Taylor, Richard C., 1956-Long, Brittany Ann2015-06-042015-06-042015http://hdl.handle.net/10342/4906This 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.  57 p.dissertations, academicEthnic studiesLiteratureRegional studiesAdolescenceAlienationCultureIdentityMulticulturalBorderlands (Anzaldúa)Frontera, LaJour où Nina Simone a cessé de chanter, LeDay Nina Simone stopped singing, TheIdentity (Philosophical concept) in literatureAlienation (Social psychology) in literatureTeenage girls--Fiction.Ethnic groups in literatureGrowing up ethnic in AmericaAnzaldúa, Gloria--Criticism and interpretationAnzaldúa, Gloria. BorderlandsAl-Joundi, Darina, 1968- --Criticism and interpretationAl-Joundi, Darina, 1968- . Jour où Nina Simone a cessé de chanterMaster's Thesis