Chapter memories-of-childhood: Memories of Childhood | Short Questions

To avoid the deep humiliation of having her hair cut, Zitkala-Sa decided to rebel. When no one was watching, she secretly crept up the stairs and hid under a bed in a dim, empty room. She huddled in the dark corner, shuddering with intense fear as she heard footsteps approaching. Even when her name was called loudly by her friend Judewin, she refused to answer, desperately holding her breath to protect her cultural pride and escape the cruel authorities.

Bama’s journey home from school usually took thirty minutes to an hour, even though the actual distance required only ten minutes. As a curious child, she loved to dawdle along the streets, completely mesmerized by the entertaining novelties. She would stop to watch the performing monkeys, snake charmers, political rallies, puppet shows, and various food stalls. These fascinating sights, sounds, and vibrant village activities would tether her legs, making it impossible for her to walk straight home without enjoying the fun.

Bama saw an elder from her community carrying a small packet of snacks, like vadai or bhajji, for the wealthy landlord. What made her want to laugh was the comical manner in which he carried it. He held the packet delicately by its string without touching the wrapping paper, cupping his other hand underneath. Bama found it incredibly funny that such a big, respectable man was making a strange game out of carrying a simple food parcel, unaware of the grim reality.

Bama felt deeply infuriated when her brother explained that the elder carried the packet by the string because of untouchability. The upper-caste landlord believed that if a Dalit touched the parcel, the food would become polluted. This blatantly unjust discrimination provoked Bama. She was angry that her community had to run petty errands for wealthy landlords who lacked basic human feelings. The realization that they were treated as less than human despite their hard work filled her with a strong sense of rebellion.

After understanding the harsh reality of untouchability, Bama realized that her community was being unjustly exploited and stripped of their human dignity. She strongly felt that they should never run petty, degrading errands for the upper-caste people who treated them with such severe contempt. She believed that her people should simply work in the fields, collect their rightful wages, and live independently. This realization awakened her inner consciousness, making her fiercely determined to fight against systemic oppression and demand equal respect.