tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492807304940108695.comments2023-05-03T12:02:30.067-04:00Judith MercadoJudith Mercadohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13739476600999112092noreply@blogger.comBlogger963125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492807304940108695.post-27906307891676838042020-05-07T13:28:49.817-04:002020-05-07T13:28:49.817-04:00This comment has been hidden from the blog.Judith Mercadohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13739476600999112092noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492807304940108695.post-51634539458628925162020-05-04T18:48:59.250-04:002020-05-04T18:48:59.250-04:00This comment has been hidden from the blog.A Cuban In Londonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16423293358605007539noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492807304940108695.post-32503245296028669962020-04-11T01:39:57.295-04:002020-04-11T01:39:57.295-04:00Even comprehensive measures, short of no contact a...Even comprehensive measures, short of no contact at all, are no guarantee of complete success in vanquishing this pandemic. I wish us all well.Judith Mercadohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13739476600999112092noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492807304940108695.post-67238261348526522102015-08-07T11:02:56.375-04:002015-08-07T11:02:56.375-04:00Thank you, "Anonymous," for such a thoug...Thank you, "Anonymous," for such a thoughtful and informative response to my post. Your analysis of multiculturalism in literature is probably the most comprehensive and satisfying one I have read.Judith Mercadohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13739476600999112092noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492807304940108695.post-64254402431471607702015-08-06T13:35:58.974-04:002015-08-06T13:35:58.974-04:00I am wondering how to answer this question as well...I am wondering how to answer this question as well... This is the explanation/section from my english course (maybe it will help you understand a bit better, although I still couldn't seem to narrow it down to a short-answer):<br /><br />Our view of how the world works is a set of invisible rules, behaviours, and experiences that helps us make sense of what is going on around us; this is called world view. A world view, in the largest sense, is a culture's understanding of the universe, and the relationships between all of its inhabitants. Often art, which includes literature, is a vehicle whereby a culture expresses its world view.<br /><br />In 1971, Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau introduced Canada's Multiculturalism Policy. This policy was the basis for the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, established in 1988. The Act aims to celebrate cultural and racial diversity in Canadian society, and encourages tolerance and equal treatment between Canadian citizens, regardless of their cultural origins. Among the stated objectives of the Act are to "promote the understanding and creativity that arise from the interaction between individuals and communities of different origins." Books such as Joy Kogawa's Obasan may be perceived as "multicultural fiction," a genre sometimes characterized as distinctly Canadian.<br /><br />Culture includes the stories that we tell ourselves and others, which help define our values, beliefs, social organization, the symbols and forms of creative expression that we use, and our methods of education. Where do the boundaries between one culture begin and another end? Obasan and the short stories featured in this module, "Prairie Widow" by Paul Yee and "The Other Family" by Himani Bannerji, are an exploration of the experiences of individuals and communities who are living between worlds - worlds of varying traditions, languages, and values.<br /><br />Multicultural fiction includes books translated from other languages into English, and it also includes books originally written in English, but which may feature more than one cultural reality. Canadian authors, including Rohinton Mistry who is originally from India, and M.G. Vassanji who was born in Kenya, write in English about their cultures of origin in various geographical settings including India, Africa and Britain. Author Wayson Choy was born in Vancouver and writes about the Chinese immigrant experience in British Columbia.<br /><br />The novel Obasan is written in English by Joy Kogawa, also a Canadian citizen by birth. In this novel, we learn about Japanese culture through Naomi's grandparents. We learn about Canadian culture, politics and history and the Japanese-Canadian immigrant experience - but most importantly we learn about the injustices committed against Japanese Canadians during the Second World War.<br /><br />As diverse in style as the cultural perspectives represented, multicultural fiction encompasses a variety of genres.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492807304940108695.post-54758980085869172782015-04-07T11:58:36.211-04:002015-04-07T11:58:36.211-04:00"the reading of your life's book" wi..."the reading of your life's book" will be a fascinating journey!"