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Analysis Of ' Snow Falling On Cedars ' By Carol Geddes

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According to Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, there are five levels an individual must fulfill in order to achieve their maximum potential: physiological needs, safety needs, a sense of belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. In order to move on to the next level, the current one must be satisfied. Physiological and safety needs are ideal in terms of survival; however, the subsequent levels depend on a factor that many try to achieve in their lifetime - feeling a sense of belonging. But what happens if society is not welcoming? Feeling powerless, despair, and even alienated may follow, especially if there is a discrepancy between the people. Alienation can be narrowed down to the stereotyping of one 's culture, isolating them due to the discrimination that is present amongst their society. In Guterson 's novel Snow Falling on Cedars, Carol Geddes’ essay “Growing Up Native,” and modern society, this poor treatment can result in a division between the ethnic groups, causing a strong dislike for one another, and eventually negatively affecting the mental state of the individual. Although these groups of people were still content with their lives, being isolated will affect their reputation, and ultimately society’s view on them. Being a member of the Japanese community in a white dominant society, Kabuo Miyamoto - the accused on trial for the murder of a white man - seems to have no chance at being found innocent. This is due to the power imbalance between the two

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