1. Choose a moment in “Recitatif” in which you see the issue of race enter into Twyla and Roberta’s story. Describe the moment, and explain what you think seems to be going on. What issues seem to divide the two characters? Can you identify their racial identities? How?

A moment in “Recitatif” in which I see the issue of race enter into Twyla and Roberta’s story is on page 1774. Twyla’s mother states “that they never washed their hair and they smelled funny. Roberta sure did. Smell funny, I mean.” At this moment, it is implied that Roberta is associated with the group that Twyla’s mother is referring to. The most common reason why people don’t wash their hair is because of race, health, wealth, and culture. I cannot identify their racial identities with this evidence, but I could stereotype this trait back to African Americans because they don’t wash their hair frequently. African Americans don’t wash their hair frequently because there is a risk of it drying out and being brittle. The issue doesn’t seem to divide the two characters for they’re still young and unaware of racial discrimination. 

2. Toni Morrison’s story explores the challenges of navigating racial/cultural/and socio-economic differences in our personal relationships. Reflect upon an experience in your own life when you have had to navigate differences of this sort. Describe the experience. What issues or complications arose? How were they resolved?

My parents being Chinese immigrants means that they hold the utmost importance for their child to honor their ethnicity and inheriting its culture. Being the firstborn of my family only made matters worse because there are higher expectations. At an early age, I was strictly disciplined to act in a matter that brings face to my parents, basically bragging rights. I was strictly monitored for my education and personal life, my parents will be on the constant watch for me. To make matters worse, there is a limited reward for succeeding and punishments for failing their expectations. Very often would my parents compare me to the child of their peers, hurting my self-esteem. I wanted to have a childhood, not one that is pre-planned for me. I became quite rebellious, making all attempts to defy my parents. As I grew older, I became aware that my parents are doing what they can to bring me a better future. The raging flames inside of me had quieted down and I can only see a shadow of my former self. There are many things that I regretted, but I can only do my best to forgo them because the past cannot be changed. Some things about me will never change, but I will change myself to better understand my parents.