<br /><br />Yes, Judy, always interesting, not always comfortable, but never boring. Thanks for stopping by again.Judith Mercadohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13739476600999112092noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492807304940108695.post-61705237724342179262015-04-07T11:20:53.612-04:002015-04-07T11:20:53.612-04:00Interesting post script, Judith! Your friend issue...Interesting post script, Judith! Your friend issues a serious challenge that must have truly cleared out your thinking channels! Something I wrestle with often. Am sure "the reading of your life's book" will be a fascinating journey! Judy Croome | @judy_croomehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17455755011354905278noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492807304940108695.post-63274805540316007652015-03-20T16:09:57.684-04:002015-03-20T16:09:57.684-04:00Malcolm, it is food for thought for all, but we mi...Malcolm, it is food for thought for all, but we might come to different conclusions than I did. It has taken me a while and a great deal of thought to make the decision I made. For some, the drive to be known as a published writer may trump any other considerations. Perhaps because I have already published numerous short stories, and also have "published" a blog, that drive ended up not trumping everything for me.Judith Mercadohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13739476600999112092noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492807304940108695.post-7499430378818552542015-03-20T09:29:09.766-04:002015-03-20T09:29:09.766-04:00Cuban, I'm surprised the average writer makes ...Cuban, I'm surprised the average writer makes even that much and, on a net basis, it is probably even less. In others, make sure you have a day job!Judith Mercadohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13739476600999112092noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492807304940108695.post-20204056290714552162015-03-19T15:02:02.885-04:002015-03-19T15:02:02.885-04:00One day or another, these issues, all the promotio...One day or another, these issues, all the promotion stuff and validation stuff and why am I writing stuff confront all of us. <br /><br />It's easy to rationalize it or (horrors) lie to ourselves about it.<br /><br />I like what you said and it's soul food for thought for the rest of us.<br /><br />MalcolmMalcolm R. Campbellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07840134761199335243noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492807304940108695.post-9904803198666706222015-03-14T17:54:08.385-04:002015-03-14T17:54:08.385-04:00A very honest post. The average writer makes £11,0...A very honest post. The average writer makes £11,000.00 a year in the UK. The threshold below which you are considered to be living on the breadline is £13,000.00. That should give you an idea of how important decisions like the ones you are making are.<br /><br />Greetings from London.A Cuban In Londonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16423293358605007539noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492807304940108695.post-8270312095178471762015-03-07T12:14:51.580-05:002015-03-07T12:14:51.580-05:00Karen, yes, well meaning people urge one to pursue...Karen, yes, well meaning people urge one to pursue publishing. The key for me has been to recognize that publishing is not something I Must do. If it happens fine, but it is not the driving force behind why I write.Judith Mercadohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13739476600999112092noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492807304940108695.post-33082742383608646792015-03-07T01:26:26.238-05:002015-03-07T01:26:26.238-05:00I have been challenged with the same issues regard...I have been challenged with the same issues regarding my photography. A dear friend with "connections", urged me to publish. I have declined. I enjoy "taking pics", and for me, that is enough. If I turned my love of photographing the things I behold in wonderment into monetary gain, I am afraid the thrill of getting the "perfect shot" for me, would become tainted. Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07094543520943386032noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492807304940108695.post-86007549439017677082015-02-06T19:51:49.520-05:002015-02-06T19:51:49.520-05:00I forgot to suggest that you read the post script ...I forgot to suggest that you read the post script I added to my post.Judith Mercadohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13739476600999112092noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492807304940108695.post-56713549310155386952015-02-06T18:56:59.125-05:002015-02-06T18:56:59.125-05:00Judy, I owe to you the phrase, writing for the sak...Judy, I owe to you the phrase, writing for the sake of writing. I also feel reassured that you believe that those who need to read my words will find them. It is a matter of trust in the process, isn't it?<br /><br />Muff, rightfully so, you point out the challenge of whether one has the flexibility or not realistically to make the choice I am making.<br /><br />Hilda, you understood exactly the dilemma. You also encouraged me to remember that there are people "out there" who are interested in what I may have to say.<br />Judith Mercadohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13739476600999112092noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492807304940108695.post-51270281367075175642015-02-03T21:53:57.172-05:002015-02-03T21:53:57.172-05:00Judy,
