The Girl Who Smiled Beads By Clemantine Wamariyareview

The Girl Who Smiled Beadsby Clemantine Wamariyareview The Topic Below

The Girl Who Smiled Beads by Clemantine Wamariya Review the topic below. 1. Clemantine has difficulty assimilating into the United States. Discuss why you think she struggles with this? Support your analysis with examples from the book. This paper will include: a. Introduction paragraph that includes a thesis sentence where you state your position on the topic b. Body paragraphs that support your thesis by: 1) following the 5 steps for developing a body paragraph; 2) including examples from the book to support your analysis. *When using material from The Girl Who Smiled Beads be sure to cite the information properly. You will use MLA citation format as shown in The Little Seagull Handbook . c. At least 2 direct quotes from the book that are cited using MLA format and properly incorporated into the paper d . Conclusion paragraph that wraps up your discussion and leaves the reader with something to think about e. A Works Cited page following MLA format for book The Girl Who Smiled Beads

Paper For Above instruction

Clemantine Wamariya's memoir, The Girl Who Smiled Beads, vividly portrays her struggle to assimilate into American society after experiencing the brutal realities of war in Rwanda and her subsequent refugee journey. Her difficulties in adapting to life in the United States stem from profound cultural differences, unresolved trauma, and the loss of her sense of identity, which collectively hinder her integration process. This essay argues that Clemantine's struggles are deeply rooted in her traumatic past and cultural dissonance, making her adjustment to American life exceptionally challenging.

Firstly, Clemantine’s trauma profoundly impacts her ability to assimilate. Having endured unimaginable violence during the Rwandan genocide, she carries psychological scars that make it difficult to trust or connect with others in her new environment. For instance, Wamariya describes her feelings of perpetual fear and suspicion, stating, “I was haunted by ghosts of my past, unable to let go of the memories that threatened to consume me” (Wamariya 76). This trauma manifests as emotional barriers that hinder her ability to form meaningful relationships, an essential component of cultural integration. Her psychological wounds serve as internal obstacles that separate her from her peers and the broader American society.

Secondly, cultural dissonance plays a significant role in her struggle. Upon arrival in the United States, Clemantine encounters a vastly different cultural landscape—one characterized by individualism, fast-paced lifestyles, and unfamiliar social norms. She often feels alienated, as her behaviors and perspectives rooted in her African upbringing are misunderstood or dismissed. For example, she reflects, “In Rwanda, community was everything. Here, everyone was so individualistic, and I didn’t know how to navigate this new world” (Wamariya 102). This cultural gap makes it difficult for her to find her place within American society, leading to feelings of disconnection and frustration.

Third, her loss of identity due to the upheaval of her childhood further complicates her assimilation. The constant displacement eroded her sense of self, leaving her feeling fragmented. She mentions, “I was a ghost of my former self, lost in a sea of unfamiliar faces and new languages” (Wamariya 89). Her struggle to reclaim her identity amidst the chaos makes it harder to adapt to her new environment, as she grapples with questions of belonging and self-understanding. This identity crisis underscores her difficulty in embracing American culture and forming a cohesive sense of self.

In conclusion, Clemantine Wamariya’s challenges in assimilating into American society are deeply intertwined with her traumatic past, cultural dissonance, and fractured identity. Her narrative illustrates that adaptation is not merely about language or customs but also involves healing psychological wounds and rediscovering one’s sense of self. Understanding her story fosters empathy for refugees who face similar hurdles, emphasizing the importance of culturally sensitive support systems to aid their integration into new societies.

Works Cited

• Wamariya, Clemantine. The Girl Who Smiled Beads: A Story of War and What Comes After. HarperCollins, 2018.