Private and public culture.edited
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Saint Mary's College of California *
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LABORLAW10
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English
Date
Nov 24, 2024
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docx
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5
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Public and Private Culture
Introduction
Richard Rodriguez delves into the notion of private and public culture in his literary
works. The author posits that a clear demarcation exists between the two domains of culture. In
this essay, we will examine whether such a separation exists and consider the implications for
"educated" college students. Furthermore, an assessment will be conducted to analyze the impact
of familial foundations in comparison to societal norms, as well as the obstacles encountered in
striving to fulfill societal expectations. Finally, we will examine the concept of deviating from
familial instruction to pursue a self-sufficient existence. To substantiate our perspectives, we
shall refer to the literary works entitled "Aria" authored by Richard Rodriguez, and "The Lesson"
penned by Toni Cade Bambara.
Body
According to Richard Rodriguez, a distinct demarcation exists between private and public
culture. The literary work "Aria" by Rodriguez offers a contemplative account of his childhood
as a second-generation Mexican immigrant, wherein he highlights the dichotomy between the
language and culture prevalent in his domestic sphere and that of the public domain. The author
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asserts that he belonged to a specific category of scholarship recipients known as the scholarship
boy. Consistently achieving positive outcomes, yet lacking in self-assurance. According to
Rodriguez, there exists a dichotomy of being both excessively Mexican and insufficiently
Mexican. This quotation underscores the individual's perception of not entirely assimilating into
either the private or public sphere, underscoring the dichotomy between the two.
As individuals pursuing higher education, is it appropriate for us to seek beyond the
confines of our domestic environment? The literary work entitled "The Lesson" features a
character named Miss Moore who endeavors to broaden the horizons of socioeconomically
disadvantaged children by exposing them to the affluent world beyond their immediate
community. The narrative implies that the pursuit of knowledge and exposure to diverse
experiences outside of one's immediate surroundings is imperative for individual development
and an enhanced understanding of societal inequities. As individuals who have received a formal
education, it is incumbent upon us to expand our knowledge and endeavor to attain a more
inclusive comprehension of the global landscape.
Undoubtedly, the foundation established by our families holds great significance.
However, it remains a question of whether it surpasses the societal expectations. The literary
work "Aria" by Rodriguez acknowledges the significance of the author's familial legacy and
linguistic background. However, the author also confronts the challenge of conforming to the
prevailing English-speaking culture. According to Rodriguez, he required proficiency in the
language of public society, including the classroom and playground, as opposed to the private
language he utilized at home (
Rodriguez 06)
This illustrates the conflict between the familial
foundations and the societal standards that are imposed on the individual.
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Is it a common occurrence for individuals to experience a dearth of information or
knowledge necessary to effectively manage the demands and anticipations of the general
populace? The literary work entitled "The Lesson" portrays Sylvia's realization of the significant
differences between her locality and the prosperous realm she encounters while on an
educational excursion. The individual acknowledges a deficiency in both their knowledge and
resources to effectively navigate the given environment. The narrative implies that individuals
belonging to marginalized communities may encounter obstacles while attempting to conform to
societal norms owing to restricted access to resources and avenues. Is it ethically justifiable to
detach ourselves from our families and pursue our desired lifestyle without taking into account
our upbringing? The literary pieces entitled "Aria" and "The Lesson" delve into the conflict that
emerges between individual aspirations and familial influence (
Heller 280)
While
acknowledging the significance of family teachings for individual development, it is imperative
to recognize the importance of personal autonomy in shaping one's own life. Recognizing the
significance of our upbringing and the individuals who have contributed to our personal growth
is imperative.
Conclusion
The societal division between private and public culture, posited by Richard Rodriguez,
is indeed present in contemporary times. As individuals pursuing higher education, it is
imperative to actively pursue opportunities for intellectual and experiential growth beyond the
confines of our dwellings. The fundamental basis established by our familial relationships is of
utmost importance, however, it does not necessarily take precedence over the norms and
anticipations of society. Nevertheless, difficulties emerge when individuals do not possess the
requisite knowledge and training to fulfill societal demands. In the final analysis, individuals
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must be granted the liberty to pursue an autonomous existence while simultaneously
acknowledging and valuing the principles inculcated by their familial units. The narratives in
question are those that were previously mentioned.
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Work Cited
Heller, J. R. (2003). Toni Cade Bambara's Use of African American Vernacular English in “The
Lesson”.
Style
,
37
(3), 279-293.
Rodriguez, R. (1980). Aria: A memoir of a bilingual childhood.
Occasions for Writing: Evidence,
Idea, Essay
, 501-08.