Alienation and Ethnic Identities in "Growing Up Ethnic in America," "Borderlands/La Frontera," and "The Day Nina Simone Stopped Singing"

Abstract

This thesis examines the concept of alienation during adolescence as an influential factor in ethnic identity development. The negative effects of alienation are frequently explored, but I argue experiences concerning alienation cannot necessarily be described on a spectrum from negative to positive. Rather, alienation of an ethnic individual due to immigration, coming-of-age, family dynamics, or other situations results in a force which guides him or her to creating a unique identity. This identity is a result of the elaborate analyzing cultures from a more objective perspective. The development of an ethnic identity is a process in which a person grapples with morality, personal beliefs, and pressure from outside sources such as parental influence and religion. This thesis analyzes three primary texts: Growing Up Ethnic in America by Maria M. Gillan and Jennifer Gillan, Borderlands/La Frontera by Gloria Anzaldúa, and The Day Nina Simone Stopped Singing by Darina Al-Joundi. These texts feature first-hand accounts of alienation, the majority from the perspective of young women.