Previous generations help define who we are. We can try to ignore them or celebrate them for passing down important traditions, but they will always exist. They influence the way we tend to behave and the interactions we have with those around us. The previous generations may be separated by age or technology, but they can also be strongly connected through important principles. This is illustrated in two short stories discussing the interactions that characters have with others from different generations. In “The Medicine Bag” by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve, the main character, Martin, tries to disassociate himself with the connections to prior generations. He doesn’t appreciate his Sioux heritage until he learns the backstory of one of the traditions. In “Who Are You Today, Maria” by Judith Ortiz Coter, the main character, Maria, shows her appreciation for those from previous generations. She connects to other generations through several pieces of clothing, such as a shawl. Generations can be connected through several things, such as passed-down traditions or long-lasting friendships with others. In “The Medicine Bag,” Martin tries to avoid any …show more content…
Her school hosts a “Who You Are Day” at school that encourages students to dress up in clothing that expresses who they are. Maria takes the challenge seriously and wears different pieces of clothing representing her friendships and connections. Each piece of Maria’s attire represented a different person that made a difference in her life. She wears her mother’s red skirt, a top made of a sari from her friend’s mother, her father’s suit jacket, and her grandmother’s shawl. By doing so, she shows her school that she is connected to other generations and people through her friendships and possessions. Maria connects with her previous generations by sharing possessions and bonding through