Matt Rosenthal
English 1012
Prof Caroccio
10 March 2014
What I found really interesting is what Johnston writes about Chinese misogyny versus America's "antipathy toward the feminine" (Johnston, 137). Although China is seen as a more openly anti-feminine country, American has a more subtle and destructive perspective on females. Whereas American stories (Johnston uses a story about God) often have a man as the dominant character (and sometimes the only character), Chinese stories often portray female characters as warriors in their stories. It is interesting to see this weird dichotomy between an obvious misogyny in Chinese culture (for example, baby boys are more desirable), and this reverence for their "mystical" powers. America, on the other hand, has a way of silencing and subverting the "Other" groups. As Johnston points out, Maxine Kingston's book illuminates this "double oppression of race and gender within America" (Johnston, 140), which makes it especially difficult for outsiders, or the "Others," to live without feeling shunned and oppressed in American society.
Hey,
ReplyDeleteI find the point that you bring up regarding America's perception of women in comparison to China's very interesting. While on the surface America appears open to nearly everything, what goes on underneath is pure discrimination, as in the treatment of women throughout history and even modern day circumstances. Overall, I agree with your response to this writing and felt that it was written well.
Matt,
ReplyDeleteAt first I wasn't too sure what was meant by that part of this article. After going over it in class and also reading the comments you have on it I understand it a lot better. I agree with what you say about Others feeling shunned and oppressed.