Assimilation

In 1858, the British ruled the country of India with Queen Victoria acting as the Empress. India was important to Britain because of its prime location, which was necessary for trade. The British made major contributions to the Indian society. They built roads, railways, and schools. The British Empire helped to transform the Indian economy. However, many felt the Indian people were poorly and unfairly treated by the British which spurred various political movements.

Have you ever heard of Mohandas Gandhi? Gandhi led a national non-violent protest movement against the British mistreatment of the Indians. He urged Indians to give up their titles and honors. He also asked Indians to stop wearing British clothing. For their resistance, many Indians were imprisoned. Eventually, through the efforts of Mohandas Gandhi and non-violent protests, the Indians gained their independence in 1947.

The author of “By Any Other Name,” Santhna Rama Rau was born in Madras, India shortly before India was granted independence from Britain. Rau lived a short time in India before moving to England where she attended school. She then attended college in the United States, graduating with honors in 1944. Her essay, “By Any Other Name,” is a childhood memory of her school experience in India. Remember, during this time tensions between the British and Indians were very high. The Indians were embarking on non-violent protests throughout the country as they were trying to gain their independence.

Analysis

As the narrator in the story reveals her encounters with assimilating to her school (or new life), she ultimately realizes that she does not have to give in to society’s standards or ideals. The narrator had to experience the negative side of assimilation in order to understand that denying who you are should never be an option.  

 

The Leader in the Mirror

In Santha Rama Rau’s essay, you witnessed how the Indian culture in the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s resisted assimilation. What do you think happens along the borders of our very own country? Author Pat Mora was born in El Paso, Texas. El Paso is located on the United States and Mexico border. Living on this border for the majority of her life, Mora has taught school and directed a museum. Growing up, Mora was bi-lingual. She spoke both English and Spanish. Not wanting her friends to learn about her Mexican-American heritage, she kept her Spanish speaking a secret. Mora is now a full-time author and her works are influenced by the area in which she grew up and still lives.

You will now read a speech by Pat Mora entitled “The Leader in the Mirror.”  Within this speech, Mora provides her audience with four gifts to use throughout life: confetti, a tape recorder, a photograph, and a mirror. Based on how she explains the purpose of each, think about how you might use each of these items as you go through life.

 

Analysis

Pat Mora’s speech, “The Leader in the Mirror” is advising the readers to embrace their cultural heritage. Where you grow up and the languages you speak help make who you are. Her advice is that when you understand and value your past, it will help bring meaning to your life.

 

Assimilation Review

Now that you have read and analyzed two literary works with different perspectives on assimilation, check your knowledge. In this non-graded interactivity, read the statement and decide whether it is true or false. Then, select the appropriate answer and click SUBMIT. Click the player button to get started.