The Immigrant's Voice

Melissa McMahon

January 29 2009

Journal on Sui Sin Far

"See, Little One- the hills in the morning sun. There is thy home for years to come. It is very beautiful and thou wilt be very happy there. The Little One looked up into his mother's face in perfect faith." (880)

In Sui Sin Far's story, "The Land of the Free," we begin with this scene- a huge amount of emphasis being placed on the 'faith' the young child has in his mother- and the entire exchange surrounded by the beautiful, picturesque images of a new land for the family. Far is immensely gifted in the way she tugs on your heartstrings during this piece, and we soon come to see that this "Land of the Free," is anything but. Mother and Child are soon separated, and when they are finally reunited in the final scene- her precious "Little One" has become a perfect stranger- with no faith in his mother sweeping across the features of his face.

Sadly, not much is known about Sui Sin Far, or, Edith Maud Eaton. We know that she was the product of a Chinese mother and english father- one of 16 siblings. Far's work gave a voice to the Chinese immigrants that were so often over looked, and she seemed to maintain an immense pride in this part of her heritage. Her stories were drenched in the raw emotion of immigration and put a spotlight on the awful treatment many of them were subjected to. This was the subject Far insisted on writing about, and "although her appearance and manners would have allowed her to easily pass as a dignified Englishwoman, she asserted her Chinese heritage and wrote articles that told what life was like for a Chinese woman in white America."-Wikipedia.

Far by health standards was a weak person most of her short life, but the power behind her written word is stunning. I found myself struck by the very real and raw emotions in her story, "In the Land of the Free." The idea of a separation of mother and child is horrific enough, but Far leads us down the path where the story takes on an even darker tone. Betrayal, manipulation from their "friend" James Clancey, and the eventual rejection of mother from son all make the story a painful piece of reality that is mostly ignored. Families really were separated like that, and many people took advantage of the immigrants in any way they could. Far's bravery echoes through her words, and she forces her reader to examine a part of history that was a very real part of her people's lives. Her ability to draw her readers in and make them feel the emotions of these immigrants is astounding.

She was truly a gifted woman- and a powerful voice to all of the forgotten.

In His Own Story....

Melissa McMahon

January 27 2009

Journal on Cahan

"Flora was going to protest and to threaten to leave without him, but she could neither speak nor stir from her seat. A nightmare of desolation and jealousy choked her- jealousy of the Scotchman's book, of the Little Russian shirt, of the empty tea glasses with the slices of lemon on their bottoms, of the whole excited crowd, and of Shaya's entire future, from which she seemed excluded." (806)

The end of Cahan's story, 'The Imported Bridegroom," leaves us with the image of Flora realizing that all that she thought she wanted for herself- a modern, respected way of life that had her surrounded with educated people- was not a way of life she expected it to be. After urging her new husband Shaya to abandon his Jewish identity in favor of her modern ideas- she is left with what Shaya has become- educated, yearning for the company of educated men, and burning with a desire to learn all he can about his new world. The contrast Cahan paints between the two lovebirds in this moment is striking- Shaya's over flowing passion and pride for his new life- and Flora's dejected disappointment over what it has turned out to be. It makes the reader rejoice somewhat that at least Shaya is happy- his character is one that can be easily sympathized with as he deals with leaving his birth home for a country that urges his religion out of him. Cahan's sensitivity to this issue leaves us over-whelmingly on Shaya's side.

The character of Shaya seems to be a portrait of Cahan himself. Shaya's later passion for socialist literature seems to be a reflection of what Cahan agreed with during his time. "Cahan transferred his commitment to socialism to his new country, and he devoted all the time he could spare from work and study radical ideas among the Jewish working men of New York." -Wikipedia. The most successful thing about Cahan's writing was the very raw and human emotions he used as the back drops to his story- his story telling ability is so effective because he seems to place himself in the stories which lends them a much more powerful voice- in this case- the voice of Shaya.

Cahan, like Booker T. Washington, Winnemucca, and Du Bois, gave a voice to the Jewish immigrants- one that had long been ignored. Cahan remains one of the most powerful and inspirational writers of all time- and one of the only to capture immigrant life and the immense story behind it.

A Spirit Broken.

Melissa McMahon

English 48 B

Journal on Zitkala Sa

January 22 2009

"I cried aloud, shaking my neck all the while until I felt the cold blades of the scissors against my neck, and heard them gnaw off one of my thick braids. Then I lost my spirit." (1116)

Zitkala Sa writes about this moment during her schooling where the teachers use physical means to "steal" the Indian out of her- giving her an American haircut and thoroughly conforming her into a more "proper" role. This is a significant part of Sa's short story, "The School Days of an Indian Girl," because it is the one scene where Sa has been "transformed" and must now submit to the way of the 'paleface.' Sa draws the reader in with her descriptions of this horrific experience- and shows them the conditions in which children's spirits were routinely broken in the name of Christian education.

