Trauma in The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead Essay Sample

As one begins to live through life, lessons tend to be learned. It is from these lessons that perspectives on various topics in the world change. At times these perspectives can change based on traumatic experiences, however, it can also be affected by how one was raised in society. Trauma and societal experiences can shape one’s identity as perspectives and beliefs of the world and themselves change over time from what one has learned. 

When one goes through a traumatic experience, . As trauma is a big topic in Colson Whitehead’s The Underground Railroad, the main character, Cora, presents the results of trauma. Cora being a slave on a plantation in Georgia meant there were many opportunities for beatings from owners. Later on, when Cora is at a time trying to feel intimate with Royal, Cora couldn’t since she had gone through many “hurts” and bad traumatic experiences with her mother who “left her to the inconstant mercy of the world” by herself on the plantation. Cora leaves graduated marks on the present day as well when other ethnicities such as Asians grow to explore their own identity based on societal expectations. When Malala had been a little girl, Her father raised her to never be unknown to the unknown to her culture and gender. Through a very Sexistsociety and childhood, all the women were to be known as housewives and nothing more. Malala’s father defied that and taught Malala that Malala could be anything the mind is focused on being. Malala learned and soon became an amazing activist and person. Malala turned the communities around and created a profound education system. 

With experiences unplanned outcomes as well. For many years Russia and  Ukraine have been on edge about  Ukraine’s freedom and if the country is Independent or not. As seen by Russia’s actions, Russia disagrees which leads to big debates led by many countries on both sides of the war. Both countries can lead with great perspectives deciding whether or not another war can result from it. As well other countries like China and U.S. go through identity crises. Many Chinese-Americans receive great amounts of discrimination competing for one of the two countries. It leaves each person ridiculed for which country deserves the right of the person to be competing for. Chinese-Americans now deal with the idea of not knowing which country to reside in and how to show their allegiance.