Answer:
I got a 95 with this! Make sure you add your own words :)
There are many differences and similarities between Okita's poem and Cisnero's short story. Both authors develop theme differently, but they contain many common parts. Cisneros's and Okita's stories show that America is made up of many cultures on its own. This also expresses the idea that culture is determined by who you are as a person. Culture can incorporate many things such as clothing, food, religion/beliefs, language, and traditions. Okita's poem notes her strong feelings towards an American identity, whereas Cisnero's short story often relates to her ties with her Mexican family.
Okita also uses a tomato - a food that is extremely common in America - in order to shed light on the American identity of the speaker. Cisneros uses language to highlight the American identity of her characters, using English for them. Both authors show similar themes, but they develop them differently by using plenty of comparisons to everyday things that give a nod towards an American identity.
Both authors show a great deal of emotion towards their current locations and what others think of their identities. The speaker in Okita's poem is very bleak, they are not happy with moving nor having an American identity. While Cisnero illustrates her character longing to return to America.
With this, Okita shows how the speaker interprets their own cultural identity and how others identify them. She uses an anecdote to convey her theme, whereas Cisnero develops an entire story around her character wanting to leave for America and return once more, longing for an American identity.
"Mericans" and "Response to Executive Order 9066" both illustrate that American identity is not determined by cultural heritage and physical appearances but rather feelings and your own thoughts about who you are. America holds many cultural backgrounds in the population, creating a diverse and lively place to express your own ideals and beliefs.
