Two Ways to Belong in America

"Two Ways to Belong in America"

In "Two Ways to Belong in America" by Bharati Mukherjee, the author compares herself to her sister because she embraces American culture, and her sister does not. In the article, both sisters moved to the United States from India looking for an education and job. Both sisters went to University and earned their degrees. Bharati married an American giving her an american citizenship while Mira married an Indian in which they both received green card. Both sisters have different views about American culture.

The author, Bharati Mukherjee embraces American Culture. She stated in the article "American spoke to me, I married it." Instead of keeping the Indian tradition, where her father chooses the groom, Bharati marry an American from Canada. From this, she obtained an American citizenship. She considers herself an American for the fact that she has been living in the United States for many years where she earned a Ph.D in Literature. She loves her American life and job.

Bharati's sister Mira does not embrace American culture. Even though Mira moved to Detroit from India to study child psychology and pre-school education, she still wanted to keep her culture of Indianness and marry an Indian Man. In the article Bharati states " she [Mira] clings passionately to her India citizenship and hopes to go home to India when she retires." Mira was happy receiving a green card for the fact that she can travel the world and still come back to a job.

In conclusion, many people come to american for a better living for themselves and family, but with this comes change. Change in clothing, culture and language. Bharati and Mira embraces the American culture in different ways. Mira is happier being an "alien" and keeping her Indian tradition and citizenship. As in Bharati, who feels the need to be part of the community, is willing to let go of her Indian citizenship and tradition.