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

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Brittany Ann Long (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

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.

Additional Information

Publication

Thesis

Language: English

Date: 2023

Subjects

Ethnic studies;Literature;Regional studies;Adolescence;Alienation;Culture;Identity;Multicultural;Borderlands (Anzaldúa);Frontera, La;Jour où Nina Simone a cessé de chanter, Le;Day Nina Simone stopped singing, The

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