"Young eight-year-old Gertrude was strongly lured by their promises of apple orchards. Having never been deceived, she trusted them despite her mother’s warnings. The young child’s innocence led her to desire the apple orchards and to choose to be educated by the missionaries. Taté Iyòhiwin finally gave in. She knew that it would be a hard transition for her child from innocence to experience, but she also believed that her child would need the education when there were more Euro-Americans than Native Americans."-Wikipedia

This was the reason young Zitkala Sa was sent to go to this Quaker school- her mother allowed it, and only because she feared that her child would not have the luxury of living in peace with her tribe the rest of her life. Knowing that it would ultimately silence her child's spirit, she pleaded with Sa to stay- when Sa decided she did want to go, her mother could not stop her- out of fear for what lay ahead.

It was a move that would ultimately change Zitkala Sa- for good, and for bad. From her extensive education, she gave to us a beautiful account of her life and of her thoughts, written in such a way it captures the reader from the very start. Unfortunately, her "spirit" remained broken for some time- she even went back to teach at the very school that had robbed her of her youth and of her heritage. However, Zitkala Sa soon left after not being able to handle the abuse she was witnessing on the students daily. Pouring herself into her writing, she left us with an incredible part of herself that remains embedded in history.

Sa was an amazing woman, full of spunk and spirit that ultimately could not be taken from her by anyone. Her legacy is one of strength and beauty, and she continues to live on in her written words.

A Woman To Look Up To.

Melissa McMahon

January 19 2009

Journal on Winnemucca

"I can imagine his feelings, for I have drank deeply from the same cup. When I think of my past life, and the bitter trials I have endured, I can scarcely believe I live, and yet I do; and, with the help of Him who notes the sparrows fall, I mean to fight for my down-trodden race while life lasts." (503)

Sarah Winnemucca was a controversial woman who actively fought for attention for the Paiute's suffering. Lecturing on the Paiute cause, and even speaking on their behalf to president Rutherford B. Hayes, Winnemucca proved that she was an eloquent representation, and earned her place of respect as the first Native American woman to become a published writer. She worked tirelessly for the cause, and until her final days continued to make her powerful voice heard.

Sarah Winnemucca is immensely inspiring to me, her spirit and her determination held me a captive audience as I read her excerpt from "Life Among the Piutes." Although the authenticity of this piece of work has been questioned- I feel like it is undoubtedly her voice that rings through- strong and courageous- and full of passion. She seems to me like she was one of the first feminists- and even her "punishment" for having several white husbands reflects the oppsosition she had to face, not only as a female, but as a Native American. Her book had to include testimonials to her "character," but it did not stop Winnemucca from letting her opinions be out there. Her work and efforts for the Piutes is inspiring considering the massive opposition she faced. Like Washington and Du Bois, Winnemucca had to fight against the prejudices and hatred that threatened to hold her down, and fighting against them valiantly- she won the ultimate fight.

At the end of her life, Winnemucca continued to serve by opening a school for Native American children, (another parallel to Du Bois and Washington's fights for education.) Sadly, the school fell through, and she died not too long after it's closing. Winnemucca's legacy continues to prevail and inspire- and her likeness, cast in a bronze statue in Nevada- bares this inscription:

"Sarah Winnemucca[facsimile of her signature, “Sarah Winnemucca Hopkins”]1844–1891 Nevada Defender of Human rights Educator Author of first book by a Native woman" (biography.com)

Her statue represents all of the things that she was- and all of the things she continues to inspire.

The Fighting Man.

Melissa McMahon

Journal on Du Bois

January 15 2009

"Herein lie buried many things which if read with patience may show the strange meaning of being black here in the dawning of the Twentieth Century. This meaning is not without interest to you, Gentle Reader; for the problem of the Twentieth Century is the problem of the color line."

In the forethought of W. E. B. Du Bois' 'The Souls of Black Folk', Du Bois brings us in with this stirring statement- a call to all who are reading to realize that 'the problem' is not with a certain person or race- the problem is with the color line. Du Bois' piece reflects his thoughts on racism and his struggle to rise above the prejudices against his skin color. Achieving much in his life, Du Bois became an amazing representation that changed many people's opinions on what could be 'expected' from a man of color.

