By Atu Esserk
People from another culture, who live in my house now, observe me all day long. They check out my every move, discuss it, and judge slowly and carefully. Every night, they conclude that my life is completely strange and all wrong: the way I use a fork to eat, how I wipe my mouth with a napkin after meals, why I own twenty pairs of shoes. My white skin is in fact pink, and why do I have to show my shoulders and my knees? I am Exhibit A: European woman who smiles too much and looks directly in one’s eye.
I like the theme of this story, but am confused. If other people live in the narrator’s house, are they house guests, boarders, other family members. Might want to clarify just what is going on here. Otherwise the story is interesting and well written.
Bob, thank you very much for taking the time to leave a comment. As to the point you mention about the identity of “the other people”. I left it open on purpose, because I think “othering” is applicable in any social context. Best wishes! Atu
At, well done. I like the ambiguity of the EW. Her house may be her country, or the country she now calls home. Then the reader can flip it and she that the EW could be any woman in any country, where some might think she doen’t fit. Or since it is all from her perspective, maybe she only feels she is being judged because she feels out of place. A lot to think about, Atu. Good job. – Jack
Jack, thank you for your kind comment. It is highly appreciated. I am glad my short piece of writing this raised some issues for further thought. Best wishes! Atu