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American Identity In Okita's Cisneros

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American identity is a subject that varies from person to person and typically refers to the way that those who live in America identify themselves. Both Okita's poem and in Cisneros' story demonstrate how true identity is determined by the individual based on experience and actions rather than heritage. American Identity is subjective and not objective, those who aren't American by birth can see themselves as an American depending on what they do and how they live their lives.

In "Response to Executive Order 9066", Okita describes her life before the order, and how it was no different from other American girls. She lived an ordinary life with other ordinary people. She characterizes herself using plain words for all to understand, "I am a …show more content…
Okita faces harsh judgment from her friend, even though the day before they were acting normally with each other. Also, Junior is spoken to in Spanish, all because of the way he looks. Furthermore, each story involves characters who have preconceived notions about the narrators without asking for their opinion. Denise confronts Okita for being allied with the Japanese, before even asking her if she was. Also, the new people in 'Mericans, automatically speak to Junior in Spanish, before even asking if he spoke English. Lastly, American identity should be determined by the individuals' actions and preferences as opposed to their ethnic background. Both of the narrators act in ways that demonstrate their American identity, but nobody else seems to notice or care. Both of the pieces of text show that American identity should be decided based on actions over heritage. In contrast, Okita's poem talks more about American identity in how an individual lives their life and what they do. She talks about her identity as an American and how that relates to other people. In the poem, the narrator discusses how she is nothing like the Japanese that everyone compares her to. She has completely different tastes and preferences. 'Mericans relates American identity in a family setting. 'Mericans focuses on the

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