Like Washington, Du Bois fought for his people, although their fights were taken out in different ways. A quote from wikepedia states: "In the course of his long, turbulent career, W. E. B. Du Bois attempted virtually every possible solution to the problem of twentieth-century racism— scholarship, propaganda, integration, national self-determination, human rights, cultural and economic separatism, politics, international communism, expatriation, third world solidarity."-(David Levering Lewis.) While they shared the same goal, they ultimately took different paths- Du Bois believed Washington thought their people could only survive through submission- and he heartily fights this in his 'The Souls of Black Folk.' However, no matter the argument, it cannot be denied that both men blazed trails for their people- they knocked down walls and showed the world that black men could be educated, respected, and eloquent.

Du Bois grew up in a time where the prejudices that Washington fought were still very much there. The fact that Du Bois worked extra hard to obtain his degree and shed light on the problems of the Twentieth Century is beyond inspiring. The controversial path he embarked on later in life with his involvement in the communist party pales in comparison to all he accomplished. The "fight" with Washington just proves his unrelenting passion for his people. The fact that he would have the courage to criticize a man as respected as Washington just shows how he knew the path to equality was a long and hard road- and was determined to make sure it was set upon in the right way.

In the face of controversy, Du Bois held tight to his ideals and his dreams for a united nation. Like Martin Luther King famously said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” I think it's safe to say that Du Bois was more than a man- he was a fighter.

Represent.

Melissa McMahon

Journal on Washington

January 14, 2009

"No race can prosper till it learns that there is as much dignity in tilling a field as in writing a poem. It is at the bottom of life we must begin, and not at the top. Nor should we permit our grievances to overshadow our opportunities." 681

This controversial part of Booker T Washington's Atlanta Exposition Address really sums up the message that Washington was trying to get across to his largely white audience. The backlash that followed declared that Washington was not representing his race with as much passion as his booming presence suggested. The question that remains is the hope that Washington's ideas of 'starting where you are' were posed in such a way to not frighten or anger the white people who went to listen to him that day. No matter the actual truth behind his speech, it cannot be denied that Washington was a gifted speaker, leader, and writer- still loved, admired, and respected today.

Washington's passion for education was the driving force behind everything he did. No matter what you thought of his ideas or motives, he was successful at building relationships that ultimately supported his cause.

Although his non-confrontational approach was criticized by some blacks (notably W.E.B. Du Bois who
labeled Washington "the Great Accommodator"), he was successful in building
relationships with major philanthropists such as Anna T. Jeanes, Henry Huddleston Rogers, Julius Rosenwald, and
the Rockefeller family
who contributed millions of dollars for education at Hampton, Tuskegee and
helped pay for hundreds of public schools for black children in the South, as
well as to donate to legal challenges to segregation and disfranchisement.
-Wikipedia

With the powerful allies he rallied, Washington made great strides for education in his lifetime. His idea to "work from the bottom," may be met with mixed opinions, but his life mirrored the hard-working mentality that was a huge part of his upbringing. A former slave, Washington represents his race, (in my opinion) amazingly well. Who can argue with what he made happen? His passion for a better life for all convinced many non believers that slaves were not only people, they had the same desire to work hard and achieve greatness during their life. I believe his speech was spun in such a way that it represented his ideas and hopes for his people without scaring the white man. He knew he was treading on dangerous grounds- he was up against every racial slur, prejudice, pre-conceived notion, and hatred there was. He had to take a solid stance- and I don't believe that was 'selling out' at all.

Like Martin Luther King, Washington's dreams for a better tomorrow have hopefully come true. As we welcome in a new president- a black, educated, capable man- we see in our hopes the desires and dreams all of these men held dear.

The Color of Insanity.

Melissa McMahon

Journal on Gilman

English 48 B

January 7 2009

"I beg of you, for my sake and our child's sake, as well as for your own, that you will never for one instant let that idea enter your mind! There is nothing so dangerous, so fascinating, to a temperament like yours. It is a false and foolish fancy. Can you trust me as a physician when I tell you so?"-814

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In "The Yellow Wallpaper," by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, the narrator, a new mother and wife to John, seems to be in the clutches of some form of insanity- most likely a case of un-diagnosed post partum depression. In the quote above, John- a physician, pleads with his wife to not admit to herself that she is mentally unwell. It seems as though John is more afraid of the ever growing reality that his wife is unwell and the speaking of it aloud makes it more real in a way. The tension between the narrator and her husband grows through out the story, and concludes with her complete unraveling as she succumbs to her inner demons.

