The stories of Zitkala-Sa and Bama share common themes of identity and discrimination. Both authors describe their painful experiences of cultural oppression—Zitkala-Sa through the forced assimilation and loss of her Native American culture at a boarding school, and Bama through ...

In her story, Bama conveys a powerful message about caste-based discrimination and the importance of dignity and self-respect. Through her experience of witnessing the discriminatory behavior of upper-caste people towards Dalits, she highlights the need for social equality. Her brother’s ...

Bama observed that the upper-caste people treated the Dalits with disrespect and disdain. She witnessed them showing contempt by ignoring or disregarding Dalit people, especially in public spaces. For example, she noticed how a man carrying food carefully avoided touching ...

Zitkala-Sa was shocked and horrified when her friend told her about the impending haircut. She was not prepared for the cultural assault on her identity, as cutting her long hair was a significant violation of her Native American traditions. She ...

Zitkala-Sa expressed anger and frustration when the students had to follow the rigid dining rules at the boarding school. She was disturbed by the strict, unnatural behavior that was imposed on them, such as having to sit silently and eat ...