Identity In Amy Tan's If You Eat, Then What Am I?
“Life’s challenges are not suppose to paralyze you, they’re supposed to help you discover who you are”(Bernice Johnson Reagon). For me , identity is the way life has mold you into the person you are today. Different persons means different experiences which ultimately leads to distinct personalities. Furthermore, there is many factors that have lead us to become who we are. In Geeta Kothari essay “If you Are What You Eat, Then What Am I?”, Henry Louis Gates Jr “A Giant Step” and “Mother Tongue” By Amy Tan, the writer analyzes what factors have influenced their identity the most. These authors allow the reader to understand that our identity is established through language, experience and culture.
Our language has become a big part of our life. It is the way we communicate with those around us. In “Mother Tongue” by Amy Tan, she allows the reader to understand that her mother limited english has become a part of her life. Tan mentions …show more content…
Our experiences can range from good or bad but ultimately shaped us in some form. In “A Giant Step” by Henry Louis Gates Jr, he writes about how his disability has became a part of him but can not let go. Henry mentions how he has had multiple surgeries and knew he wouldn't die but sometimes wished for. Also, he mentions how he limped throughout his college years until forty years later when he decided it was time to have a surgery. After surgery, he feels happy that he can finally wear those shoes he has wanted but it is a bittersweet moment. It's always something he wanted but feels like it's a betrayal. Henry states,” The next day, I walk over to the trash can, and take a long look at the brick. I don't want to seem ungracious or unappreciative. We have walked long miles together. I feel disloyal, as if I am abandoning an old friend”(3). In other words, he does not see his disability as something that affected his life negatively but just a part of his
Our language has become a big part of our life. It is the way we communicate with those around us. In “Mother Tongue” by Amy Tan, she allows the reader to understand that her mother limited english has become a part of her life. Tan mentions …show more content…
Our experiences can range from good or bad but ultimately shaped us in some form. In “A Giant Step” by Henry Louis Gates Jr, he writes about how his disability has became a part of him but can not let go. Henry mentions how he has had multiple surgeries and knew he wouldn't die but sometimes wished for. Also, he mentions how he limped throughout his college years until forty years later when he decided it was time to have a surgery. After surgery, he feels happy that he can finally wear those shoes he has wanted but it is a bittersweet moment. It's always something he wanted but feels like it's a betrayal. Henry states,” The next day, I walk over to the trash can, and take a long look at the brick. I don't want to seem ungracious or unappreciative. We have walked long miles together. I feel disloyal, as if I am abandoning an old friend”(3). In other words, he does not see his disability as something that affected his life negatively but just a part of his