Explain the impact of female writers during the Post-modernist literary period. Using the stories I Want to Be Miss America and The Struggle to Be an All-American Girl, explain how stereotypes were discussed in literature during this time period. Use two examples from either of the stories to support your response.
The Post-modernist literary period marked a significant shift in the representation and scope of literature, showcasing multiple perspectives and challenging conventional norms. Women writers undoubtedly played a major role in this transformation, as they touched upon subjects that were hitherto unexplored or under-represented. Further, they critically examined traditional gender roles and societal expectations, opening the floor for crucial discussions on stereotypes prevailing in society.
Both I Want to Be Miss America by Julia Alvarez and The Struggle to Be an All-American Girl by Elizabeth Wong highlight the concerns of women and immigrants in the Post-modernist era. These stories emphasize the challenges faced by women and girls trying to break free from stereotypes while attempting to reconcile their cultural identities in a country that stresses homogeneous ideals of beauty and success.
In I Want to Be Miss America, Alvarez discusses the impact of American beauty standards on young women, particularly those belonging to immigrant families. She describes how she and her sisters eagerly watched Miss America pageants each year, trying to emulate the contestants in the hope of fitting into American society. This story effectively critiques societal expectations of women by emphasizing the superficiality and biases involved in beauty pageants that marginalize ethnic beauty and force women to fit into traditional stereotypes. For instance, Alvarez says, "I suddenly discovered painfully that I looked different," illustrating the adverse impact of conforming to a specific standard of beauty on one's self-esteem and self-worth.
Similarly, The Struggle to Be an All-American Girl highlights the complexities of identity for immigrants, particularly women, in America. Wong shares her experiences of resisting Chinese culture and attempting to assimilate into American society by rejecting her heritage. Here, stereotypes about Chinese culture play a crucial role in shaping her decisions, as she tries to break free from the perceived backwardness and embrace the seemingly progressive values of America. A pivotal moment in this regard can be glimpsed at when Wong says, "It's still a source of embarrassment that I was Chinese until the day I entered public school,” revealing the extent to which she struggled to find acceptance in American society.
These stories, as representative works of female writers during the Post-modernist literary period, effectively bring forward essential discussions on societal expectations and the stereotypes imposed on women, particularly those belonging to immigrant communities. Through Alvarez's and Wong's personal narratives, readers are compelled to examine the consequences of these stereotypes on women's sense of self and identity. By doing so, female writers have played a substantial role in enabling a more critical and nuanced understanding of the social, cultural, and gender norms prevalent in that era.