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A Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao is a book that thematically revolves around science fiction and fantasies
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Introduction
A Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao is a book that thematically revolves around science fiction and fantasies by the main character, Oscar, which explicitly analyzes the ancestral and/or séance experiences by different character. The relationships in the book depict the social diversion from normalcy which is then followed by fantasies, the need to run away from reality after realization of troubles associated with irresponsibility and meditation on story-telling; search for identity, machismo/ masculinity and oppression in the society. The analysis and commentary for the different events; characterized by fantasies and the need to fall in love, the repercussions of the decisions the characters make and their séance experiences and practices give the book the society reception as it depicts the lives during Rafael Trujillo’s rule.
The overarching theme is brought out in the book by incorporating both the upfront and the gradual approaches in a bid to illuminate the world that Oscar lives in and the need to create a parallel between the supernatural and the fantasy world lived by majority of the characters. For instance, the explicit development of magical realism whereby “fuku” and “zafa” were popular in major regions of Latin America; narration of events with mundane tone, and intertwining of the supernatural events with the tile of the book as brief and wondrous, explicitly defines various activities somewhat regrets thus setting the tone for a running contrast between internal struggles and outward concerns (McClinton- Temple, 8). The first three chapters of the book addresses the internal struggles of different characters; with stories tracing history in growth and development, inabilities to cope with the natural social and cultural phenomenon, and revelation of outward concerns by the people who the characters have had personal and deeper relations with. For instance, the multiple short term relationships that Oscar had had with girls coupled with inability/ his complexities finding love; the inability of Oscar’s sister, Lola, to cope up with her ailing mother, and the struggle of their mother, Beli, right from childhood to adulthood and later in love and relationship menaces, shows the internal struggles of which the concerns are shown by close relatives (Diaz, pp7-120). The external and explicit concerns are showcased in the individual’s battle with addiction; Oscar’s battle with reality that despite being from Dominican family he could not easily find love as expected Lola’s battle with verbally abusive relationship with her mother, and Beli’s struggle to find love which later bruised her to a point of losing her life.
The gradual approach is brought out in the subsequent chapters where independence and distinction of the chapters to the flow of the story are evident. Overarching theme is presented implicitly in these chapters with effective topic sentences and the structural development of events to ensure strong underlying flow and intertwining of phenomenon whereby the relationships are explicitly shown in the conclusion (Butterfield and Martin, 7). For instance, chapter four, sentimental education, implicitly defines and explains Oscar’s life in school and the internal struggles with dormitory hate and suicidal thoughts, the reappearing of the golden mongoose and the breakdown of relationships; a factor of misunderstandings and personal weaknesses, phenomenon implicitly explained with reference to the first three chapters. This is later followed by explicitly defining the intentions of each character in the book in the chapters towards the end of the story and the final letter. For instance, poor Abelard, Land of the Lost, The final Voyage, The End of the Story, and the Final letter, explicitly defines the expected outcome of relationships in the first four chapters; which explicitly puts the title of the book, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao to relevance in that, we as readers did not expect so much from a person who lived briefly in a world of fantasies and fiction as explained in the final letter.
Personally I relate with the book drawing much relevance in the setting of the story in line with the geographic and personal development themes brought out in the book. I am a stereotypical low income Latino who relates in every sense possible to the magical realism presented in the book. The juxtaposition of the supernatural, the powerful and the intangible forces brought out in the book draws much significance in the way I was brought up and the interactions I have had with my peers in the process of development. I can directly relate to Yunior’s complex character as brought out in the book in that first, I am a play boy with a big stature just like Yunior and a caring person to that fact who values human life and direction of relationships. For instance, in the book, Yunior is presented as a big guy with a big heart who in most events took care of his Friend Oscar and at some point, when Oscar was almost losing his conscious with his inability to get girls; Yunior uses his play boy traits by helping him take physical exercise through running him every day, to help him relax and minimize suicidal thoughts.
