A Collection of Poems by Japanese American Women by Violet Waite

Curation Statement

violetwaite19 — 2024-12-08 23:22:50 UTC

"Recipe" by Janice Mirikitani (1987)

violetwaite19 — 2024-12-08 23:23:05 UTC

Janice Mirikitani's poem "Recipe" depicts the self-image of Asian American women. The "Recipe" is for "round eyes" which is a Western associated feature. The "Recipe" includes ingredients and instructions to alter the shape of the eye, erasing the features that are apart of one's heritage. The way Janice Mirikitani uses a cooking scene to showcase beauty expectations hints that the beauty standards are "cooked up."

"The Dream of a Lacquer Box" by Kimiko Hahn (2012)

violetwaite19 — 2024-12-08 23:23:10 UTC

Poet Kimiko Hahn emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural identity in "The Dream of a Lacquer Box." The box represents the history of a family. Cultural artifacts are passed on through generations, a connection to cultural identity. The Lacquer box represents Japan as Lacquerware was once referred to as Japan. The contents of the box evoke senses of one's ancestry.

"To the Lady" by Mitsuye Yamada (1979)

violetwaite19 — 2024-12-08 23:23:17 UTC

"To the Lady" by Mitsuye Yamada addresses the oppression Japanese Americans faced during World War II. One of the most prominent events in Japanese American history are the internment camps. By the Executive Order 9066, Japanese Americans on the West were forcibly placed into internment camps. During this time period, people expected more of a resistance from the people being subjected to this law. This poem is a response to such criticisms. The poem gives perspective to others, portraying the fear Japanese Americans felt.

Reflection Question

violetwaite19 — 2024-12-08 23:23:40 UTC

What are some similarities between these poems and the author's backgrounds? What struggles of Japanese American women are depicted? How is resilience shown among these women?

"Portrait of lsako in Wartime" by Mia Ayumi Malhotra (2018)

violetwaite19 — 2024-12-09 01:29:18 UTC

Mia Ayumi Malhotra depicts the life of a woman during World War II in "Portrait of Isako in Wartime." Isako is a Japanese American who experiences a sense of displacement among people at a train station, none of whom that look like her. Everyone is staring at her like an outsider. Her thoughts are plagued with insecurity and fear, thinking through various scenarios that could happen. Isako has to stay strong despite such hostility surrounding her cultural identity.

"Sing With Your Body" by Janice Mirikitani (1987)

violetwaite19 — 2024-12-09 02:01:12 UTC

The short poem "Sing with Your Body" by Janice Mirikitani is dedicated to her daughter. The poem encourages individuals to stay true to themselves. Identity is something that should not be lost or altered to outside values or criticisms. In addition, cultural identity should be cherished by educating oneself of their ancestry.