Cultural Bordering and Cultural Othering

In class, we’ve analyzed various texts whose themes center around cultural borders and cultural struggles. We’ve also examined the concept of “othering”–viewing or treating difference (or “the other”) as alien/exotic and inferior to oneself or one’s own group—and how cultural and racial othering not only creates borders and walls, but often results in struggles—from identity to racial violence. You will continue those discussions in this essay. Assignment Task Using four readings from this unit, answer the following question: How do the texts illustrate or discuss othering? 2) what effects does othering seem to have on the authors’ lives and identities? Primary Sources (Use four): • Tan’s “Fish Cheeks” • Ho’s “Craving the Other” • Alexie’s “Forty Knives” • Alexie’s “Tribalism” • Alexie’s “Scared Heart” • Alexie’s “Kind” • Coates’s “Letter to My Son” Tips and Guidelines • Your answers to questions 1 and 2 should be roughly equal in length; however, the organization is up to you. You can fully answer question 1 first, then question 2. Or, you may integrate your responses (a paragraph answering question 1, then 2, then 1 again, etc.) • I will be looking for direct quotations and in-depth quote analysis wherein the analysis links the quote back to your chosen concept. After you give a quote, it will be your job to discuss and analyze how that quote illustrates or discusses your chosen concept. • Remember that analysis is more than summary: you are interpreting and offering up your take on what the author is trying to argue or suggest • Your essay should contain an introduction paragraph, a thesis statement, multiple body paragraphs, a conclusion paragraph, and a Works Cited page (the Works Cited page does not count toward your page requirement). • Make sure you follow mechanics guidelines: capitalize “I,” use proper punctuation, write in complete sentences, etc. Requirements Overview: • See schedule for due date • Use MLA format and include a Works Cited page • A minimum of 5 pages