Analysis Of Takaki's A Different Mirror

The Suffering and Strength In today’s day and age, the majority of American children are taught about the broad-spectrum history of our nation- the United States. As children grow older, harsher topics begin to be taught in classrooms such as slavery and the social rights of minorities such as African Americans. However, in reality history classes fail to fully educate students on the history and the true foundations of the United States. In the book, “A Different Mirror”, Takaki illustrates important parts of history such as the beginning of slavery starting with African Americans being sold as indentured servants, bound by contract to serve a master for 4-7 years, only to repay the expenses of their voyage (p.51). Next, to the change of

This is what lead to the degradation from a group of people to becoming property instead. This degradation lead to many negative outcomes in the African American community as they were viewed to be a race of, “immature, good for nothing, naturally lazy, and criminals” (p.101.) However, although they were victims of horrific violence and negative stereotypes, Takaki demonstrated their strength and will for a better life in pages such as 396-402. Although it was difficult, they were conquerors and were able to win many fights such as in the Civil War, a movement that addressed issues such as inequality based on class and race. Similar themes to Takaki’s work, other literary and artistic works such as in Olaudah Equiano’s book, “The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano”, Richard Wright’s book, “Black Boy”, and in Faith Ringgold’s painting, “We Came to America”, they all share the history while illustrating their strength and courage in

In the chapter, “A New Hunger”, Wright demonstrates a different type of strength and courage which was exemplified through a boy’s hunger for education. In the introduction, Richard speaks about his desire to enter the library and be able to check out books, but explains how he knew that “Negroes” were not allowed. This desire was so strong, that he devised a plan where he would ask a Catholic man if he could borrow his library card, and through there, he would finally be able to get his hands on any book. Hesitantly, the man agreed, and that same night he begins to read. That night, he became in love with reading as he was able to learn new vocabulary and develop his thoughts. As he kept reading he states how he no longer felt that the world was hostile killing, he knew it (p.451). This lead to another strong desire and hunger, which was for a new life. Eventually, he began to plan to go north because he was not satisfied with the life he was living (p.452). This book was one that demonstrates readers how much can be taken for granted, as this courageous boy decided to break the rules and look for answers. Many times, one can feel lost in a world full of so much chaos. Richard found an outlet, and personifies part of the revolution. This can be linked to Takaki’s section, “Black Pride in Harlem”, where there was a movement called the “New Negro” which was to