David Chariandy's Brother

In David Chariandy's novel "Brother," the protagonist, Michael, grapples with the complexities of his culture and heritage as a second-generation Trinidadian-Canadian living in the Scarborough neighborhood of Toronto. Set against a backdrop of racial tension, economic struggles, and societal expectations, Michael's cultural background significantly impacts his experiences and shapes his identity throughout the novel. From the challenges of growing up as a visible minority to navigating familial relationships and cultural expectations, Michael's heritage influences his choices, beliefs, and interactions with others, ultimately highlighting the profound impact of culture on an individual's life.

One of the ways Michael's culture and heritage

This is evident when Ruth scolds Michael for not doing well in school, saying, "We did not come to this country for you to fail" (Chariandy 22). This pressure to succeed and fulfill cultural expectations creates a sense of burden on Michael, as he struggles to meet the high standards set by his mother and his cultural heritage. This is further supported by Michael's internal thoughts and reflections, where he grapples with feelings of inadequacy and the weight of cultural expectations on his sense of self and identity. Cultural Expectations and Identity In "Brother," Michael's cultural expectations and their impact on his identity are evident when Ruth, his mother, scolds him for not meeting her standards. For example, when Michael receives a poor grade in school, Ruth reprimands him, saying, "We did not come to this country for you to fail" (Chariandy 22). This quote directly illustrates Ruth's cultural expectation for Michael to excel academically, which places pressure on him to meet those expectations. This pressure influences Michael's experiences as he grapples with

As a visible minority in Scarborough, Michael faces racial prejudice and discrimination from various sources. For example, when Michael and his brother, Francis, are mistaken for thieves by the police while innocently walking home, it is clear that their race plays a role in the unfair treatment they receive. Chariandy writes, "A deep voice cut through the night. 'Hey, you two! What are you doing?'" (Chariandy, p. 5). This incident highlights the systemic racism that Michael and Francis face as young black men, which impacts their perception of themselves, their place in society, and their interactions with authority figures. Michael's cultural heritage as a Trinidadian-Canadian intersects with his racial identity, shaping his experiences of discrimination and prejudice throughout the novel.Racial Identity and Discrimination Throughout the novel, Michael's experiences with racial identity and discrimination are evident in various incidents. For instance, when Michael and Francis are stopped by the police while innocently walking home, the racial bias they face is clear. Chariandy writes, "A deep voice cut through the night. 'Hey, you two! What are you doing?'" (Chariandy, p. 5). This direct quote depicts the racial profiling and discrimination that Michael and his brother face as young black men, based solely on their appearance. Such incidents