The Importance of Acceptance: Why Discrimination Hurts
Every human being likes the feeling of being accepted and respected by society. There are many cases where a person may feel discriminated from the way they look rather than how the person truly is on the inside. In the novel, April Raintree by Beatrice Colleton, there is a wide variety of discrimination, self identity, and moral development. The main characters Cheryl and April, who are Métis, grew up in an environment where they were not accepted by their foster parents, society, and relationships. These two sisters experience a tough life when faced with the people surrounding them. April and Cheryl both equally face discrimination inside and outside of their homes. However, the both react differently through their actions and words; April approaches the situation calmly, while Cheryl is defendant of her heritage.
The first time April ever experienced discrimination was when she moved out of the Dion’s house and began living with the Derosiers. April’s foster mother, Mrs. Derosier, would call April names that she has never been addressed by before. “I know you half- breeds, you love to wallow in filth” (26). At first, being called a “half breed” was new to April, but after being called it by that family so often; she began to get bothered by it. However, April would never talk back at her foster family, and keep her comments to herself. Mrs. Derosier is not treating her foster daughter fairly and is beginning to have a bad relationship with April and herself. The chaos sooner increases when Cheryl, April’s little sister, moves in with the Derosiers and is treated with equal disrespect because of their heritage. Unlike April, Cheryl is more protective over what people say about her heritage. After speaking up in class and getting in trouble with the principle at school, Mrs Derosier punished April by cutting off all her hair. April stated that Cheryl’s hair had been her “pride and glory” (42). Cheryl was willing to face any punishment that was coming her way
The first time April ever experienced discrimination was when she moved out of the Dion’s house and began living with the Derosiers. April’s foster mother, Mrs. Derosier, would call April names that she has never been addressed by before. “I know you half- breeds, you love to wallow in filth” (26). At first, being called a “half breed” was new to April, but after being called it by that family so often; she began to get bothered by it. However, April would never talk back at her foster family, and keep her comments to herself. Mrs. Derosier is not treating her foster daughter fairly and is beginning to have a bad relationship with April and herself. The chaos sooner increases when Cheryl, April’s little sister, moves in with the Derosiers and is treated with equal disrespect because of their heritage. Unlike April, Cheryl is more protective over what people say about her heritage. After speaking up in class and getting in trouble with the principle at school, Mrs Derosier punished April by cutting off all her hair. April stated that Cheryl’s hair had been her “pride and glory” (42). Cheryl was willing to face any punishment that was coming her way
Cited: Culleton, Beatrice. April Raintree. Winnipeg Pevis,1992. Print.