ipl-logo

Analysis Of Inheritance By Balli Kaur Jaswal

1956 Words8 Pages

Set in the early period of Singapore’s independence, Inheritance by Balli Kaur Jaswal explores the struggles of a Punjabi family living in Singapore. Over the span of 20 odd years, the family members grow and change, shifting from old identities into new ones. In Inheritance, different spaces set certain expectations for the individuals within them. Such spaces refer to the public spheres of the Punjabi community, the Singapore society and government, the home, and America. Expectations in such spaces are set by social and cultural values and norms. With these expectations, political, social and cultural restrictions are imposed on the characters in the novel, particularly Narain and- to a lesser extend- his father Harbeer. When the characters experience shifting identities, they fail to meet expectations set by different spaces and are criticised and condemned, leaving them as displaced citizens in the society they live in. As such, the novel reflects the lack of safe spaces for minority groups in Singapore, voicing a greater need for such spaces.
In the novel, the Punjabi society- a public sphere in which Narain and Harbeer live in- projects certain social and cultural values and norms. For one, Sikh people do not cut their hair because it is an act of desecration to them. Narain, who “could not utter [his secrets]” while having his “turban and beard reflecting the Sikh values” he was compelled to uphold, decided to cut his hair (101). His decision to get a haircut is

Show More
Related

  • Summary Of Inheritance By Dr. Moalem Sparknotes

    578 Words  | 3 Pages

    Inheritance by Dr. Sharon Moalem is an exceptional book. Dr. Moalem’s goal for writing this book is to convey a new idea of genetics and inheritance to the reader. In middle school and high school we were taught that our genetics comes from our parents and that they are fixed throughout our lifetime, but Dr. Sharon Moalem brings the idea that the environment may alter them. He states that the food we eat and the trauma we endure during life can imprint onto our genes. Dr. Moalem works with rare genetic disorders where he accumulates his knowledge from research to help treat his patients with changing some environmental factors in their lives.

    Read More

  • Testimony Sonny Singh Summary

    698 Words  | 3 Pages

    The assigned reading for chapter 6, Testimony by Sonny Singh is a firsthand account of the author as he fell victim to the prejudice towards certain racial and ethnic groups that followed the events of September 11,2001. Sonny Singh belongs to an ethnic group called Sikhs which are very identifiable because of their appearances. Most Sikh men wear a turban and have beards. This is a religious requirement for them and they consider it a matter of faith and prestige. In this article, the author has mentioned various instances where he has faced prejudice by strangers even years after the 9/11 attack and how it affects his everyday life as an educator and musician.

    Read More

  • Summary Of A Troublesome Inheritance By Nicholas Wade

    1629 Words  | 7 Pages

    In his book, A Troublesome Inheritance, Nicholas Wade attempts to shed light on the perennially taboo subject of the genetics of race. His efforts include a frank conversation about the origins of the matter as well as the justifiably strong feelings that come with it. Wade’s book dives right in by elaborating and explaining in great detail the laborious and often painful processes utilized by the scientific community in reaching consensuses on issues. Wade also unabashedly delves into the dark, horrific events of the 20th Century that stemmed from misconceptions of genetics, race, and politics. It is clear that Wade believes these tragic events have prevented society from addressing the issues and potential for greater understanding that race

    Read More

  • 9/11 Affecting Sikhs In The United States

    860 Words  | 4 Pages

    In 2003, a student in New Jersey was continuously called “Osama Bin Laden,” and was hit on the head, which resulted in contusions. A week after that, twelve-year-old Gurprit Kaur had three inches of her hair cut off from the bottom. She attended a public school in Flushing, Queens. Students have had to move schools, states, and even countries as a result of getting bullied and intimidated by their peers. Profiling of those who seem Muslim, Including Sikhs, is still frequent in the United States.

    Read More

  • Syntax And Diction In The Short Story 'Dinner For Two'

    731 Words  | 3 Pages

    Krithik Kanish ENG 2D0 Ms Jhonston April 10, 2023 “Dinner For Two” Do you ever feel boxed in, almost like you have no breathing room, and there is no escape from the amount of work that is being almost forced upon you? Those who surrender themselves to the pressures of society, feel isolated and backed into a corner, always suffer from a lack of them being able to form their own identity and accomplish their dreams. In the short story “Dinner For Two” the author uses syntax and diction to express how the pressures of society can box in someone, making them feel like they are in a tight space, almost as if they were choking.

    Read More

  • Theme Of Discrimination In A Thousand Splendid Suns

    1008 Words  | 5 Pages

    Khaled Hosseini not only shows the discrimination of minority groups but introduces the notion that people will discriminate not based on their personal views but upon which they believe as their role in society. In Afghanistan culture “Nang and namoos” defined as "pride" and "honor or dignity" is incredibly valued in the culture with people outwardly going out of their way to maintain their reputation. However, in his two novels Khaled Hosseini presents the idea that this pride inevitably leads to the discrimination of another. This is demonstrated In a Thousand Splendid Suns by the characters Jalil and Rasheed due to the way they treat those closest to them. For instance, Jalil ousts Nana outside of his home upon receiving news that she is expecting his illegitimate child.

