Discussion Leading

Trinh T. Minh-ha

"Not You/Like You: Postcolonial Women and the Interlocking Questions of Identity and Difference"

1. On page 929, Minh-ha says "The further one moves away from the core the less likely one is thought to be capable of fulfilling ones role as the real self, the Black, Indian or Asian, the real woman." 

When we read this, we recognized that people are born into this world immediately assigned an identity based on their physical qualities (gender, and ethnicity). Do you agree? 

And throughout years of growing up, people find other aspects in their life to define their identity even more. Do you think the "moving away form the core," lessens ones original identity, or just contributes more to that person?

2. On page 930, Minh-ha states that the "clearcut divisions," between masculine and feminine are "no longer satisfactory to the critical mind." In other words, the stereotypical divider is becoming fuzzy. What are some specific example in which genders cross that "line," that you've experienced? And are any of those examples too extreme? 

3. A veil's original purpose is to represent the virginity of the bride. By taking it off, it shows that a woman is not only ready to give herself physically, but emotionally as well. In the modern world today, many weddings do not have those same traditional values when referring to the veil. So, for example if someone, 1. isn't a virgin and 2. is already emotionally connected with their partner, then what do you think the veil's importance is today? 

4. On page 931, Minh-ha mentions a "master" who is also referred to as "him" and the "conceited giver," who do you think that represents and why? 

5. Throughout the entire piece, Minh-ha relates identity to film making. Because she is an Asian filmmaker, do you think she focuses on identity struggle? And if yes, do you think that is mostly because of her ethnicity?