Answers

1.
A. The writer's uneasiness and rage at being predominantly objectified in terms of their
race can be seen in passage 1. The author finds it annoying when people inquire about their
Native American ancestry and how much blood they have. The author discusses how people
are bored of hearing about great-grandparents or other smaller fractions, and how people
assume less of them if they do not mention how much Native American ancestry they have.
According to the author, individuals who are not at least 50% Native American begin the
conflict with a significant disadvantage. The author does not believe that they are moving
between two realms, but rather that doing so is a half-breed cliche. Instead, they feel as
though they are being torn apart and asked to choose a side. directed to choose a side.
According to the author, actively identifying oneself as Native is crucial effort that fights
against erasure that is deliberately planned and executed. The writer's uneasiness is evident
when they discuss how they are under pressure to qualify their amount and how it frustrates
them when others make lower assumptions about them.

B. Dear diary
Today, I spoke with a buddy who made rude remarks regarding my race. I became irritated
and uncomfortable because of it. My friend wanted to know the exact percentage of Native
American blood I have and asked me how much I had. I had the impression that my heritage
was being minimised and reduced to the level of an object. I made an effort to convince my
friend that where one comes from—their culture and community—matters more than how
much blood they have. I explained to my friend that identifying as a Native American is vital
work and a protest against erasure. I clarified that appearance does not determine one's
Native status and that Native people come in many colours. My friend appeared astonished
and had not before considered it in that manner. I believe I was successful in convincing
them of the flaw in their way of thinking. It made me feel good to be able to help my friend
and make a difference, but it was also tiresome to have to continuously defend my identity to
other people. I would like for people to view me as a whole person and not just a part of my
ancestry.

2.
A. In Passage 1, the narrator discusses their experience of being half Native and half
white. They express feeling pulled apart and pressured to pick a side, rather than feeling like
they belong to either community. I agree with the narrator's experience, as many people who
are multiracial or multicultural can feel like they don't fully fit into one specific group. This can
be especially challenging when it comes to cultural identity and trying to connect with one's
heritage.

Furthermore, the narrator's experience of having to constantly explain and quantify their
Native identity is unfortunately common for many people who are mixed race. There can be
pressure to prove one's identity or fit into specific boxes, which can be exhausting and
invalidating. This pressure can also come from both within and outside of one's own
community.

Overall, the narrator's experience highlights the complex and nuanced nature of identity,
especially for those who come from multiple cultures. It's important for society to recognize
and respect these diverse experiences, rather than trying to fit everyone into rigid categories

B. As someone who is half Native, I have experienced racism and microaggressions

throughout my life. Everyday racism can come in many forms, from people assuming I am
not Native because of my lighter skin, to strangers making insensitive comments about
Native people. These experiences can be hurtful and can make me feel like I don't belong in
certain spaces.

One particularly impactful experience was when I was in college and taking a Native
American Studies course. One of my classmates made a comment about how they didn't
understand why we were studying Native history, since "Native people don't really exist
anymore." This comment felt incredibly dismissive and erasing of my own identity and the
identities of all Native people. It also highlighted the ongoing issue of Native erasure and the
need for education and awareness about Native cultures and histories.

Microaggressions and everyday racism can also have a cumulative effect, leading to feelings
of isolation, anxiety, and depression. It's important for individuals to be aware of their own
biases and to actively work to educate themselves and challenge those biases. Additionally,
institutions and society as a whole need to work towards creating more inclusive and
equitable spaces for people of all backgrounds.

Overall, everyday racism can have a significant impact on individuals and communities. It's
important for us to recognize these experiences and work towards creating a more just and
equitable society for all.

3.
A. Reading the dramatic extract in Passage 2 gives the impression that the societal
attitude towards women is patriarchal and oppressive. The extract portrays a society where
women are expected to fulfill traditional gender roles and are not encouraged to pursue their
own dreams and aspirations. The resistance to these pressures is seen in the characters of
Emily and Mary, who both defy societal expectations by pursuing their own interests and
careers. Emily, despite being a wife and mother, has managed to revive her painting career
and is earning a good income through her work. Mary, on the other hand, has left home to
pursue her dream of becoming a musician, despite her father's objections.

The extract also highlights the gender inequality and double standards that exist in society.
While Ben, Mary's brother, is financially supported by their father to pursue his career as a
doctor, Mary is not given the same opportunities or support. This is evident when Ollivant
states that "men and women are different" and that there are "too few good wives for hard-
working, decent men who want a family". This statement implies that women are expected to
sacrifice their own aspirations and career goals for the sake of their husbands and families.

Overall, the extract portrays a society where women face societal pressures to conform to
traditional gender roles and are not encouraged to pursue their own interests and
aspirations. However, the resistance of characters like Emily and Mary suggests that women
are not passive victims of patriarchal oppression, but are capable of challenging and defying
societal expectations.

B. Research Journal:

As a young woman who left home to pursue my dream of becoming a musician, I faced
significant resistance from my father, who held traditional views on women's roles and
responsibilities. During a conversation with my father, he expressed his belief that men and
women are different, and that women should prioritize their duties as wives and mothers
over their own aspirations and careers.

My father's perspective highlights the gender inequality that exists in our society, where
women are expected to conform to traditional gender roles and are not encouraged to
pursue their own interests and careers. However, I believe that this view is outdated and
ignores the potential and talents of women.

My decision to pursue my career as a musician was not an easy one, as I faced financial
challenges and societal pressures to conform to traditional gender roles. However, I was
inspired by my mother, who despite facing similar challenges, managed to revive her
painting career and earn a good income through her work.

I believe that women should be given the same opportunities and support as men to pursue
their dreams and aspirations. While it may be difficult to balance career goals with family
responsibilities, it is not impossible. Women should be encouraged to pursue their passions
and talents, and not be held back by traditional gender roles and expectations.

In conclusion, I hope that my father and society as a whole will recognize the potential and
talents of women and support them in their pursuits. Women should not have to choose
between their aspirations and their duties as wives and mothers, but should be able to
balance both and achieve success in all areas of their lives.