Multi-Cultural Fiction
By Emma, Will, Taishi, Megan, and Seth
What is multi-cultural fiction?
Multicultural fiction includes authentic cultures, ethnic groups, and characters that are unknown to most. Multicultural means many or multiple cultures coming together or coexisting peacefully in one country. A lot of the times, multicultural fiction is written to help readers understand more about other traditions of different cultures that aren't very well-known. It is also to help teens deal with their problems because of their ethnic background.
Elements of Multicultural Fiction
>many different types of cultures; examples: disabled, women/girls, non-heterosexual, poor, Africa American, Asian, etc.
>marginalize- treat (a person, group, or concept) as significant or peripheral.
>two cultures coming together and learning the traditions of cultures unknown to many
>"when worlds collide"
Examples of Multicultural Fiction
The House on Mango Street
Life of Pi
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian
Never Marry a Mexican
In this multicultural story, the troubled woman, Clemencia, is living life in regret and fear or herself. Excuses fill her soul and pain fills her heart as she sleeps around searching for what exactly? Love? Compassion? Lust? She doesn't believe in marriage, Clemencia thinks that's crazy! This short story brings together many cultures but also bringing them doubts.
Reviews
- "A worthwhile read for all young adults." ~Time Magazine
- "Great story for those who love learning about other cultures and traditions!" ~Life Magazine
- "Cisneros' writing is fluid and inspiring!" ~New York Times
- "Love the story!!" ~Book Reader Monthly
- "Beautiful representation of the solo women around the world" ~John Green
- "THUMBS UP!" ~Carl Miller
Short Story Analysis
Never Marry a Mexican has multiple traits that makes it a multicultural fiction story. This short story lets the reader see how life is through the eyes of someone with a different culture. For example, in the beginning of the book, Clemencia's mother tells her never to marry a Mexican, because of Clemencia's father. Even though her mother is also mexican, she explains how,¨She was born in the U.S., and he was born there, and it's not, the same.¨ Since Clemenica's mother tells her never to marry a Mexican, she expects to have a happy relationship with people of another race. However, when Clemencia has a very troubled relationship with Drew, she begins to doubt marriage, and later despises it.