As explained before, I am a stereotypical low income Latino and from the book I relate directly to Yunior’s economic background which at some point we are told that he used to room with Oscar partially due to his financial inability to afford off- campus rooms. Personally I have a sensitive side with stereotypical believes as depicted when Yunior tries to advice Oscar on ways to get girls although he stereotypically believed that Oscar was too nerdy and fat to get a girl. My nature of sensitivity can also be related to Yunior’s hypocritical demeanor when Oscar quits running and Yunior is angry but he could not openly tell him but to go behind his back and argue that he thought Oscar looked like a “Fat Homo” that made him get the nickname “Wao”.
The style of writing in this book and the combination of literary allusions and narration helps the reader comprehend and analyze the events that the writer is relaying in the novel. The use of footnotes provides historical backgrounds and the additional reflective information rather than just providing factual background. In addition the narration style gives the book the artistic combination of several central themes such as identity and the use of slang in the structural development of events give the cultural and personal touch; attracting the reader’s attention.
Conclusion
The book, as the title states, reflects on a brief life faced with many problems of personal struggles in a bid to realize one’s self and cope up with the ever-changing environment and social phenomenon. Thematic presentation of magical realism and power of appearance gives the book a cultural stand and relevance which coupled with the mundane tone, holistically covers the events and helps in comprehension by the reader.
Works Cited
Díaz, Junot. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. New York: Riverhead Books, 2007. Print.
McClinton-Temple, Jennifer. Encyclopedia of Themes in Literature. New York: Facts On File, 2011. Print.
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Butterfield, Perry and Martin, Carole. Emotional Connections: How Relationships Guide Early Learning. Washington, DC: Zero To Three, 2004. Print.
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The portrayal of Racism in Zoot Suit by Luis Valdez
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The portrayal of Racism in Zoot Suit by Luis Valdez
Introduction
Debuting in 1978, Zoot Suit is a play developed by Luis Valdez that is based on the Zoot Suit riots and Sleepy Lagoon murder trial. Unlike his previous works, Valdez takes a historical as opposed to a contemporary approach to important social issues in this play. The play follows the story of Henry Reyna and his street gang that was tried for murder in Los Angeles during World War II. This occurs after a confrontation with a neighboring gang at the Sleepy Lagoon, the local lovers’ lane. Here the gang gets into a fight, and a young man is killed. Two members of the gang are placed on trial and given a life sentence as a result of the incident. This essay discusses how Luis Valdez play Zoot Suit demonstrates the problem of racism in society.
The issue of racism is evidenced throughout the play as the 38 Street Gang is persecuted based on race. At the time, the police force displayed a prejudiced attitude towards Hispanic people and views them as second-class citizens. The play delved into the racial discrimination that the Chicano population went through in Los Angeles in the 1940s. Valdez shows clearly that the two street gang members accused of murdering the Mexican-American are at the mercy of the legal process, which is biased (Elhalafawy, Ibrahim, 245). They are held responsible for a crime they did not commit. The only reason Henry and his friend are arrested is their appearance. Wearing a zoot suit was the Mexican American way of trying to fit into the American culture. As the 38 Street Gang are taken through the legal process for criminal justice, the judge that is overlooking the case does everything in his power to ensure the prosecutors frame them as dangerous and malicious as possible. From a legal perspective, it is evident that the Street gang was not culpable for the death of the Mexican-American, Jose Williams (Huerta, 37). Despite this, the public prosecutor opines to the jury that letting Henry and his colleagues walk Scott-free would be an injustice in itself and that would unleash “the forces of anarchy and destruction” into American society (1.3). The said destruction is rhetoric because the events took place during World War II. At the time, the prosecutor considers the worst fear of American citizenry as destruction and anarchy. He pins destruction on the struggle of people of color as they fight extremism with domestic matters that are entirely unrelated. Valdez showcases the government’s unjustness in how it targets the Chicano community in the early 1940s. He invites the audience to look into that unfortunate section of their history. He calls upon them to focus their attention on how prejudiced authorities manipulate fear and patriotism towards minority populations.
