Mona in the Promised Land By Gish Jen Essay

Cultural joltes atomic number 18 single(a) of the defining marks of the primaeval centuries wherein racial, heathenish and ethnical difference are the and virtu eachy debated issues. Long in advance the entrance of globalization in the global scene, divergent nation- body politics did non sincerely take the chance of making close descents with their neighboring states oddly when their nicetys are the exact opposite of theirs.And for this reason, they tried to isolate themselves from other countries (or at most have communication or somewhat have indirect relationship toward other states that have some similar close and customs duty) so as to preserve their cultural heritage. Fagan) plainly upon the outbreak of WW1 and WW2, culture, race and ethnicity became i of the icy prices that changed the solid ground structure and order. On the other hand, the occurrence of the said globe wars and the introduction of the concept of globalization were non the primordia l root of such cultural clashes. Even during the time of the establishment of the first civilizations in almost completely regions of the beingness, conflicts that were defined or motivated by cultural struggles were already preponderant. Hence, there is this historical origin of the said problem.Culture, Race and Ethnicity Culture is considered as a sort of life of life. It implies that whatever man does or acts or believes it is its culture. Traditions and customs are subsets of culture. Even before an whizz(a) was born, there was already a defined culture to which he was already belonged. This culture was given to him by either his parents or his environs (or tear down both). Having this fact, a psyche cannot in reality severalize that he has elect a particular culture for himself. exclusively what is in reality true is that he was anticipated to adapt his parents and/or his environments culture.And still as he progresses or as he grows up that he exposes himsel f to other culture and tries to fake some modifications on his possessed culture. Thus, one can be influenced by other unknown cultures. And that he can assimilate those cultures as he pleases. But the maestro cultural that he owns cannot re anyy be thrown past. It sticks to one person as long as he lives. (Bolaffi) Race defines how mans biological, sociological and cultural features are structured. Be it an the Statesn, an Asian or a European.But among the races that which suffers a lot are the races of the Blacks (the Africans). During the struggle of the Black-Americans supposeing the slain truth issue, they were comprehend as the race that which is the most inferior (for they believed then that the standard for high quality can be measured through the color of the skin). As a result of such aim, the Blacks were badly maltreated and their dignity was real degraded. historically, the Blacks regular(a) the most numbered and prominent manifestations of racial discriminat ion. (Bolaffi)Ethnicity comes into the picture as subset of culture (as give tongue to earlier in this paper). It goes with the idea that every individual is either belonged to a single group which has the same affiliation and identity as that individual or has a two or more ethnic origins. That which is very apparent in the concept of ethnicity is the belief that there is this one single historical origin that is common to all those members of a particular ethnic group. And as branch of culture, it entails customs and customs as well as practices and beliefs that are exclusive to each ethnic group. (Bolaffi)Now imagine when one tries to spread out a particular culture that is defined by a grotesque and specific race and ethnicity. Surely, clash of cultural differences and ideologies will arise. But such adaption to different cultures and varied customs and traditions is not very impossible. As mentioned earlier, one can define his culture by either adapting his parents culture or by adapting his environments culture. However, the latter poses a severe deal struggle and criticisms not exclusively for individuals except also for nation-states (especially those that suffered from colonialism).On the Novel Mona in the Promised instituteThe refreshing was all about a girl named Mona (a half Chinese and half American) who was become so enthralled with the Judaic confederation that she say that she would convert herself into Jew. Such was the conflict of the story. She was Chinese-American and yet she wanted to belong herself in the Judaic tradition and belief. That is the very occasion that signaled her own conflict with her begetter. (Jen) Mona laid herself into a large circle of stack. She was with Americans, Chinese, Japanese, Blacks and Jews. She learned and snatched many things about the different cultures that her companions and circle of friends have.At any rate she appreciated those cultures. beingness a Chinese-American she knows well that her ethnic origins were somewhat in conflict. Nonetheless it did not undermine her will to live the life that she wanted. The stories that were revealed to her by the Black plenty inspired her to be proud of her race. Unfortunately when he became so much in tuned of the Jewish devotion/tradition, her life became so much criticized not only by other people who employ to sit with her and have talks but also of her own family especially his father.Although their family her drive and mother and herself was more distinguished as Chinese, her father wanted her to act and befuddle herself as a sound-pledged American. Americanization became her fathers everyday reminder for her. As a result, the structure of their family, their beliefs and practices and their characters were Americanized. And that was her parents want. However, unconstipated if she was born in American she refused to accept and act like a true-blooded American whom she was really not. She tried to discover h er own culture.But his did not mean that she would have to throw away her original culture and touch only embrace a contradictory culture. This only suggested that she would establish her own preferred culture or belong herself to her chosen culture and would not try hard to be someone else just to fit in with other standards (like that of the American attitude). The climax of the story was when Mona in the end declared to her parents that she would convert herself into the Jewish holiness. Her father was totally against such conversion. Her family especially her father believed that the being a Jew would only make her life detestable and inferior to others.Her father believed that the American culture was the most superior culture even with that of their Chinese culture. He mentioned the entire things that the American culture brought into this universe of discourse like those of the more and recent technological advancements. Yet, Mona did not bend with that argumentation. T he fresh revealed the undeniable role of religion in shaping the culture of a particular individual. As what was described in it, Mona found the Jewish religion as more like of her own principles and beliefs.She absorbed the Jewish doctrines and practices the way she wanted. It did not become hard for her to understand and appreciate the Jewish tradition since she was at first exposed to different cultures. But the very thing that made her decide to make herself belong in that Jewish religion is that she was in the Jewish community such that their influence was really irresistible. not only that. It was very hard for her to stick to her original culture when all that she had was its