I.R.#2-The Woman Warrior:Reader Response #3 of 4

          Continuing on with my reading, I have grown to be so appreciative and accepting of this different ethnic background. Because this book is majority talk-story and fantasizing from Maxine Kingston's point of view, all I could really analyze are the experiences and the diction that the author uses. I'll have to admit that the images created in the lines are very abstract and full of meaning. To think of old China-and even old Asia, generally- is to think and feel art. I go on to read with respect towards people and traditional practices as the characters do amongst each other in interaction with their customs.
           When I read that Maxine Kingston's mother, had lost two children, happening to be Kingston's rightful siblings, I began to wonder. How much grief to people in this culture actually feel and experience? Do they believe in happiness in the life after the one lived? Or, do they believe it is simply what's destined for the individuals? Another point that came across was when I previously remembered reading of how girls are not the desired choice when a woman is bearing a child. In this section, I read that Kingston's mother had used money she received from her husband to attend medical school. I am struck once again with the mode of feminism, and I think, "That is great!" Way to make something of yourself. I saw that no matter how dishonoring a girl may be in old China, girls still have willpower, self-esteem, and determination. If I were a girl in old-China, I'd feel shameful for just being a girl if I had to hear that I'm a problem almost every day. It's nice to see that in Kingston's stories and characters, there is strength rising in the hearts of the females; carrying a child about to be born from an unknown man to your family and making a sacrifice to remove the same from your family, fantasizing of life as a Chinese warrior, hearing the accomplishments and dignified stories passed down from your mother. It's truly amazing. I really believe that all this talk-story empowers life and gives it a meaning. Not only is Kingston's mother passing the value of independence to her, but also the value of being yourself and knowing just how great a potential you have if you set your mind to it.
             Now, in total contradiction to what I just expressed myself on in response to this section, I come across another scenario. Old Chinese slave girls for sale. ENOUGH SAID. Really?! The book outlined that Kingston's mother, known as "Brave Orchid" in this section, had hassled on the idea that her daughter Maxine's birth had cost her $200 during the time when girls were being given away as slaves for FREE. You could say this makes me red in the face. Here I am thinking the Chinese were respectful. But my new idea is that they demand respect, but don't give it when there is any hint of shame in the picture. As an American citizen, we go by the U.S. Constitution, which promotes civil rights, liberties, and ultimately, the pursuit of happiness. (*gasp) What a big difference between cultures, basically on the values of respect.
            I am glad about one thing, though. My question had been answered. What "ghosts" are mentioned in the book? Who are they and how do they exist? Brave Orchid explains to her daughter and teaches her that the ghosts are plainly the white Americans since Kingston's family had become immigrants to the U.S. I recently read in the A.P. American Government textbook that the fastest growing population of discriminated immigrants to the U.S. are the Asian Americans. This saddens me. What a time Kingston's family must have been having. Their way of life must have been dramatically altered, just to search for better. As Mrs. Griffin stated once, America is "the gift that keeps on giving!"