Where Would The Article 'No News from Auschwitz' by Rosenthal Belong?

The article ‘No News from Auschwitz’ by Rosenthal was an inspiring and touching story; I believe that this article would have been in the middle of the New York Times newspaper. Since this article is about the past event that occurred, it would not be in the front, unless something huge or eventful just happened. Although I do not read newspapers on a daily basis, I do occasionally look at them time to time. I realized that the most important news that happened throughout the week is always on the first page. Towards the back would be open job listings and the topics that do not really connect or have anything interesting to read to the readers out there. I believe that the article was written to help remember how terrible the holocaust was and how people should not look at it so lightly. ‘No News from Auschwitz’ was also to help the readers realize that there was such a place that existed in this world. It might have also been written to show some sense of reality to the ones who are ignorant to the events that happened. New York Times would have most likely put this article somewhere in the middle of the newspaper. It is not as important as the top news that is occurring at the time, but it is also not pointless or ineffective to the readers. But, just because the article is in the middle, does not mean it is unimportant. Newspapers only include stories that can relate to the readers or remind them of an event that should not be forgotten. For example, every year, since year 2001, on September 9 there is an article about 9-11 to respect the ones who lost there loved ones. This is why I believe that ‘No News from Auschwitz’ should belong in the middle of the New York Times newspaper.

A Collage of My Words

The Authors Tone Differences

Langston Hughes and Malcolm X both view their position in the white and black status differently.  In the poem, “Theme for English B”, Hughes has optimism tone in his words. Although he understands that black people do not fit in the ranking for white people, he believes they are equal in some ways. For instance, near the end of the poem he tells his professor that they are both a part of each other. Although the professor might not want to be a part of him, but because of the assignment he assigned, they are. Langston Hughes starts off putting himself in a low position because of his color. But as the story goes on, he starts to slowly show that he is proud for who he is. That although he may be a minority in the city he lives in- he can be equal to the whites as well. He states that black people and white people can all learn from each other, although they are  “somewhat more free”.  Unlike Langston Hughes, Malcolm X had a different perspective and viewed himself lower than he actually was. His tone in his voice is pessimistic and tried to change his self image in the beginning. His negativity towards his race leads him to going through pain to change himself and make himself look more “white”.  Going through pain finally made Malcolm X realize that white people were not superior towards black people. As he says in his memoir, changing his hair color was self-degradation to himself and his race as well. His tone in his writing, lead him to believe that burning his scalp and going through pain will help him feel as if he was a little bit closer to the ranking of white people. But, in the end he regrets his actions and also starts to believe that black people should not be inferior to the Caucasians. The author’s tone of voice leads both of them to what they say or do.

Accepting Who You Are

In the two memoirs, Malcolm X and Langston Hughes, both feel degraded by their own race. They were both born and raised in a white populated community. Both knowing that they do not belong and that they are not equal to the whites. But, they handle the situations in a different manner. Malcolm X did not believe that Caucasian and African American people could be together, or treated equal. He always believed that the White people had the priority and that they were above his own race. This is what had led him into the decision of changing his own appearance to become like the “white” people. He went through pain and suffering to bleach his hair so that it looked like a white man’s hair color. Despite the fact that he had different color hair, it did not change the fact that no matter what he did, he would still be African American. In the end, Malcolm X regretted his actions and realized that there nothing wrong with his looks in the first place. On the other hand, Langston Hughes had different perspectives. He had a more passive approach and tried to think of everything in an optimistic matter. He believed that both “White” and “Black” people could learn from each other. In the poem, Hughes lists the things he likes because he tried to show that he is not pessimistic about his life. He was also expressing individuality and commonality with the instructor and the others. Unlike Malcolm X, Hughes accepted himself for who he was. He did not try to change his appearance to “fit in” nor did he try to act a different way to socialize with the white people. Aside from all the differences, they also had similar ways of thinking. They both were uncomfortable with the color of their skin. This was because they lived in white community. Which led them to being uncomfortable with adaption and change. This all leads to accepting who you are and no matter what, you should never look down on yourself. 

Why Did Amy Tan Title Her Memoir Fish Cheeks?

Amy Tan titles her memoir Fish Cheeks because it signifies her culture and herself as well. During the Christmas dinner with Robert and his father, Amy Tan’s dad plucks out the eyeballs and the fish cheek and puts it on her plate. This was the first time she felt embarrassed of her culture. Fish cheeks were the reason why her memoir was created. That is why fish cheeks are so important to this memoir. Without it, she would not have realized her respect for her own culture and family. It played a big role in this story; it helped her realize that she should not be ashamed of her culture and her own favorite food just for a guy she has interest in. It gave her pride and respect. Every culture has their own different types of food that signifies them as well. For instance, Korea is known for their kimchi. The title, Fish Cheeks, also signifies the Chinese culture as well. It also exhibits the unification of two cultures. It combined Western with Asian, showing that two cultures can learn from each other. For example, the pastor probably learned that it was polite to belch loudly after a meal, which showed that you were satisfied for the cooking. This once again ties back to the question: Why did Amy Tan title her memoir Fish Cheeks? Although she could have titled it differently, she chose Fish Cheeks because her culture has their own unique types of food and in order to represent it, she puts it as a title. It was also a clever way to do so, because it makes the readers curious. Why did she title it Fish Cheeks? Not only was it just a title, but a way to help others gain knowledge of her culture as well. 

With or Against?

The title of the memoir, By Any Other Name gives away the fact that the author does not agree with dual personalities. The author clearly points out that she is against the dual personality with the title. As she goes on telling her story, she lists out all the negatives that can happen when you are not yourself. Her real name is Santha, but because the teacher believes it is too hard to pronounce, she calls her Cynthia instead. From the beginning, she doesn’t like the sound or the thought of that name. It must have been very awkward for her. Not only was she a new student, but she was also new to the whole idea of a school. By the time she arrives to school, she leaves her other half at home and brings, “Cynthia” instead. The fact that she cannot be herself at age five, shows that she is a lost, young, little girl. Dual personalities will never let you be your own true self, but hide inside a shell until it is broken. Santha’s shell was broken when her sister barged into her classroom and made her come out of the class. I would have to say that that was the best thing her sister could have ever done for her. If Santha was in that school for any longer, she would have eventually forgotten her true identity of being herself. Cynthia was a totally different person compared to Santha. Santha was hyper, energetic, social, and loved learning from her mother. But, on the other hand, Cynthia was quite, shy, and didn’t like the teachings from the school. Even now, she reflects on the past and realizes that she should always be herself no matter what or who tries to change it. My thoughts on this opinion conclude to the reason why I believe the author was against dual personalities.