During section last week, we discussed
Tripmaster Monkey and its theme of multiculturalism. It is indeed difficult to fit in when there is no solid category for you to fit into. Wittman is bothered by the fat that he is considered culturally Asian instead of Western especially when Western culture has impacted Asian culture and behavior. While I am not Asian, I can relate to this identity crisis. I am Mexican and, as a result of cultural perceptions in Western Culture, I too have struggled with identifying myself. However, it is also the case that Wittman, just like many others in America, feels contempt towards the prejudice felt in American society. It is upsetting to face discrimination if you are a non-white and, as so, a complex set of ideas and behavior are formed since the identities of these non-whites clash and mingle.
I find the ending inspiring albeit difficult to completely relate to. I feel like the complexities of identity will alway be a part of you. And, while I do believe you can accept your ancestry and heritage, I believe the concept of the book will continue to apply for the rest of your life as a result of societal and cultural interactions.
The Monkey King
The Monkey King
I would certainly agree that one cannot escape the crisis of self identity. American society seeks to define minority groups, and those minority groups seek to carve out a safe space for themselves and represent themselves. This leaves little room for biracial and multiracial people or those who are very inundated with American culture. WEB Du Bois is ever-relevant for issues of racial identity with his seminal theories on the "veil" and "double-consciousness" found in The Souls of Black Folk.
ReplyDeleteThese groups and identities seem to be constructed and confirmed through the literature Wittman reads. Tripmaster constantly references other artists and movements where Wittman finds himself to be nothing more than the oriental, even in Beat literature. However, he also notes others trying to become Beats who have come to San Francisco too late. Tripmaster and Wittman reveal the power of art to construct and confirm identity, and reveals American literature's part in subordinating and othering minority cultures.
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