Memories Of Childhood - Vistas - Class 12 - CBSE English

Zitkala-Sa and Bama are two influential authors who come from marginalized communities and have used their literary talents to shed light on the challenges faced by their respective communities.

Zitkala-Sa, born Gertrude Simmons Bonnin in 1876, was a Native American woman of Yankton Sioux origin. She was an accomplished writer, musician, and political activist. As a writer, she adopted the pen name 'Zitkala-Sa,' which means "Red Bird" in the Lakota language. Through her works, she criticized the oppressive policies and practices against Native Americans, particularly the experiences of Native American children in residential schools. Zitkala-Sa was dedicated to fighting against the injustices faced by her community and preserving the Native American culture.

Bama, on the other hand, is a Tamil Dalit writer from a Roman Catholic family in India. She is known for her powerful writings on caste discrimination and the experiences of the Dalit community. Bama adopted her pen name to maintain her privacy and protect her family. She has published several notable works, including her autobiography, "Karukku" (1992), a novel, "Sangati" (1994), and a collection of short stories, "Kisumbukkaaran" (1996). Her writings provide an authentic and poignant perspective on the lives of the marginalized Dalit community, highlighting their struggles and the need for social change.

Both Zitkala-Sa and Bama have made significant contributions to literature by giving voice to the experiences of marginalized communities. Their works have played a crucial role in raising awareness about the injustices faced by Native Americans and the Dalit community, fostering understanding and inspiring change.

The chapter presents autobiographical episodes from the lives of two women from marginalized communities, Zitkala-Sa and Bama, reflecting on their childhood experiences and their relationship with mainstream culture.

Zitkala-Sa, born as Gertrude Simmons Bonnin in 1876, was a Native American woman of the late nineteenth century who faced prejudice and oppression. As a writer, she adopted the pen name 'Zitkala-Sa' and criticized the Carlisle Indian School through her publications. In the excerpt "The Cutting of My Long Hair," Zitkala-Sa recounts her first day at the school, where she faced alienation and indignities. She describes the moment when her hair was forcibly cut, a practice in her culture associated with shame, grief, and surrender. Despite her resistance, Zitkala-Sa lost her spirit when her hair was shingled, an act that symbolized the stripping of her identity and culture.

Bama is a Tamil Dalit writer from a Roman Catholic family. The excerpt titled "We too are Human Beings" is taken from her autobiography, 'Karukku' (1992). In this passage, Bama shares her childhood experiences of untouchability and caste discrimination. As a young girl, she was oblivious to the caste system until her elder brother explained the reality of their society. Bama narrates instances of humiliation faced by people from her community, like running petty errands for the upper-caste landlords. These experiences made her feel angry and motivated her to study hard, excel in her lessons, and prove her worth. Her brother's advice to work hard and learn helped Bama understand the importance of education in overcoming discrimination and gaining respect.

Through these personal accounts, both Zitkala-Sa and Bama provide insights into the lives of women from marginalized communities. Their stories highlight the struggles they faced in their pursuit of identity, dignity, and justice. The chapter emphasizes the power of education and resilience as vital tools to challenge oppression and transform their lives.

Cultural Identity and Alienation:

In the chapter, Zitkala-Sa's experience at the Carlisle Indian School highlights the theme of cultural identity and alienation. Her forced haircut symbolizes the loss of her Native American identity, as her culture associates shingled hair with shame and defeat. The school's assimilation policies aimed to erase her cultural heritage, making her feel alienated and disconnected from her roots.

Caste Discrimination and Untouchability:

Bama's account focuses on the theme of caste discrimination and untouchability in Indian society. Her childhood experiences......

"Since the day I was taken from my mother I had suffered extreme indignities."

This line highlights the deep pain and sense of loss experienced by the protagonist, Zitkala-Sa, as she was forcibly separated from her family and culture. It emphasizes the trauma and suffering that Native American children faced in boarding schools.

"But we too are human beings."

This line, from Bama's story, is a powerful......