Arvin Smith: Week 1 Analysis

  As a person born into an Indo-Canadian household with a father who would be identified as ethno-racially "Canadian White" and a mother who would be designated as "Islander Indian", I have an interesting family background and I cannot help but establish that my ethnic identity is very important to me because it has kept me separate from being pure Canadian or being pure Indian.... instead I take virtues and cultural values from each of my parental sets.
  My first poem's purpose takes Calvin and Hobbes and invokes a sense of being "mixed" by giving Hobbes the attribute of being a Liger, a breed between a lion and a tiger.  The poem leaves open the possibility of being accepted between ethnicity as this is more determined by HOW exactly he behaves, looks and interacts and I leave this open for discretion and imagination.  This poem isn't meant to discuss per say the prevalent judgments discussed in dis-identification but to challenge the mind to think of the ways in which two people considered "mixed" can come together and have common thought and experience and become quick friends.
  My second poem discusses an interesting part of Indian culture in particular, that can differ from the average Canadian household.  A huge importance is put on sibling relationships, to the degree where they are considered SACRED.  Every august, on a particular date, my little sister ties a knot on my wrist to represent the bond we share and the unconditional love that we have for each other, me being the older brother as a protector and her promise of basically always being there to help me when I am in dire need.  My poem itself incorporates these instances and explains how while Hobbes and I may argue all the time, we are brothers and we will always love each other.  Also, due to our upbringing in an Indo-Canadian household we follow some of the Indian values including this extreme sacred bond of brotherhood, where there is NO animosity in the end, REGARDLESS.
  My third poem stems from the first and incorporates cousins into the mix.  Cousins in Indian culture are considered to be alike brothers, NO different.  Whenever, my cousins come over, we play monopoly.  Similarly, Calvin and Hobbes love to play games with each other, especially board games and cards.  Hence, to highlight the great competition siblings can have with the unconditional love that always persists I wrote this short poem.