Internal refers to the writer's own identity, experiences, and perspective. This includes:
* Cultural background: Where they come from, the traditions they grew up with, and the values they hold.
* Personal experiences: Their unique journey, challenges, and triumphs.
* Emotional responses: How they feel about the world, their community, and the subject matter they are writing about.
Subject matter refers to the topic or theme the writer is exploring. This can be:
* Their own culture: A celebration of their heritage, an exploration of its challenges, or a critique of its practices.
* Other cultures: An examination of different perspectives, traditions, and experiences.
* Universal themes: Love, loss, identity, belonging, and the human condition.
The connection:
* Authenticity: The writer's internal experiences inform their understanding and perspective on the subject matter, leading to more authentic and nuanced writing.
* Personal investment: The writer's personal connection to the subject matter fuels their passion and commitment to the writing, resulting in a more compelling and engaging piece.
* Exploration of identity: Multicultural writing often explores the complexities of navigating multiple cultural identities and the search for belonging.
* Bridge building: By sharing their own experiences and perspectives, writers can help to bridge cultural divides and foster understanding between different groups.
* Challenging stereotypes: Multicultural writers can use their platform to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about different cultures.
Examples:
* A writer from a Latin American background writing about their family's immigration experience: The internal experience of the writer (growing up in a dual-culture environment) informs their understanding of the challenges and triumphs associated with immigration, making the writing more authentic.
* A writer from a Muslim background writing about the experience of being Muslim in the West: The internal experience of the writer (being stereotyped and misunderstood) allows them to explore the challenges and complexities of navigating a multicultural society.
In conclusion:
The connection between internal and subject matter in multicultural writing is essential for creating meaningful and impactful work. It allows writers to share their unique perspectives, challenge assumptions, and foster understanding across cultural divides.