Blog 9 - The Convocation by Marjane Satrapi

Yulieth Hassan

English 101

Professor Draegan

Blog #9

The Convocation by Marjane Satrapi

Although the cultural contrasts are obvious, in what respects are the relationships between male and female students like those in the United States?

The cultural contrasts in the United States and in the Middle East are very clear. The relationship between students, male and female, in colleges in the United States is significantly different from that in Marjane’s part of the world. In the United States, students are free to dress any way they want, as long as they follow college rules and regulations. Males and females openly socialize in cafeterias and in sports activities. They wear clothes that are purely based on their own taste and choice and not based on any college rules or regulations.  Moreover, male and female students can walk together without being separated just because of their gender. In Marjane’s case I can see some things that are similar to what is in the United States. Though not quite as obvious, girls do have their favorites of the other gender. They also notice how the other sex dresses. Marjane also had the courage to express what was on her mind – something that all students do in the US by virtue of the freedom of speech they each have and cherish.

Other similarities I see between students in the US and those in Marjane’s country is that, in general, males are attracted to females and vice versa. No matter how much rules a college puts on their students about mixing with the other sex, it usually does not seem to work. It is human nature to be attracted to the opposite sex. Flirting to attract the other sex seems to also be consistent, whether in the US or in Marjane’s country.  More importantly, it seems that male and female friendships in college will always exist despite any rules that are put in place.  In the US there are no such rules.  However in Marjane’s case, the rules are dictated by cultural background and more so by customs and traditions. I am aware of this fact in the US but I also saw this in Marjane’s talking to her male friend despite knowing of the consequences.

I am very consciousness of the cultural background in Marjane’s country. These students had to consent to unrealistic rules in order to get an education. They all know that abiding by them gives them a better path for their future. I feel that Marjane is a very strong courageous girl who is not afraid about voicing her opinion. She is a leader and not a follower, and as such, this is very important in my opinion in order to survive in any culture especially one in the Middle East. Women, in general, should not be afraid, or feel intimidated, about speaking what they feel or believe. In a way, I can understand how she and her female friends were uneasy when they first went to college since it represented a different atmosphere than that they were used to.  I can imagine how happy Marjane and her female friends would be if they came to attend college in US where no rules are placed on how they dress, who they talk to or what they do. What they will find in the US is based on equality and no gender separation, freedom of speech and choice – what a difference this will make!

Blog 8: Fish Cheeks by Amy Tan

Yulieth Hassan

Professor: Draegan

Blog 8 

Fish Cheeks, by Amy Tan

What does Tan’s mother try to show her by cooking an authentic Chinese dinner, including Amy’s favorite dishes, for the non-Chinese minister and his family? To what does the title refer? 

I believe Tan’s mother is trying to show her how important it is to be proud of your roots, where you came from, no matter how they appear to others.  I also believe that she is trying to tell her daughter that food is an important part of her culture, and she should always remember that. Tan’s mother, by preparing a big Chinese meal, is showing the minister and his family her great cooking skills. I believe Tan’s mother is very considerate of her daughter’s likes and dislikes, by cooking her favorite dish, fish cheeks. This clearly shows me that the mother took her time and was considerate of what exactly to prepare for her family and not just for the minister and his family.

The title of this essay is “Fish Cheeks”. I understood the author was referring to this particular time of her life where her secret about liking “fish cheeks” – a part constituting the head of the fish, came out in the open during Christmas dinner.

What are some of your favorite holiday’s foods and how would they appear to someone from a different culture?

My favorite holiday meals are from my native home country, Colombia. During Christmas time, we Colombians have our biggest celebration, just like Tan’s mom. I personally cook many of dishes for special occasions such as my children’s birthdays, when a guest is visiting from another culture, or just for pot luck. In Colombia I prepare different dishes like: sancocho, a chicken soup prepared with vegetables with green plantains being the main ingredient. Enpanadas, are also one of my favorite dishes.  They are a deep fried pastry that is stuffed with either shredded chicken or beef and a little bit of yellow potatoes and herbs. I also love to prepare the typical Colombian tamales which are prepared with all three meats chicken, beef, and pork and wrapped in fresh green plantain leaves. A very traditional dish that is served during Christmas time is made with figs stuffed with sweet milk cream.

I am sure if I prepared these dishes for someone from another culture, he may not understand why this much food is served. I will explain to him how important is cooking, from scratch, every meal is to us. That is an important cultural thing that we grow up knowing and is being taught to one generation after the other. I feel that it would be easier to explain my culture and our foods to someone who have heard, or have been to Colombia, as compared to someone who has not. For anyone not with my cultural background, I would expect them to be a bit hesitant and be asking more questions about the different foods and the ingredients.  In general, people from a different cultural background would also be open to experiencing different foods – this is human nature.