Transcript 1.6 two perspectives on cultural identity

1.6 TWO PERSPECTIVES ON
CULTURAL IDENTITY
LEARNING TARGETS
Analyze a particular point of view regarding a cultural experience expressed in
literature and art
Compare and contrast the representation of a subject in different media
BEFORE WE READ
While we watch this clip about Frida Kahlo, take notes on any details that may help
you understand her life, art, and cultural identity.
WE WILL USE THESE NOTES AGAIN!
The Life and Times of Frida
HONESTLY FRIDA
As we read the biography of Frida Kahlo, mark the text, focusing on the details
emphasized that help you understand Kahlo’s life, art, and cultural identity.
Discussion Group: What did you learn about Frida Kahlo’s life, art, and cultural
identity? What details are emphasized in each text to support your interpretation of
this artist and how she depicts her cultural identity in her work? Find textual evidence!
You have 4 minutes…GO!
FRIDA KAHLO'S
SELF-PORTRAIT ON THE BORDERLINE BETWEEN MEXICO AND THE
UNITED STATES
Use the OPTIC graphic organizer on page 30 to
analyze this painting.
Overview
Parts
Title
Inter-relationships
Conclusion
FRIDA KAHLO'S
SELF-PORTRAIT ON THE BORDERLINE BETWEEN MEXICO AND THE
UNITED STATES
Page 31
5. How did the information about the
artist’s life help you to understand the
artwork?
6. What is the conflict presented in
the artwork? Provide examples.
7. How does the painting represent
Kahlo’s cultural identity. Provide
examples from the text.
“LEGAL ALIEN” BY PAT MORA
Read the “About the Author” section on page 32.
On page 31, answer questions 8 and 9.
“LEGAL ALIEN” BY PAT MORA
Every writer has a unique voice. You have learned that “voice” is the distinctive use of
a writer’s language, achieved through diction and syntax, to convey a personality.
We will read the poem several times and mark the text to examine conflict, voice,
and cultural identity emphasized in the text.
First, read the poem silently to yourselves.
 Does this poem seem to be more about internal or external conflict?
Now, I will read the poem aloud while you are still looking for conflict, voice, and
cultural identity emphasized in the text.
KEY IDEAS AND DETAILS
Juxtaposition is the arrangement of two or more things for the purpose of comparison.
Identify places where Mora juxtaposes two contrasting views, situations, or actions. How does
she use this technique throughout the poem to create a sense of the speaker’s conflict with
others—or her conflicted sense of self?
 The use of the prefix “Bi” beginning the poem shows the poet’s sense of being in two worlds. She juxtaposes her
perception of being viewed as “exotic” but “inferior” at the same time.
 Another juxtaposition starts with the title. She is legal but feels alien (outcast).
How does Pat Mora represent her cultural identity in the poem?
 Although she is legally a citizen, Mora feels like an alien as she is constantly singled out for her roots. To the
Mexican people also, she portrays her feeling of being far removed from their culture. She is torn between two
worlds defined here by language, occupation, and ethnicity.
AFTER READING
Discussion Groups: Create a diagram to synthesize information about the art and
the poem as you answer these questions:
What is emphasized in the art?
What is emphasized in the poem?
What ideas and images are present in the poem but absent from the art?
What ideas and images are present in the art but absent from the poem?
INDIVIDUAL WORK
#13 on Page 33
Choose a common subject from Kahlo’s painting and Mora’s poem. Compare and
contrast the ideas presented on that subject in the artwork and the poem. What is
similar and what is different? How does each person—artist and author—treat the
subject?