"Simple Recipes"

Book Review # 104457

English > Analysis
Literature > Canadian

"Simple Recipes"

A critical analysis of Madeleine Thein's "Simple Recipes", using a secondary source.

838 words () | 2 sources | MLA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper briefly discusses Madeleine Thein's "Simple Recipes" and looks at the intra-family squabble that develops in the story because of stereotyping. More specifically, the paper looks at how the son in, "Simple Recipes", harbors a very negative impression of Malaysian culture in contrast to the father in the story who is proud of his Malaysian background. The paper points out that, in the story, the father and a son activate in one another conflicting stereotypes that culminate in the latter being harshly disciplined by the former. The paper suggests that this is a good example of how stereotypes can blind even loved ones to the realities experienced by each other; moreover, it also demonstrates the plight of many new immigrants arriving in Canada and striving to carve out for themselves a new life.

From the Paper:

"Simply stated, when stereotype activation can frustrate goal achievement - be it comprehension goals, self-enhancement goals, and the motivation to avoid prejudice - people will suppress any desire to activate stereotypes/generalizations. Going further, goal intensity is influenced by situational factors. For instance, self-enhancement goals can be intensified by failure and/or reduced by a particular self-affirming experience. As well, comprehension goals can be strengthened by surprise or weakened by time pressure"

Sample of Sources Used:

Kunda, Ziva, and Steven J. Spencer. "When Do Stereotypes Come to Mind and When Do They Color Judgment? A Goal-Based Theoretical Framework for Stereotype Activation and Application." Psychological Bulletin, 129.4 (2003): 522-544.
Thein, Madeleine. Simple Recipes: Stories by Madeleine Thein. Mostlyfiction.com. 2007. Mostlyfiction.com. 6 Jun. 2007 <http://www.mostlyfiction.com/excerpts/simplerecipes.htm