Ray’s Reading Response

 

In the book Light in the Dark, Anzaldúa reflects on her own experiences as a Chicana, queerness, and feminist, and how these intersecting identities have shaped her perspective and understanding of the world. She uses the concept of nepantla, which “indicates liminal space where transformation can occur. It occurs during the many transitional stages of life and can describe issues and concerns related to identity, aesthetics, epistemology, and /or ontology” (p. 35). In China, we also have a similar word connecting to this word中庸 (Zhōng Yōng) means to treat people and things in a neutral and peaceful manner and to make the best use of the time, the things, and the place.  It refers to the moral standard of Confucianism, which has been followed and respected by Confucianists throughout the ages. The theoretical root of Confucianism originates from human nature. Throughout the book, Anzaldua emphasizes the fluidity and multifaceted nature of identity. She believes identity is not static but constantly evolving due to various factors such as experiences, environment, and introspection.

 

The poem Healing Wound illustrates Anzaldúa’s deeply personal journey of healing, trauma, and self-discovery. Each sentence is perfect to express the wound. “to repair there must be damage, for light there must be darkness” Let me think about the Chinese term “Yin & Yang” describing opposite but interconnected, mutually perpetuating forces. The wound is transformed into healing. For human beings, life will not be complete if they do not experience something. For example, if a child does not tumble, he will not notice next time, which is a small wound that he will have the memory for. By contrast, if people are always alright all the time from childhood, they will not mature as they can. I do not express that people should or must experience wounds, but when they experience wounds, they can notice that and heal it. And trust themselves, it will be alright.