A Different Voice

  A Wild Tongue Gloria Anzaldua’s article “How to Tame a Wild Tongue” (1987) explores the idea of being stripped of one’s language. She expresses the tug-of-war of speaking english, spanish and a mix of them is rejected culturally by Americans and Mexicans. Her personal experiences illuminate and highlight the discomfort of language barriers and divisive rhetoric that increases cultural divides. Gloria compares a trip to the dentist office where she was told to control her tongue relates to her cultural experience of being told to tame her language in order to fit into society. She speaks directly to those who are afraid of speaking their language in certain areas due to their fear of rejection and those who persecute others for speaking different. I was very concerned and saddened after reading this essay. I cannot relate in my own personal experience with language, but I have some friends who can. I have experienced their languages being rejected in groups where others cannot und...

S een Through Context Dorothy Allison’s essay “Context” (1994) explores the idea of having knowledge of someone's background and social life but not truly being able to understand their history without contextualizing it. She provides intimate details of her personal life by using flashbacks of her  experiences as part of a  working class family growing up in South Carolina. Her lover’s interpretation of her upbringing was enhanced when she was immersed in the environment where she grew up. Allison uses these flashbacks and experiences to show that people can make assumptions based on words but need context to truly have perspective. The author personalizes the essay to appeal to regular people who can relate to her experiences and background. I felt very dejected after reading this essay. I can totally relate to being blind without the awareness that context provides. Just like Dorothy I have worried that someone may see me differently without an understanding of my experienc...

  Tiffany Hendrickson’s “Talking in Color: A collision of cultures” (2013) explores the sound of voice as a cultural expression in the black and white communities based on her own experiences as a white girl with a “black voice”. She explains through a personal narrative how her voice was racially profiled as black. Her story identifies the cultural divide in linguistic vocals as she describes her family dynamics, her neighborhood and her interactions with black and white people. Hendrickson expresses concern about the cultural stigma of sounding black. She engages white and black communities in provoking thoughtful recognition of cultural and racial divides in communication styles and the impact on social experiences of people with different vocal sounds within their race.   Hendrickson’s personal experience in the essay evokes feelings of sadness and anger. Her challenges of fitting into both the white and black communities embodied current cultural and social issues fo...