The book we read for class today was the first book that dealt with a unique culture. We have dealt with English culture but that is very similar to ours. This book had Asian culture and sayings. As American reader some of the book was a new experience. Tree-leaf had to learn his ways from Crane-man while an American character would not have been as patient. In A Wizard of Earth Sea Ged blew up and was punished for his actions. Tree leaf did not lose his patience at any time of this book. Also when Min took as much time in developing his craft it was unusual. Min could only produce around ten molds a year. An American would produce a whole lot more because he would want to make a profit. In class we talked about how it was different and written from a different prospective. Park is American but of Korean descent, not many of us in the class can relate to how she was raised. Because she has different influences we as readers might have missed out on some points that she was trying to make. I know I could not grasp all the proverbs that Crane man was speaking of. Park had a much different upbringing than Rowling or some of the other authors that we have read. However some of her American influences came out when the town started to widely produce Kang's work and also how Kang put little time into his craft. Kang did not put pride in his work just like Americans don't put pride in their work. Our cars are often made fun of because they are mass produced, this is Kang's molds. We spoke in class how these were American attributes and they did not resemble Asian traits. The book closed with Tree-leaf finishing his journey. This is the appropriate ending for any culture. This goes to show that even if one's culture is different all the stories still end the same.
I never thought about the differences between the American and Asian cultures in this context so I'm glad you brought it up. I think that this book can teach children some of the lessons that the Asian culture values. I think it is really interesting how this story is applicable across different cultures.
ReplyDeleteI like that you briefly mentioned The Wizard of Earthsea in this discussion of different cultures, because I think that book also quite intentionally creates a non-western culture. I think you are implying that Wizard is a similar culture because of Ged's impatience, but I think overall Ged's culture is quite different from ours. He learns to be ok with not-knowing and seeking with humility and patience. We usually value all-powerful heroes who confidently attack their enemies. Ged's education is also different from ours, as we can see most clearly in his final test at school with the gate-keeper. His culture, or at least his educators, value creativity of thought more clearly than I think American or European cultures generally do.
ReplyDeleteI like how you highlighted the idea that the author is writting about another culture when she is American. I think it brings something to the story. I feel like it combines the cultures and makes them entertwined because the story does has American aspects as well. I like you take on this story.
ReplyDeleteI also like the idea that the author is writing about one culture when living in American. I also think that this is brought into her writing. She writes to the American people but still being able to bring the culture of her family. This book also has a great ending that children can learn from.
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