In "The Literature of East Asia and the pacific rim" Michael Harris quotes "oh east is east, and west is west, and never the twain shall meet". With this famous line british writer Rudyard kipling has captured the idea that the east and west are so radically different that their people can't possibly understand eachother. Do you agree or disagree with kiplings statement. Write an essay defending your opinion. use relevant examples from the selections you read.
Title: Bridging the Cultural Divide: Challenging Kipling's Dichotomy
Introduction:
Rudyard Kipling's famous quote, "Oh, East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet," captures the prevailing belief that the East and West are fundamentally distinct, making comprehension between their people impossible. While Kipling's perspective reflects a prevalent sentiment of his time, it oversimplifies the rich diversity and potential for understanding that exists within the East and West. This essay aims to challenge Kipling's statement by highlighting instances where the literature of East Asia and the Pacific Rim reveals shared human experiences, common aspirations, and interconnectedness across cultures.
Body:
1. Shared Human Experiences:
The literature of East Asia and the Pacific Rim often delves deep into the human condition, uncovering universal experiences that transcend cultural boundaries. Consider the Japanese novel "Norwegian Wood" by Haruki Murakami, which explores themes of loss, loneliness, and the transitional nature of youth. These themes resonate with readers across the globe, irrespective of their cultural background. Similarly, Amy Tan's "The Joy Luck Club" beautifully depicts the bonds of family, mother-daughter relationships, and above all, the quest for identity, resonating with both Eastern and Western readers. These shared human experiences highlight the potential for understanding and connection between the East and West.
2. Cultural Exchange and Blurred Boundaries:
Contrary to Kipling's suggestion of a rigid East–West dichotomy, literature from the East and West often showcases instances of cultural exchange and blurred boundaries. Maxine Hong Kingston's "The Woman Warrior" powerfully fuses elements of Chinese folklore with American cultural references, creating a rich and layered narrative that defies conventional categorization. Similarly, Chinese-American author Gene Luen Yang's graphic novel "American Born Chinese" seamlessly merges Eastern and Western storytelling techniques, emphasizing the fluidity of cultural identities. These works exemplify how the East and West can influence and enrich one another, bridging the perceived gap.
3. Universal Aspirations and Values:
While the East and West may manifest divergent cultural practices, fundamental human aspirations and values remain strikingly similar. For instance, "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald portrays the universal longing for love, success, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Likewise, Chinese writer Mo Yan's novel "Red Sorghum" encapsulates themes of resilience, survival, and the human spirit's relentless quest for freedom, resonating with readers from all cultures. By emphasizing these shared aspirations and values, literature challenges Kipling's notion of an insurmountable cultural barrier.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Rudyard Kipling's famous statement asserting that the East and West can never truly understand each other oversimplifies the intricacies of cultural exchange and human interconnectivity. The literature of East Asia and the Pacific Rim consistently challenges this binary mentality by showcasing shared human experiences, cultural exchange, and universal aspirations. Such examples prove that while the East and West may possess unique cultural practices, they are not so fundamentally different that mutual comprehension is impossible. Literature stands as a powerful medium to bridge the cultural divide and foster understanding between diverse communities, creating a more inclusive and interconnected world.