b. Write an essay that answers the following question: Are cultures different only in their details? Discuss the assumptions about men and women, class status, religion, race, or the body that you encounter in one of the selections in this unit. You may include supporting details from the stories listed in prompt a. Additionally, you may include supporting details from the poem "Sweet Like a Crow" by Michael Ondaatje.
Cultures are not solely different in their details; they are also distinct in their underlying assumptions about various aspects of society. These assumptions can be manifested in beliefs about men and women, class status, religion, race, or the body, and often serve as the foundation for social norms and values within a particular culture. One example of these assumptions can be seen in the short story "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman.
In "The Yellow Wallpaper," the narrator's husband, John, is portrayed as the epitome of patriarchal dominance over his wife. He makes all decisions for her, from her daily activities to her medical treatment, and constantly infantilizes her by referring to her as "little girl" and "blessed little goose." This assumption of male superiority and female subservience is a reflection of the prevailing gender roles in the late 19th century patriarchal society in which the story is set. Women were expected to be obedient and passive, while men held all the power and authority in the household.
The narrator's confinement to a room with yellow wallpaper also highlights assumptions about the body and mental health. John dismisses her concerns about the wallpaper and her own deteriorating mental state, attributing her symptoms to "temporary nervous depression." This dismissal reveals a lack of understanding and empathy for women's mental health issues, reflecting the societal stigma and ignorance surrounding mental illness at the time.
In contrast, the poem "Sweet Like a Crow" by Michael Ondaatje challenges assumptions about race and identity. The speaker describes the crow, traditionally symbolizing death and darkness, in a way that subverts these negative connotations and celebrates its beauty and grace. This reimagining of the crow challenges stereotypical beliefs about race and demonstrates the complexity and richness of cultural symbols and representations.
Overall, cultures differ not only in their superficial details, but also in their deeply ingrained assumptions about gender, class, religion, race, and the body. These assumptions shape societal norms and behaviors, influencing how individuals are perceived and treated within a particular culture. Examining and challenging these assumptions can lead to a better understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity and complexity.