second question paper two

2nd question

william idrissi

The native-born white Americans of this time period were plagued with racism for many different people. They frowned upon everybody who didn’t look or act like a white western European protestant. Therefore it became very tough for immigrants to assimilate into society. This fact did not stop the want of immigration into the Americas because the stories in foreign countries told stories of grandeur and prosperity. We see this in bread givers when Reb Smolinsky talks of a romanticized version of the united states where the pots to boil tea would be gold. You can try to understand his confusion upon arrival to Ellis island and then life in the tenements’ prove to be the exact opposite of the fairy tale that Reb herd all his life.

            If the native people do not allow immigrants to assimilate into society then the immigrants will bond together and assimilate within themselves. The problem is that there were too many immigrants and not enough land. Therefore the tenements were born. These tenements were an atrocious apartment structure which was an obvious display of the owner’s lack of interest in the tenants living situation. But to native born white Americans the sin of the tenements did not fall onto the owners but it was the immigrants that was to blame because in the eyes of native born whites the immigrants did not equal the status of a human being therefore the owner was justified for not treating them like one.

            However many immigrants tried to change the representations of themselves and had many methods of assimilation. Three different methods of assimilation of eastern Europeans are shown in Anzia Yezierska’s Bread givers thru the stories of the daughters. Hard work, intelligence and beauty are different paths that the daughters of the Smolinsky family took

And they all successfully assimilated into society weather their own personal happiness was accounted for or not

            Bessie Smolinsky was a mature young woman. The eldest of the daughters, she is a loving caring hardworking young lady. Bessie assimilated into the American society by working hard to help provide for her family. This comes with the toll of constant stress and long working hours. But the joy that comes from helping others is very valuable to Bessie and even though her life may not be happy we find out that it is a fulfilling one. Bessie needs to be needed which is why later on in bread givers she marries Zalmon because Benny (her stepson) needs her. So in conclusion I feel that Bessie fought the demeaning representation which was put on her by the native born white Americans by being a good person and honestly providing for herself and the people that she cares about.

            Mashah Smolinsky can be defined at a young at heart immature woman. She is childlike despite her age. But I feel that her assimilation is the most common route for immigrant women in this time period. She wanted to be a wife of a rich man to provide for her. This is the standard American dream for almost any girl of that time, white picket fence in a safe suburban community with a loving husband a car and some children. To obtain this she uses and expands her beauty as to many immigrant women do. She defines beauty as being like the white girls as much as possible therefore she uses clothes and makeup to try to change her appearance. This is a very common practice for immigrant women in America to do. What better way to assimilate into society then to use camouflage to blend until society cannot tell the difference. But sadly Jacob Novak broke her heart and killed her spirit. Even though she ends up marrying Moe Mirsky  who doesn’t appreciate her at all and spends his money on dining and clothes instead of for food for his wife and children but she at least has a small house and children which can make her find her happiness again.

            In direct contrast to her other sisters we have Sara Smolinsky who carries the spark which ignite the fire of feminism in later years. She doesn’t understand why women should be classified as inferior or dependent on a male. She is far more violently independent than any of the daughters, and she constantly clashes with her father’s beliefs. However she still understands that at this time a husband is necessary for happiness. However she wants a husband who respects her passion and will not only acknowledge her independence but who will work together with her and her ideas to help her reach her goals.

            Now these three women all have used their intelligence beauty and passion to try to achieve the American dream. Achievement of the American dream is the ultimate way to counter the dominant culture’s demeaning signification so ergo they use their talents to better themselves and those they care about and survive and adapt to their environment.

            Immigrant men in this time period have also contributed to countering the dominant culture’s demeaning signification and made claims for different representations of themselves. They didn’t have the same set of options as women but they assimilated and fought for the American dream in unique styles all the same. Entrepreneurship, hard work, dependence on friends and family was all used to survive and succeed in the United States.

            Reb Smolinsky had dreams of grandeur. He thought that the American dream would be a golden one. After he goes thru his initial disappointment of the United States his faith strongly roots him to his community and home. However he is intensely dependent on the females in his life. Ironically most of his teachings tell him that women should be dependent on men both financially and spiritually. His hypocrisy is very obvious and evident. His ego is kept from being shattered by Shena which is not only his wife but his number one fan. She listens in awe of every word that he says which allows him to continue along the religious path that he has chosen. Although he may not be financially stable he is spiritually fulfilled

            Berel Berenstein is a young man full of ambition and entrepreneurship. He plans to open his own shop and fulfill the dream of being a self made man and his own boss. He discards all his old ways and old styles for the new found American life. He plunges head first into American culture and strives desperately to succeed in it. Even though he has passion and is very intelligent he fails to get the girl (Bessie) that he loves. But he is in a country that rewards those who have the talents that he have therefore I believe that in the end he will be a success.

            Hugo Seelig is intelligent and excels in his field. He is patient and kind to everyone around him. He is independent in the fact that he doesn’t care about what others may say he will only listen to his own observations when he is decision making. He is respected for his knowledge therefore he respects those who hold knowledge as well which maybe why he likes Sara because she is intelligent and respects Reb Smolensk’s learning. He has already contradictied the native born white’s impression of immagrants by being a principal and by being very gifted, clever and bright.