Jasmine's Choice

As a half Mexican, half Irish, American, cultural Identity is a concept that has never came clearly to me.  I could identify myself as a second generation American, but what does this really mean?  Does it mean that I am more privileged then my parents were because of the advantages they have worked hard to give me? Does it mean that I am less privileged than my friends whose grandparents were all born in the United States? I wouldn’t think so. My parents worked hard to give me the opportunities that I have, and I don’t think that this has been dependent on when their ancestors migrated here. I think the term “American” can mean many different things, and to me its clear that it doesn’t depend on how long you have been here, but what you have made of it.  

In the novel Jasmine, by Bharati Mukherjee, Jasmine seems to be on a quest to discover her own cultural identity because she wants to reinvent herself and create a new life.  I think a way Jasmine wants to rebel against the ways of her ancestors.  I believe as a character, Jasmine does not like the feeling of stability and predictability.  This is shown numerous times throughout the novel.  In the opening of the book, she rebels against the astrologer who tried to tell her what her future held.  Then as the book closes, she tells the astrologer to “Watch me reposition the stars…” (pg. 240).  This shows that she still doesn’t want her fate to be decided for her, she wants to be in control of her own destiny.  I think this concept of self-empowerment is what Jasmine feels it is to be an American, and I couldn’t agree more. 

I love the concept of making yourself, making your own destiny, and shaping your own life.  I think that as Americans, we are very used to this freedom, and take it for granted.  However in other countries, this is not always the case, and I think we often forget this.  

Jasmine meets many people throughout her travels, and I believe all of them have some impact in one way or the other.  I believe the most influential character that she meets is Taylor.  I think Taylor represents the unpredictability and randomness in life that she craves so much.  I believe that it is because of this that she chooses to leave with Taylor instead of staying with her would be husband bud.  It is clear that this is more complicated then which man she wants to be with more by the quote, “I am not choosing between men.  I am caught between the promise of America and old-world dutifulness.” (pg. 240).  This shows how torn Jasmine is between these two paths, but in the end, she chooses to go with Taylor and choose her own path in life.