Notes on "A Different Mirror" by Ronald Takaki

Thesis Statement

• Ronald Takaki's A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America explores American history from the perspectives of minority groups.
• Emphasizes that America is built from multiple minorities and cannot be defined solely by a white historical perspective.

Chapter 1: Personal Anecdotes and Historical Context

• Takaki shares a personal experience where a taxi driver questions his origins despite being born in America.
• This highlights the common experience of being questioned about race, even in higher education settings.
• Takaki asserts that U.S. history is largely told from a white perspective, excluding minorities who are foundational to the nation.

Key Minority Groups Discussed:

1. African Americans

   • Historically dehumanized as property until the Civil War.
   • Endured systemic abuse and scorn.

2. Asian Americans

   • Projected to be 10% of the U.S. population by 2050.
   • Historically viewed as "heathen" and "unassimilable" by White America.

3. Irish Americans

   • Arrived as indentured servants and fought for social mobility.
   • Eventually gained influence in political positions.

4. Jewish Americans

   • Viewed America as a Promised Land during the rise of Hitler.
   • Faced anti-Semitism, undermining their hopes for salvation.

5. Mexican Americans

   • Close proximity helps maintain language and cultural identity.
   • Many still migrate northward due to poverty and employment opportunities.

6. Native Americans

   • Oppression is unique as they were the original inhabitants, not immigrants.
   • Experienced colonization and loss of land despite initial hospitality to settlers.

Chapter 2: Removal of Native Americans

• Discusses the gradual removal of Native Americans, including prophecies from tribal leaders warning of the Europeans' arrival.
• The narrative of The Tempest is used as an analogy for the Irish and Native Americans facing English imperialism.
  • Caliban’s character represents both groups as being viewed as "savages" by Europeans.
• Captured Native American children were often taken to be "civilized" by Europeans.
• Diseases introduced by Europeans devastated Native populations.

Key Examples:

• William Bradford's Diary (1620)

  • Chronicled the suffering of Native Americans from diseases.

• Captain John Smith

  • Expressed distrust towards Native Americans in his interactions.

Chapter 3: African American Experience

• The chapter covers the kidnapping and enslavement of Africans, who built America through forced labor.
• Africans were treated worse than white slaves due to their darker complexion, leading to a system of chattel slavery.

Key Figures and Events:

• Nathaniel Bacon and the Bacon's Rebellion:

  • Led a revolt against tyranny for freedom, which ultimately failed.

• Thomas Jefferson:

  • Indecisive about slavery; owned slaves to pay off debts.
  • Hypocritical stance on abolition while maintaining ownership of slaves.
  • Alleged relationship with Sally Hemmings, who bore six of his children.

• Eli Whitney's Cotton Gin (1793):

  • Made slavery more profitable, delaying abolition efforts.

Conclusion

• Ronald Takaki highlights the importance of understanding American history through the eyes of minorities: Native Americans and Africans.

Discussion Questions:

1. Who do you think Caliban is more like: the Natives or African Americans?
2. How did separate tribes have the same prophecy about European conquest?
3. Is history mainly taught from a white perspective or is it more inclusive?
4. Have teaching methods changed to be more inclusive? If so, how?