Differences (The Woman Warrior)
Through out the years, society has portrayed certain individuals to have an effective and positive role in one's upbringing. In Maxine Hong Kingston's The Woman Warrior, Brave Orchid has had an effective and positive role in her daughter's upbringing. However, at the time it seems she is heartless and full of hate toward her daughter; it is merely nothing but tough love. Deep within herself she knows her daughter will succeed very much in life as she once did. Yet she can not let her know, due to her Chinese upbringing because, "That's what Chinese say. We like to say the opposite" (203). Yet, due to her tough upbringing she is perhaps the most influential role model towards all of her kids, teaching them though Chinese women are only taught to be wives or slaves someday, they to can be very strong not only emotionally and physically, but also intellectually and successfully, just like Brave Orchid once was. Brave Orchid and Little Dog never see eye to eye, never agreeing with each other's differences and different cultures, one raised with Chinese cultures and values the other is very much accustomed to her new American values, and traditions. Little Dog, is rose as a Chinese-American, trying to see life f
Destined to figure out certain Chinese mysteries on there own, one cannot judge Brave Orchid for her actions on keeping many beliefs a mystery from Little Dog, because that is a Chinese belief everything is just meant to be and nothing needs an explanation. Brave Orchid teaches Little Dog many valuable lessons in life, on how to become a strong woman and have pride within her, also on how to bargain, and keep a strong household alive, to be very family oriented, because that is a very strong Chinese custom. Though she is very much aware she isn't going back to China she cannot be affectionate towards her daughters. At the same time we as society can not use that as an excuse for ones mistake. Though there was a great mystery in all of Brave Orchids actions, never having an explanation for Little Dog; ghost and stories are always left a mystery and children are always left in confusion. ' 'When you raise girls, you're raising children for strangers" (46). This has a lot to do with society many individuals do not understand why certain individuals "do what they do. Little Dog grows very confused, never knowing what her parents are thinking, and has a lack of understanding towards their spiritual belief and actions. She lays such a heavy burden on her young daughter, never knowing it is going to affect her not only emotionally, but psychologically. And who better to be a positive role model to Little Dog than her own Mother, who once was a known doctor, who had conquered a ghost and most important of all whom is a strong, human being true to all of her values, and very family oriented. rom both perspectives, never understanding the reason why her Mother does certain things, or raises her children differently than others. Even though Brave Orchid is not supportive over any of her daughters actions and accomplishments, she still wants the best for Little Dog at all times seeing in her the American dream at the end finally confessing Little Dog is pretty, and smart (though not as pretty & smart as her). Overall, Brave Orchid is the most positive and powerful figure in Little Dogs upbringing and life though very full of mystery; She plays the most important role in her daughters life, teaching her about life skills, on becoming an upright young lady, and a very successful and strong human being. Brave Orchid never shows any interest toward any of Little Dogs accomplishments, on occasion telling her "You can't eat straight A's" (46), and making her feel guilty with a sense she has to protect her sister, and family from any harm, "If you don't go, I'm holding you responsible for bringing the plague on this family" (170).
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