Your words and thoughts are of a compelling ...Judy,<br />Your words and thoughts are of a compelling nature. Do we stay true to our real selves, not needing the accolades that the world deems "successful"? Or can we be satisfied with knowing instinctivey that our talent is real and expressed as we wish it? It is a constant struggle. You have accomplished enough to satisfiy the outside world. Now, live and write for yourself...but, share with us.<br />HildaAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01207871010525249029noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492807304940108695.post-7629127343086005162015-02-03T12:12:45.766-05:002015-02-03T12:12:45.766-05:00All of what you say is so true. Do you write for y...All of what you say is so true. Do you write for your own satisfaction or for others to share? If you were a writer by trade, and needed the checks to survive, then by all means, you'd have to market yourself. It's a tricky corner you've backed yourself into. Muffiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04542678482763101104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492807304940108695.post-5558039930021895062015-02-03T11:44:34.767-05:002015-02-03T11:44:34.767-05:00Well said, Judith! I took 2014 off to reasses my w...Well said, Judith! I took 2014 off to reasses my writing priorities as well. I came to much the same conclusions you do and have recently trimmed down my social media marketing and book promo to the absolute minimum for much the same reason (plus a few more) Ultimately, it's the writing that counts. And, if that's what makes you heart sing, then that's where you have to spend your energy. I do believe that the people who need to read your words will find them. Keep on writing and let the rest take care of itself :)<br /><a href="http://www.judycroome.com/2015/02/a-golden-sorrow-by-judy-croome.html" rel="nofollow">Judy Croome, South Africa : A Golden Sorrow</a>Judy Croome | @judy_croomehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17455755011354905278noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492807304940108695.post-30520546399119280072015-02-03T09:17:48.527-05:002015-02-03T09:17:48.527-05:00Thank you, Muffie and Cuban. I had been away so lo...Thank you, Muffie and Cuban. I had been away so long from this blog because of competing calls on my time that I had not been aware you had left comments. My sincerest apologies. I now intend to be more active with this blog; at least, more than once every few months.Judith Mercadohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13739476600999112092noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492807304940108695.post-84035420573356017392015-02-01T15:42:39.988-05:002015-02-01T15:42:39.988-05:00Thanks for your recnt comments. I really aprpeciat...Thanks for your recnt comments. I really aprpeciate you popping over, especially with your busy schedule as a writer. I hope you are enjoying your Cuban cinema course. That's a subject I could talk about for hours on end! :-) Especially the old movies.<br /><br />Greetings from London.A Cuban In Londonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16423293358605007539noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492807304940108695.post-85053986814469781192015-01-25T17:13:29.884-05:002015-01-25T17:13:29.884-05:00I echo your feelings. Lovely post. Thanks.
Greeti...I echo your feelings. Lovely post. Thanks.<br /><br />Greetings from London.A Cuban In Londonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16423293358605007539noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492807304940108695.post-49926150010988952062014-11-04T10:54:44.004-05:002014-11-04T10:54:44.004-05:00Beautiful and thought provoking!Beautiful and thought provoking!Muffiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04542678482763101104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492807304940108695.post-11260232105857785702014-06-18T17:59:48.970-04:002014-06-18T17:59:48.970-04:00Excellent insight. I was doing a book report on th...Excellent insight. I was doing a book report on this and for the life of me couldn't figure out how to paint this guy as a hero other than the fact he took care of his family.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492807304940108695.post-65372349086876979432014-06-05T17:11:07.873-04:002014-06-05T17:11:07.873-04:00Talking of voices for the voiceless, Maya Angelou ...Talking of voices for the voiceless, Maya Angelou died last week. And yet, to me she hasn't died. Her voice still resonates in my ears.<br /><br />Greetings from London.A Cuban In Londonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16423293358605007539noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492807304940108695.post-88471153140541231212014-05-14T16:58:42.139-04:002014-05-14T16:58:42.139-04:00Cubano,
I'm sorry it took so long for me to se...Cubano,<br />I'm sorry it took so long for me to see your message, but I just found it last night. It is curious to me that this post in its original form has had such resonance. I suppose that when one sheds new perspective on a classic, others might be interested in hearing what one has to say. I, of course, came to it with a particular perspective. I have to admit, though, that the first time I read Metamorphosis in college, its meaning was completely different. It was only when my own circumstances changed that the meaning I found in it also changed. Thanks for being such a faithful reader.<br />Judith Mercadohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13739476600999112092noreply@blogger.com