Throughout the semester we were asked to write multiple pieces regarding the literature assigned. Though the style of the authors varied tremendously, key themes arose throughout that challenged my perception of American culture. As an American I had been aware that this name is not born out of monolithic values, power structures, or experiences but rather the culmination of many cultures. The books that we were assigned, as well as the supplementary writing projects, shed light on various other experiences had by those who share the title of “American.” Most prominently featured among our required readings was the theme of race and the role that played in cultural identity. The assignments provided the necessary impetus to critically reflect on the experiences of the characters and how that is a reflection of the real world. Among these assignments, the most helpful were the discussion posts as they allowed the class to enter into a dialogue regarding the texts.

The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao displayed the experiences of Dominican Americans, who are of course black, in terms of science fiction and fantasy. In my synthetic essay I explored how this use of sci-fi grants greater understanding to those outside of this set of experiences as to how the life of such an individual is. This allowed me to reflect in terms that were either familiar to me or easily obtainable through a google search rather than through abstract racial commentary that would be outside the realm of my understanding and experience as a white Anglo-Saxon protestant. This of course is the reason I found Paradise extremely difficult to read because it was hard for me to identify with the characters of that story in any emotional way, given that I had not shared any of their experiences nor found the language particularly compelling, and found myself reading it with a sort of intellectual detachment.

This synthetic essay allowed me to explore both the racial aspects of black immigrant life as well as the counterculture that is Science Fiction, but it was in the discussion posts that one could find dialogue between the students about the novels that provided me with the largest amount of benefit. With regards to understanding race and its relation to American identity, it is imperative that one look at the viewpoints of others, given that even the most open of minds fall short in regards to understanding the experiences of others. This is especially true of those outside your power class. The discussion posts fundamentally challenged my personal interpretation of the novels and allowed me to explore those interpretations borne out of the experiences of others. This proved especially helpful in understanding the books that I had little desire to read due to my inability to become invested in the plot and characters because when faced with not knowing how to perceive the scenes that had been assigned, I could lean on others in the class for alternate views.