Question

The author vividly describes the trauma of Zitkala-Sa and Bama in 'Memories of Childhood’. Support with examples from the texts, to illustrate the prejudices that were present in society.

Hint:

Focus on how personal anecdotes reflect broader societal discrimination. Highlight parallels in the women's experiences despite different cultural settings.

Answer 1

In Memories of Childhood, both Zitkala-Sa and Bama narrate incidents from their early lives that expose the deep-rooted social prejudices they faced—Zitkala-Sa due to her Native American identity and Bama because of her Dalit background. Their stories highlight how societal norms marginalised certain groups, leading to alienation and emotional trauma. Zitkala-Sa recounts her experience at a missionary school where her Native culture is suppressed. She is forcibly made to wear Western clothes and have her long hair cut—a significant violation of her tribal identity. The incident leaves her humiliated and powerless. Her resistance to this cultural erasure becomes symbolic of her inner strength. This reflects how dominant cultures often silenced indigenous voices under the guise of ‘civilisation’. Similarly, Bama, a young Dalit girl, discovers caste discrimination when she sees an elderly man carrying food for an upper-caste landlord with a leaf to avoid ‘polluting’ it. She feels deeply insulted by this display of untouchability. Her brother advises her to study hard to gain respect and equality. The trauma lies in the realisation that her identity limits her opportunities—not due to personal fault, but because of systemic social hierarchies. Both authors portray their experiences with honesty and courage. While Zitkala-Sa faces racial discrimination in America, Bama confronts caste-based injustice in India. Despite the cultural differences, their stories echo the universal pain of being treated as inferior. Their narratives are acts of resistance, affirming the importance of dignity, identity, and education.