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Memories of Childhood: Zitkala-Sa and Bama
This flashcard deck explores autobiographical episodes from the childhoods of Zitkala-Sa, a Native American woman, and Bama, a Tamil Dalit writer, highlighting their experiences with cultural oppression and discrimination.
Who is Zitkala-Sa?
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Key Terms
Term
Definition
Who is Zitkala-Sa?
Zitkala-Sa, born Gertrude Simmons Bonnin in 1876, was a Native American woman who wrote against oppression and criticized the Carlisle Indian school.
What does the term 'Karukku' mean in Bama's autobiography?
'Karukku' means 'Palmyra' leaves, symbolizing double-edged swords, and also refers to 'freshness' or 'newness' in Tamil.
What cultural practice did Zitkala-Sa resist at the boarding school?
Zitkala-Sa resisted having her long hair cut, which was a symbol of mourning or cowardice in her culture.
What does Bama describe in her childhood experience?
Bama describes witnessing caste discrimination, particularly how an elder carried food for a landlord without touching it.
How did Zitkala-Sa feel during her first day at the boarding school?
She felt uncomfortable and out of place, struggling with the harsh noises and cultural differences.
What lesson did Bama's brother teach her?
Bama's brother taught her that education could help overcome caste-based indignities and gain respect.
Related Flashcard Decks
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
Who is Zitkala-Sa? | Zitkala-Sa, born Gertrude Simmons Bonnin in 1876, was a Native American woman who wrote against oppression and criticized the Carlisle Indian school. |
What does the term 'Karukku' mean in Bama's autobiography? | 'Karukku' means 'Palmyra' leaves, symbolizing double-edged swords, and also refers to 'freshness' or 'newness' in Tamil. |
What cultural practice did Zitkala-Sa resist at the boarding school? | Zitkala-Sa resisted having her long hair cut, which was a symbol of mourning or cowardice in her culture. |
What does Bama describe in her childhood experience? | Bama describes witnessing caste discrimination, particularly how an elder carried food for a landlord without touching it. |
How did Zitkala-Sa feel during her first day at the boarding school? | She felt uncomfortable and out of place, struggling with the harsh noises and cultural differences. |
What lesson did Bama's brother teach her? | Bama's brother taught her that education could help overcome caste-based indignities and gain respect. |
What was Zitkala-Sa's reaction to the cultural oppression she faced? | She rebelled against the oppression, resisting the cutting of her hair and expressing her anguish. |
Why did Bama's elder brother encourage her to study hard? | He believed that education was a way to overcome caste discrimination and gain dignity and respect. |
What common theme is found in the stories of Zitkala-Sa and Bama? | Both stories highlight the theme of resisting cultural oppression and discrimination from a young age. |
How did Zitkala-Sa's experience at the school affect her? | She felt dehumanized and anguished, likening herself to an animal driven by a herder. |