Compare and Contrast

Generally, we compare and contrast to see the positives and negatives of each situation. It is a clear and efficient way of visually separating two different ideas. When placed next to each other you can see which idea is more beneficial to you and it's easier to make decisions. Comparing and contrasting makes it easier to analyze the two topics. You can either synthesize it and see what they have in common, or see the differences in both ideas.

In ''Two Ways We Belong in America,'' Bharati Mukherjee compares and contrasts different views of immigrants that came to America. She compares her personal experiences whilst living in America with her sister (Mira's) experiences. Mukherjee also compares how her and her sister used to be completely in sync, but now they have mismatched views ''When we left India, we were almost identical in appearance and attitude. We dressed alike, in saris; we expressed identical views on politics, social issues, love and marriage'' (272). When these sisters first immigrated to America, they had corresponding views but after living in America, they couldn't be any more different. Mukherjee states '' In one family, from two sisters alike as peas in a pod, there could not be a wider divergence of immigrant experience. America spoke to me- I married it- I embraced the demotion.... She retained them all. Which of us is the freak? ''(274). Mukherjee has chosen to release and change her old habits to accept American traditions. Mira on the other hand clung on to her roots and didn't plan to stay in America for the rest of her life. She's held on to her green card so she can return back to India when she retires, which is something Mukherjee would never consider. Mukherjee says '' Mira and I differ; however, in the ways we hope to interact with the country we have chosen to live in. She is happier to live in America as expatriate Indian than as an immigrant American. I need to feel like a part of the community I have adopted and I need to put the roots down'' (275). Bharati chooses to focus more on the differences between her and her sister. She starts off her essay talking about their similarities and uses the rest of the essay to show how much they've drifted apart and changed.

I personally agree with Muhkerjee's argument that you need to adapt to the community that you have immigrated to. Although it is important to stay planted and to remember your roots, a new location means a new adaptation. You have to adapt to the new community and location, but to what extent you change is up to you. If you don't accommodate to the new culture, you will be seen as an outsider and you won't fit in with everyone else. It will be more challenging to interact with others if you don't conform.