Intersectional Abuse through Ethnocentrism in Joy Kogawa’s Obasan

This paper delves into the concept of intersectional abuse fueled by ethnocentric attitudes in Joy Kogawa’s Obasan, a novel that explores the lives of Japanese Canadians during and after World War II. Through the experiences of protagonist Naomi Nakane and her family, Kogawa highlights how intersecting identities specifically race, gender, and cultural heritage—combine to intensify the discrimination they face. These intersections are deeply impacted by ethnocentrism, the belief in the inherent superiority of Canadian culture, which permeated both government policies and societal attitudes. By examining Naomi’s narrative, this paper explores how ethnocentrism drove layered forms of oppression, especially for women who faced compounded challenges due to gendered cultural expectations. Naomi’s struggle with both her Japanese identity and her role as a woman illustrates how the abuse she endures is not singular but rather multifaceted. Kogawa uses Naomi’s internalized trauma, resilience, and isolation as symbols of the cultural erasure inflicted upon Japanese Canadians. Ultimately, Obasan critiques how ethnocentrism intersects with other forms of abuse to create a nuanced, often devastating, portrayal of trauma. This portrayal highlights both the resilience of Japanese Canadians and the destructive impact of policies rooted in fear and exclusion.

Keywords: Intersectionality, ethnocentrism, resilience, trauma