Obasan, written by Joy Kogawa, is an insightful novel into the horrors the Canadian-Japanese experienced during the Second World War, and how the history still shapes many of their lives years later.
The story follows Megumi Naomi Nakane, who as a young girl experiences the internment of the Japanese-Canadians first hand and how she grew up throughout such a harsh period of time. The story is told through a handful of Naomi’s perspectives starting the story off in 1972 with her uncle Isamu. Her uncle soon passes away and Naomi drives out to visit her Obasan (aunt/uncle’s wife). After a few chapters with Obasan the story then transitions to being told through a series of old letters and flashbacks. It is here where we are given the full story from Naomi’s perspective piece by piece until we return to the 70s for the final few chapters, still pondering the past events.
Though an important perspective and a powerful story, the novel can feel very run-on and unnecessary at times especially during the first half of the book. This is due to the writing style which the author has chosen to use. Throughout the story Kogawa writes in extreme and precise detail, outlining every aspect of the scene she’s describing. While useful for laying down exactly what the author wants the reader to know and picture, Kogawa tends to do this somewhat erratically, choosing to focus on some of the most mundane or insignificant aspects of a scene. This can be anything from a full page exclusively about the clutter of a kitchen fridge, to the patterning on a set of dishes used once in a single chapter. While one could look at this from a literary standpoint and say it shows the contrast of different ways Naomi and her family lived throughout the years, this unique usage of description can turn a reader away from the story due to how frustratingly time consuming it can be. The novel can feel slow and verge on boring thanks to Kogawa’s writing, which can be quite bothersome when trying to read a novel that tackles such a complex and painful subject. The use of flashbacks can also feel rather jarring at times, due to not always being certain as to where and when an event is taking place unless explicitly stated (which it often is fortunately). However, I did find that the impact certain points or ideas had would not be felt the same if the story were to be told in a linear fashion.
Though a tough read at times due to the author’s methodology, Obasan is an important story working to understand about how to live with oneself after an atrocity like the internment camps during WWII. In the end, I enjoyed this book, even if it isn’t for everyone. I would recommend it to any and all looking for a historical-fiction that delves deep into the personal and emotional aspects of how war changes even those not directly involved in it.
-Image links-
https://www.project44.ca/japanese-canadian-internment
https://fvcurrent.com/p/tashme-museum/
discrimination that is introduced in his piece. The poem mainly describes how immigrants face being labeled by others, deportations, separation from families, and being directly targeted by laws that are meant to negatively interfere with their immigration.
negatively impact them and discourage other Mexican immigrants from immigrating into America. These ‘laws with scientific walls’ are meant to symbolize how these immigrants are powerless against these laws, and instead, have no other choice to accept and abide by them. 
They could be a mother, daughter, son, father, grandmother, and so much more. This poem also acknowledges that a social hierarchy is still prevalent in society today and that no one, regardless of position in society, should have the authority to label a human being as ‘illegal’. This piece makes people
This tragic piece provides insight into the harsh reality many black people face in predominantly ‘white’ societies, and are still facing today. It also questions why racism still exists in this world, and how mainly white people are so blatantly racist to black people regardless of the horrid history of racism black people have previously experienced. 
The poet makes an effort to raise awareness about how prevalent racism still is in society today and how black people are tired of the fear, pain and violence inflicted upon them just because they are different. They want a safe environment for their people to live, without the fear of being brutally assaulted by police officers or without having to face injustice. Without proper measures and awareness to stop such an ongoing issue, the racism in society will never get better. A world with true equality can surely emerge; however, with the high levels of ignorance and lack of intervention with racism in the world today, that future is likely unattainable.
The blatant comments and actions that were directed towards me were beyond scary, especially for myself; however, the severe violence and pain others have experienced due to racism highlighted in this poem make me reflect on my own experiences, and even make me feel thankful that I haven’t experienced such severe encounters with racism. 
Herrera’s poem “Everyday we get more illegal” Juan’s story depicts the unfair treatment and circumstances that immigrants coming to the United States have to deal with. This issue isn’t something that is new, however the divide between immigrants and American citizens is growing wider everyday as more and more people immigrate. This poem highlights the criminalization felt by immigrants, especially Mexicans, about the way that they live their lives. When it comes to police or any type of security it tends to be anyone but the white guy that gets checked or asked questions. 
Seeing as though Herrera has a Chicano background himself he was able to pull from his own experiences to portray his message. He was born to immigrant parents and heard all kinds of stories that he was able to translate in his work and in this poem specifically. 
Dear White America by Danez Smith
There’s stereotypes and prejudices against girls that so many people believe and assure about a girl before they even meet her and I’ve had that experience and I can tell you that it isn’t fun. The list goes on and on with things like employment and age gaps but the point is that women have to overcome so many obstacles that men never seem to have too, not to say that they don’t have their own but it’s just different.
Central American, and South American immigrants face in America. It incorporates themes such as: prejudice, criminalization, isolation, and even hope/perseverance. Many of Herrera’s pieces come from his personal experiences of being of Mexican descent, and raised in America by his immigrant parents. 
As seen, many of his word choices relate back to the acknowledgement of cultural roots; of which, are being suppressed in order to appeal to the critical and discriminatory mindset of Americans. The poem is almost a cry for change towards the people of America to not allow their biases towards immigrants blind themselves from seeing everyone’s the same. Everyone is worthy of life, and the opportunity to live without prejudice. Many immigrants struggle to succeed and give a better life to themselves and their children; yet, many Americans profit off of their labours, and then wish for them to return to ‘where they came from’.
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