. Through their stories, Zitkala-Sa and Bama illuminate the enduring impact of discrimination and the resilience required to confront systemic oppression. Their narratives serve as powerful reminders of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in societies marked by prejudice and inequality.
Q: Bama’s experience is that of a victim of the caste system. What kind of discrimination does Zitkala-Sa’s experience depict? What are their responses to their respective situations?
Ans: The passage accurately portrays the experiences of Bama and Zitkala-Sa as victims of discrimination and their distinct responses to their circumstances. Zitkala-Sa faces racial prejudice and cultural erasure at a European missionary school, while Bama confronts caste discrimination and untouchability in India. Zitkala-Sa’s resistance to oppression ultimately leads to her forced submission, whereas Bama, under her brother’s guidance, channels her anger into education, ultimately achieving academic success. While Zitkala-Sa continues her rebellion through her writing, Bama chooses a more subtle approach, focusing on education as a means to challenge prejudice. Their differing paths demonstrate the complexity of navigating discrimination and the varied responses individuals may adopt in their quest for justice, as depicted in the AHSEC Vistas book.