The play demonstrates to its audiences first-hand the repercussions of racial profiling. Racial profiling refers to biased policing based on ethnicity and race. The play’s title is a clear indication of the racial profiling that exists in the play. The play is named after a suit style popular among the Chicano community in the 1940s. With time, police began using the suit style as a sign of criminality. Zoot suits were baggy suits that had high-waisted trousers and long jackets. While they were not exclusive to the Chicano people only, the police primarily associated the style with minority groups, particularly young people. Because of this, racists adopted a new view of the dressing code. In essence, the zoot suit came to be viewed as a uniform that stood for everything they hated. Rudy, Henry’s brother, encountered the unfair attitude as he got caught up in the suit riots that took place in 1943. For three nights, sailors, civilians, navy officers, and other white servicemen begin running through and attacking all people that were in a zoot suit. One evening, Rudy is out dancing when he suddenly finds himself at the center of a violent altercation simply because of his dress code. One of the white men says that “zoot suiters” such as Rudy are trying to “outdo the white man in exaggerated white man’s clothes” (Act 2.5-6) The accusation underscores an intolerant and racist attitude towards the Chicano people and his anxiety that whites might lose the power they have in American society. This is a prejudiced fear which ends in violence. Rudy and his community encounter a brand of hatred that is motivated by insecurity.
To make the matter worse, prejudiced white police officers tend to validate their aggression and insecurity by painting the Chicano community to be a threat to American war efforts taking place in Europe. When the Zoot Suit riots ensue, one press member tells El Pachuco that the “Zoot Suit Crime wave is even beginning to push the war news off the front page” (2.6). In this case, El Pachuco is the narrator. Worth noting, members of the press say it conflates with the suit itself. Essentially, anyone that dresses like they belong to the Chicano community or minority group is not only a criminal but also responsible for curtailing wartime patriotism. As such, people that are racists take the zoot suit issues as a way to disenfranchise and vilify minorities such as Henry and Rudy, that are not actually doing anything to help American war efforts.
Implying that individuals like Rudy and Henry undermine American wartime values is rather unfair. Ultimately, Henry had already signed up to join the Navy at the time of his arrest, and Rudy manages to join soon after his brother is imprisoned (Rios, 57). This explains why their lawyer, George, attempts to emphasize that the accused are dedicated members of American community in his closing arguments. It would be deeply unfair to find Henry and his colleagues guilty of a crime that they did not commit. Evidence is key. George insists that such a decision would “murder the spirit of racial justice in America”(1.11). In other words, George attempts to demonstrate to the jury that the defendants from the Chicano community are not outsiders but are Americans (Paredes, 68). This meant that treating the accused unfairly would be a violation of core American values, which was what racists claimed zoot suiters were doing. Yet, individuals such as public prosecutors worked tirelessly to imply that Henry and his colleagues symbolized destruction and anarchy hence employing them as scapegoats exacerbate racial prejudices by simply upholding that they are indeed opposed to the American way of life. Thankfully, Henry and his colleagues are eventually let out of prison with time. However, this is not mean that this fear-mongering rhetoric does not have lasting damage to the Chicano community; it unjustly and unnecessarily interprets the lives of young men and forces them to spend time in prison even though they do not deserve it. By displaying this Valdez is warning the audience members not to provide false nationalist claims concerning the alleged threat that minority individuals pose to the nation, since it is nothing more than a strategy to oppress people that are already vulnerable to discrimination and racism. Currently, the American society is structured in such a way that the majority of white people do not have an idea or first-hand experience about the life that minority groups such as Latino and African American lead (Kamel, 71). There is a continuous norm of segregation and separation, which keeps people of various ethnic and racial groups from interacting with one another positively and meaningfully. The segregation perpetuates the ignorance of these groups hence giving rise to prejudiced attitudes.
In closing, for too long now, American society has placed importance on significant characteristics, including age, hair texture, skin color, sexual orientation, and social differences like language, religion, ethnicity, and social class. Similarly, people of color and other minority groups have been the subject of racial profiling for decades to the extent that they have accepted it as their norms. The experiences that Henry and members of the 38 Street Gang go through point to the struggles of minority groups in America. Racism is a systemic problem that has its roots in the fact that people of color came as slaves in America. The issues highlighted in this play mirror the problems of current society characterized by police brutality, excessive use of force, and preferential treatment of people of color throughout the criminal justice system. It is high time that racism is addressed and eliminated in society once and for all. It represents a barbaric way of thinking that should not exist in the 21st century. Just like the police enforcers in the play judged civilians by the physical appearance and clothes they wore, so do police in current society judge civilians according to the color of their skin. This explains why people of color comprise the majority of people incarcerated in American society compared t their white counterparts.