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This story blazed trails for women by calling attention to the existence of depression after child bearing and the very real dangers to the human spirit that can be brought on by the popular "rest cure" that was used as treatment. Gilman herself suffered under that treatment, in which she was instructed to endure an "extended bed rest to be followed by a return to working as a wife and mother. She was to give up all dreams of a career, she was never to write or paint again, and she was never to read for more than two hours a day" (biography.com) No wonder Gilman later wrote of her mental instability that was the product of this ridiculous "cure." It only worsened her already present depression- and almost took her life. Gilman was not afraid to speak out against this practice, and ultimately encouraged the doctor who founded the cure to change his method of treatment.

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While it seems obvious that the narrator suffers from a mental instability, my attention couldn't help but be drawn to her husband, John. His offerings of 'rest', 'relaxation' and his over bearing handling of her life raised a constant red flag with me. In the quote I started with, we see John pleading with his wife to not speak of her illness aloud. His frantic request seems so misplaced from his 'good husband' role. If indeed he cared so much for his wife, wouldn't he want her to really get the help she needs? By addressing her problem and coming to terms with it, (which she struggles to make him understand throughout the story,) she would be well on her way to recovery. Instead, John's own selfish desires and fear take center stage and prompt him to essentially put his wife 'away.' While I believe John was simply acting out of fear, I wonder if he was the reason for her quick tumble into insanity and the person in this story to blame.

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Gilman's timeless stories continue to be analyzed and picked apart world wide. The first time I read "Wallpaper," I spent the night staring at my own wallpaper, too afraid to move. It was so...modern. The themes and over all "creepiness" of her descriptions are just as vivid in 2009 as they were in 1892. The fact that Gilman's work continues to provide fresh ideas and arguments is a testament to her strength as a writer. A writer, a woman, who cannot be stopped by anything.

The Infinite Power of the Human Mind.

Melissa McMahon

Post Journal on Bierce

January 7 2009

"As he is about to clasp her he feels a stunning blow upon the back of the neck; a blinding white light blazes all about him with a sound like the shock of a cannon-then all is darkness and silence! Peyton Farquhar was dead; his body, with a broken neck, swung gently from side to side beneath the timbers of Owl Creek bridge." (366)

The ending lines from Ambrose Bierce's 'An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge" leave us with the realization that Peyton Farquhar did not escape his hanging with the aid of a broken rope- it seems as if the entire escape sequence painted out by Bierce was in our deceased narrator's mind- a total fantasy/imagination/hallucination/wild hope. Farquhar dies that day on Owl Creek bridge- and the story leaves you wondering if his 'spirit' was the only one to escape.

Ambrose Bierce did not always seem to be a happy man, and was certainly not afraid to write of the things that most would never dare. A wikipedia article quotes Bierce as having a " sardonic view of human nature that informed his work – along with his vehemence as a critic– earned him the nickname, "Bitter Bierce." The nickname seems appropriate, but if you really delved into the world of Ambrose Bierce, you would see that most of his darkly written stories are born directly from the horrific things he witnessed during his time fighting in the Civil War. With his short story, "And Occurrence At Owl Creek," we witness the questionable hanging of Peyton Farquhar, a planter whose thoughts furiously imagine his escape from doom as the rope tightens around his neck. Does Peyton actually escape? It seems so, at least for awhile. The way Bierce paints his miraculous rope breaking free-fall into the waters below gives the reader hope that Peyton will escape and return home to his family. The story takes us right up until he climbs out of the river, walks all day and night, and sees his wife standing outside of their home. It is only then Bierce snaps us back to reality and leaves us with the grisly image of Peyton's body swinging lazily side to side, his neck broken.

It's amazing, really, the way Bierce fills his readers with blind hope and a swelling passion for this man, Peyton Farquhar. I found myself thrilled beyond words when he escaped his captors to return home to his family- it certainly appealed to the romantic side of me. However, the brisk two sentenced way Bierce leaves my beloved character felt-jarring. I couldn't believe it was real- Farquhar's dream of escape was so vivid and encompassing that it flooded into my own imagination and lead me to believe in the one thing he was wishing for above all else. Isn't it amazing what our minds can do? A simple smell or floating memory can transport us through time and make our senses so aware we relive that memory again. When you want something so badly you can actually feel it, it immediately becomes real to you, whether it is or not. Was this the case for Farquhar? That the longing for his family and for his life transported him to their door? Did he imagine the entire journey it took to get there? From the snapping of the rope to the bruises upon his skin? I believe so. I believe that the mind is a powerful thing- able to slow a clock's ticking into a sound like a booming cannon. Farquhar, like any man, longed for his life. The stress of his impending death gave his mind a reason to take over.

And it did.