As we discussed in class, the element of Power in the novel Power, is essential to the core of the story. The story explores power in its many forms and assesses its hold over a community and individuals. But what I found so fascinating about this novel was the types of power, or rather the things that were powerful, present in the book. Coming from a culture/community/society thta greatly differs from the Taiga tribe, it is interesting to learn what other people view as powerful. For example, the power of the Oni, or the wind, is very abstract. That an intangible element could provide a source if greatly respect, is fascinating to see. As is written in the book the wind is referred to as, "the spirit, the breath" (4). The concept of a powerful source such as wind to me gives a sense of awe, because wind is everywhere, as we discussed. I really found this to be an interesting topic to touch on because there is nothing like it in my own experiences. Similarly, the idea of the panther as an idylic being reminds me of nothing in my own personal experiences. I have often been surrounded by people who put faith and respect in inanimate objects, and in the book there is much power placed in living things. It is ineteresting to see the contrast between the two forms of respect that are paid to symbolic beings/objects.
This leads to the interesting dichotomy of two different forms of power that meet in the novel. As we discussed in class, American beliefs and tactics contrasted with that of the Taiga. It had not often occured to me that other cultures within the United States, that culturally abide by different laws, legally have to abide by the United States legal system. Obviously this would cause a distinct clash among cultrues. Dealing with this is clearly a difficult and controversial topic. After our discussion in class I was truly perplexed by the complicated situation proposed by the contrasting dynamics present in the two cultures. I began to sympathize with the many positions of the characters in the novel, especially that of Omishto trying to find her way.
The case of Ama and her 'crime' is not unique or unusual. In the United states there are many cases like this; cases in which cultural beliefs clash with American government laws and standards. Below is a link to an article concerning a 2008 case in which a young Native American boy was disciplined for violating dress code by having long hair at school. But his long hair is due to religious beliefs and it would offend said beliefs to cut his hair. Although this case certainly differs from the one presented by Ama in many ways, i thought it may provide a good example of how such culture/legal clashes do exist.
