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 ...

In Bama’s story, she experiences a profound cultural difference between her Dalit community and the higher caste people in her village. While she is a young girl, she notices how the upper caste people treat her and others from her ...

After her hair was cut, Zitkala-Sa felt a profound sense of loss and humiliation. She described the act as a violent and painful experience, which left her feeling miserable and powerless. The cutting of her hair, which was a significant ...

For Zitkala-Sa, the cutting of her hair represented a deep violation of her cultural identity and a loss of personal power. In her Native American culture, long hair was a symbol of strength, pride, and connection to her roots. When ...

Zitkala-Sa resisted the paleface woman because she was forced to cut her long, cherished hair, which was a deeply significant part of her cultural identity. In her Native American community, long hair symbolized strength and pride, and cutting it was ...

Bama learns a valuable lesson from her brother’s advice, which is to rise above discrimination and focus on one’s own dignity. Her brother encourages her not to react to the hurtful behavior of others but to take pride in her ...