we're a lower order of people in one breath we are damned for being unassailable and the next there is fear that we'll assimilate. ... If we are educated, the complaint is that we will cease being the ideal servant.
by Joy Kogawa (0 Reviews)
In Joy Kogawa’s book "Aunt," the narrative explores the complexities of identity and social status within a marginalized group. The quote reflects a paradox where individuals from a lower social order are simultaneously seen as unassailable yet feared for their potential to integrate into broader society. This duality highlights the tension between societal perceptions and the desire for equal recognition.
The text emphasizes that when members of this group seek education, they face criticism for moving away from their prescribed roles as servile. This sentiment underscores the struggle for acknowledgment and the fear of losing cultural identity while striving for social advancement. Kogawa poignantly captures the challenges faced by those striving for dignity and respect in a society that often relegates them to a lower status.
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