exact opposite. The bottom line was that she pursued such conversion and lived the Jewish way.The moral lesson of the story (if it can be classified as one) is that a particular thing does not really assure you of the happiness that it could pop the question only through its tag or label. But what real ly matters is that you really like that thing and that there is vigor that pushes you to pick such choice. In short, happiness comes if a person willfully chooses it. Historical, Sociological and Political Issues The Americanization Since the approaching of the globalization period, Westernization, particularly Americanization was a big issue. What does it take to be Americanized?And what is the tradeoff of becoming an Americanized person? in that respect is this big assumption that America is the worlds most superior race. existence the worlds sole super index finger, people regard American culture to be the only culture that could give the people a better life (just like how Monas parents believed). Political stability, great economic standing and supreme influence among nations and states in the world, are the characteristics that best describe America. However, America is neither an ideal state nor a perfect sanctuary for all people. (ODell)America is branded as the melting pot of the world (worlds culture). This is the place wherein people of different races and different culture can freely live and pursue their goals in life without being constrained. But that is only a loose description. America surely offers and provides the world with so many things for development and progress. However, isnt it over oecumenicization to say that American culture is the best culture among other cultures in the world? Let us say that American people do not really claim such. However, other cultures regard such thing as truth.The result is that people in the world idolizes and patronizes American culture having this conception that if they would try to live the American life then their lives would really amend and they would live in prosperity. But such is only a misconception. A person can make himself improve and progress regardless of his cultural inclinations, and racial and ethnic origins. But then it still goes with the idea that the society does not limit its citizens to showcase their interests, talents and capabilities as well as their private beliefs.In relation with the novel, Mona was constrained by her father and told that converting herself into Jewish would make her life miserable. But then Mona believed that by his trustingness, her life would be at peace and would be secured. Choosing a religion is a right (with course credit to the Universal Declaration of Rights). And having it as a right would mean that such would not badly affect the lives of individuals. And such would not be used as standard for looking at a persons life. Perhaps most Americans cannot be termed as pure Americans.By good-hearted to their original cultures, traditions and customs, Americans can be seen as a very general form of culture that which is also comprised of different cultures. The Chinese Principle Historically speaking, Chinese was known as the main land in Asia. Being revered and served by other nations. It has been said that the Chinese pe ople regard themselves as the supreme race in the whole Asia such that everyone should profit respect and look at every Chinese with veneration. mainland China termed those nations beyond its kingdom as barbarians. It implies that China is the central and the sole bearer of power and authority in Asia.However such conception about China was erased when it was attacked and conquered by the Western nations. No matter how China received tragic experiences and great insults from the Western conquerors, China never regard herself as a conquered and defeated nation. It preserves such principle by inculcating in the minds of all the Chinese people the great and rich history of their Chinese culture. It inspires every Chinese to be more proud of their cultural heritage even if their physical features are really different from the Western features. Nonetheless, not all Chinese remain loyal with such principle.Some Chinese people consider adapting the culture of the other nations so as to imp rove their way of living. In the novel, Monas father can be regarded as on of those Chinese people who would put aside his Chinese pride and dignity in order to assure him a life of prosperity in the cradle of the American culture. Well, it is not really bad to adapt to foreign culture as long as it would not mean a re-identification of oneself. It means that as long as a person accepts and recognizes his authentic origins while making some modifications in his cultural belief it does not entail a total denial of the original culture.Mona did not really deny her Chinese heritage. She is even proud to be a Chinese. On the other hand, Mona did not see herself as a solid Chinese whose beliefs and practices are confined with the ancient and traditional Chinese religions. She rather see herself as a person whom can only grow in the arms of the Jewish religion. For Mona, such conversion was no big deal. But for her parents it was really a form of infidelity to her cultural heritage (well , her father did not really appear as someone who advocated Chinese principles and ideologies but more of a person who wanted to make Mona a full turned-American person).As for the story, the Chinese side of Mona and her parent was not really highlighted. It contend a very little role that it could not be even considered as a principal source of cultural conflict that was evident in the novel. Mona in the Arms of the Jewish Tradition Mona rather chose Jewish culture and tradition than making herself absorbed and lived the American culture. For Mona, it was not if one was an American, a Chinese, a Black or a Jew, the most key thing was that you know what is right and you did not step on anyones foot.Living in such principle she pursued her life the Jewish way. Judaism is the religion of the Jews. It is a monotheistic religion since it believes and advocates that there is only one God. And this God is the supreme legislator of laws. He is the Divine Creator whom created the world an d its order. And that humanness committed sin against this Supreme Entity. The only way for them to be salve from those sins is to be united with God by living a good life and that life is illustrated by the Jewish culture. (Sarna) There is really nothing wrong with Monas decision of converting herself into a Jew.Her personal belief and her faith cannot really be managed by other people but only by herself. Her father was only in opposition with her decision chiefly because he thought that if Mona would really move towards the Jewish way of life, she readiness be lost because of her initial Chinese and American culture. Having both Chinese and American culture is really a struggle for any person. It would be more complicated if one would include the Jewish culture, and that is exactly what the clash of the cultures suggests.To end this paper, the historical, sociological and political issues that can be drawn from the novel are really directed toward diversity and conflict amon g cultures in the world. There is really no possible way that culture can be universalized or standardized. However, such cultural differences can be managed by precisely paying respect to other cultures that have different structure and tradition from ones own culture. Only then that people would really resolve such conflict regarding the clash of cultures.