It's prejudice's fault. Everything boils down to prejudice in Obasan. That's why Naomi loses her house, is sent to Slocan, toils in Granton, and overall has a pretty lame childhood. Throughout the novel it appears like an overwhelming irrational force. It's everywhere, and no one can do anything about it. Aunt Emily tries to fight back against prejudice, but it doesn't seem that she's doing so well. How do you fight back against a giant faceless monster?
Questions About Prejudice
- Why do you think white Canadians display so much animosity towards Japanese Canadians in Obasan? What was the Western perception of Japan at the time? How much of this perception was based in fact?
- How does Mrs. Barker show her prejudice? What about Mr. Barker? Do you think they mean to be offensive? Does that change whether or not they are offensive?
- How does Aunt Emily deal with prejudice? What about Naomi? Is one position better than the other? Why or why not?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
After World War II there is no more prejudice in Obasan's Canada.
The prejudice displayed in Obasan is completely irrational.