Works Cited
Elhalafawy, Ayman Ibrahim Elhalafawy. “Stereotyping Chicanos in Ethnic Theatre: A Study of Luis Valdez’s Zoot Suit.” CDELT Occasional Papers in the Development of English Education 68.1 (2019): 245-255.
Huerta, James. “LA as Borderland: Teaching Luis Valdez’s Zoot Suit.” Los Angeles Times (2018).
Kamel, Amal Ibrahim. “Ethnic Identity between Assimilationism and Separatism: August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone and Luis Valdez’s Zoot Suit.”
Paredes, Veronica. “Embodying the Background: Connecting Pachucas and Movie Theaters in Filmic and Literary Depictions of the Zoot Suit Riots.” Feminist Media Histories 6.4 (2020): 68-93.
Rios, Francine. “Zoot Suit: A Correction to American Public Memory.” American Papers (2018): 57.
Zuit Suit play by Luis Valdez
The Political Geography of Texas
The Political Geography of Texas
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The Political Geography of Texas
Texas State is one of the largest states in the United States of America. It can be divided into different regions depending on different factors. However in this case it will be divided based on political geography. It has six regions based on political power and segmentation. Texas is divided into West Texas, Hill Country, Rio Grande Valley, Metroplex, North Texas and East Texas, This paper therefore discusses the manner in which the state is divided when it comes to politics and the different political affiliations the different areas have.
Firstly Texas was part of the Spanish empire up to 1821 at a time when it gained independence from Spain. After that it became part of Mexico and it joined with the United States in 1845. It borders with Louisiana, Oklohama and Arkansas. Texas was dominated by democrats until 1990s after which Republican Party took over (Muir, 2015). The election of Obama as a United States president played a very important role in determining the political geography of the state as the democrats who were campaigning for the president came along to empower those who never voted and were people of color. This even though altered a bit of the political geography did not change the state entirely as after a year of doing this the blue Texas was back in place and the republicans dominated the streets of Texas as they had done for 20 years (Sebold et al, 2012). Even though trump was a republican and most of the Texas is republican he was almost losing to Hillary Clinton but defeated her with very few votes. During president Biden campaigns and elections only very few individuals were allowed not to vote either due to old age or health effects.
West Texas has a higher number of people living in urban areas more than those who live in rural areas. People of color are more than whites and it has more than average population which is college educated. In Houston more than average is also educated up to college level as well as more than half of the population no-whites (Washington Post-seven political states of texas, 2020). One in every five of Texan voters is located in Houston. Even though democrats are not so many democrats did a great job in popularizing the party and trying to make sure that it has a great chance of being the most liked. Hill country is mostly settled by Germans and the area has been very loyal to the Republican Party. More than half of the votes come from Travis County. Rio Grande Valley is mainly settled by Mexicans. They had a lot of their political power limited by the union after they joined and there has been a competition of republicans and democrats.
Metroplex has had Dallas as the major democratic stronghold for a long period of time. Trump was not successful in convincing the individuals here to vote for him and where there is a halt or a stop in suburban growth, the republicans remain dominant. In North Texas more than average live in cities and they are also educated at college level more individuals than 50%. East Texas was dominated by democrats for more of the 20th century and their major votes came from Rio Grande Valley. Voting Rights Act contributed a lot to a change in this as George bush was elected and this area became a center for republicans.
References
Muir, R. (2015). Modern political geography. Macmillan International Higher Education.
reporter, L. T. L. T., & cartographerEmailEmailBioBioFollowFollow. (2020). The seven political states of Texas. Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/politics/texas-political-geography/Sebold, K., Limbocker, S., Dowdle, A., & Stewart, P. (2012). The Political Geography of Campaign Finance: Contributions to 2008 Republican Presidential Candidates. PS: Political Science & Politics, 45(4), 688-693.