Memories Of Childhood

Zitkala-Sa struggled to adapt to the regimented and unfamiliar customs at the boarding school, including the strict rules for eating, which clashed with her cultural background and personal freedom. ‘Eating by formula’ refers to the strict table manners and rules imposed on Zitkala-Sa at the boarding school, contrasting with her free and natural way of life.

"Memories of Childhood" by Zitkala-Sa and Bama explores the authors' experiences as members of marginalized communities. Zitkala-Sa reflects on her childhood in an Indian reservation, where she faced the conflict of being torn between her native culture and the mainstream, Western culture imposed upon her. She recalls the emotional pain of being stripped of her identity and forced into a new way of life, which symbolized the broader colonial impact. Similarly, Bama’s autobiographical account reveals the struggles of growing up in a lower-caste community in India. She reflects on the social discrimination and prejudice she faced but also draws strength from her roots. Both authors highlight the challenges of reconciling personal identity with the expectations of the mainstream culture, illustrating the impact of caste, race, and cultural domination on their lives.

In Memories of Childhood, both Zitkala-Sa and Bama narrate incidents from their early lives that expose the deep-rooted social prejudices they faced—Zitkala-Sa due to her Native American identity and Bama because of her Dalit background. Their stories highlight how societal norms marginalised certain groups, leading to alienation and emotional trauma. Zitkala-Sa recounts her experience at a missionary school where her Native culture is suppressed. She is forcibly made to wear Western clothes and have her long hair cut—a significant violation of her tribal identity. The incident leaves her humiliated and powerless. Her resistance to this cultural erasure becomes symbolic of her inner strength. This reflects how dominant cultures often silenced indigenous voices under the guise of ‘civilisation’. Similarly, Bama, a young Dalit girl, discovers caste discrimination when she sees an elderly man carrying food for an upper-caste landlord with a leaf to avoid ‘polluting’ it. She feels deeply insulted by this display of untouchability. Her brother advises her to study hard to gain respect and equality. The trauma lies in the realisation that her identity limits her opportunities—not due to personal fault, but because of systemic social hierarchies. Both authors portray their experiences with honesty and courage. While Zitkala-Sa faces racial discrimination in America, Bama confronts caste-based injustice in India. Despite the cultural differences, their stories echo the universal pain of being treated as inferior. Their narratives are acts of resistance, affirming the importance of dignity, identity, and education.

Zitkala-Sa reacted with resistance, fear, and emotional trauma to the cultural impositions forced upon her at the boarding school. As a Native American child, she was brought to a missionary school where her cultural identity was systematically stripped away. One of the most traumatic experiences she recounts is the forcible cutting of her long hair—a sacred symbol of pride and dignity in her culture. Despite being just a child, Zitkala-Sa showed great courage and defiance. She tried to hide under a bed to escape the haircut, symbolising her desperate attempt to preserve her cultural identity. The fact that she was physically dragged out and shorn reflects the cruelty and insensitivity of the institution. Her reaction was not just one of personal fear but also of symbolic resistance against colonial domination. The imposed dress code, unfamiliar food, new language, and suppression of her traditions left her feeling dehumanised and alienated. The loss of her hair became a metaphor for the loss of self. Zitkala-Sa’s narrative powerfully highlights the deep psychological scars left by forced assimilation. Her emotional response—shock, anger, humiliation—shows the internal conflict she endured as she was torn away from her roots. Yet, her vivid recollection and voice in writing reflect resilience and the undying spirit of preserving one’s identity even in oppressive conditions.

Zitkala-Sa felt shocked, helpless, and humiliated when she realized her hair was going to be cut. As a Native American, she considered long hair a symbol of her cultural pride and identity. Despite resisting, she was forcibly restrained. The incident left a deep emotional scar and reflected the oppressive practices of the boarding school system.