    Read More

  • Essay On The Character Struggle In Octavia Butler's Fledgling

    667 Words  | 3 Pages

    Shori is discriminated against by the Ina’s because of the color of her skin. Her point of view shows us how hurtful this is to her, but also how she overcomes this. Shori is a strong woman and leader, and defies female gender discrimination. The novel gives us a view of her quick thinking and impulsive actions through her narration. Additionally, Shori and her symbionts explore polygamy and homosexuality.

    Read More

  • Analysis Of Absolutely True Diary Of A Part-Time Indian By Sherman Alexie

    1121 Words  | 5 Pages

    Faced with many obstacles from poverty to racial stereotypes, Junior must override them if he is to make his life better than that of fellow Indians. Interestingly, rather than letting the obstacles hold him back Junior understands that his destiny is in his own hands and he must celebrate who he is even if it means fighting. In the end, we see a boy who have managed to overcome all hardships to get to the top, even if it means making tough choices such as changing schools, therefore is could be seen that race and stereotypes only made Junior

    Read More

  • Caste System Dbq Essay

    475 Words  | 2 Pages

    There are many different societies in our world today, and each of these communities treat and group their people differently. While some places, like the United States, do not have set groups, others, like India, have very strict laws about what each class can and cannot do. The Caste system in India is a great example of how one society strictly groups their members. The Caste system is a class structure that is determined at birth.

    Read More

  • An Analysis Of Saira Shah's 'Longing To Belong'

    488 Words  | 2 Pages

    In “Longing to Belong”, Saira Shah gives you a look into the life of a 17 year old girl longing to understand her parents heritage and trying to fit into a culture that is so much different from what she knows. Having a father who originates from Afghanistan and a mother who originates from India. Saira wants to learn the culture of her father’s afghan routes. The author feels the only way in to learning is by being betrothed into an arranged marriage. The author states that her uncle in seeing “two unmarried” daughters in the company of a chaperone visiting his home, concludes that they were sent to be married.

    Read More

  • Speech On Islamophobia

    1020 Words  | 5 Pages

    Therefore, Islamophobia has reached a point where people start discriminating non-Muslims because they look like they are Muslim! Recently, Islamophobia researchers interviewed non-Muslim, South Asian men with beards about their experiences of Islamophobia. According to one of them,

    Read More

  • Analysis Of Two Ways To Belong In America By Bharati

    465 Words  | 2 Pages

    In the essay “Two Ways to Belong in America,” from 50 essays, Bharati Mukherjee contrasts the different views of the United States from two Indian sisters. The author distinguishes her American lifestyle to her sister’s traditional Indian lifestyle. Both sisters grew up in Calcutta, India, moved to America in search of education and work. Bharati adjusts to the American society very quickly, where her sister Mira clings to her Indian traditions more strongly. Despite both sisters living in America, only Bharati is an American citizen, while her sister Mira is not.

    Read More

  • Effects Of Social Hierarchy In The Kite Runner

    1139 Words  | 5 Pages

    This discrimination has become built into society and effects everyday life. As Pashtuns, Amir and Baba have the opportunities to receive an education and start their own business. While the Hazaras, Hassan and Ali, may only work as servants. This discrimination brought on by social hierarchy causes isolation, violence, and guilt, to those surrounded by it throughout the book. These ideas are caused by discrimination and are explored through Amir’s experiences in the book.

    Read More

  • Analysis Of Khushwant Singh's Train To Pakistan

    1035 Words  | 5 Pages

    Khushwant Singh’s Train to Pakistan recounts the event of the Partition of India, which happened in 1947. Set in a fictional village of Mano Majra, the novel aims to depict the cultural and political clash between the Sikhs, Hindus, and Muslims and, by following the development of the characters, unveil the moral of humanity. Throughout the novel, Singh portrays the experience of conflict that each character, including Juggut Singh, Iqbal Singh, and Hukum Chand, has to deal with. Based on the characters’ development, Singh’s goal is to present the idea that love always conquers the power of violence and ethnic antagonism. Singh starts off with a description of the Partition and of Mano Majra, a habitat for Sikhs, Hindus, and Muslims.

    Read More

  • Modernism In Persepolis

    804 Words  | 4 Pages

    At the times of the Iranian Revolution, those who deviated from the norm were perceived to be very controversial. Due to the different ideologies of social groups, conflicts and disputes arise among them. In Marjane Satrapi’s, Persepolis, the Iran Revolution triggers the controversy of morals and beliefs between the modernist and the government. The modernist are perceived as rebellious and westernized.

    Read More

More about Analysis Of Inheritance By Balli Kaur Jaswal

Open Document