Both the book Moon off the Crusted Snow and the documentary Becoming Nakuset explore themes of identity and self-discovery and the struggles faced by women of color in a predominantly white society. The novel concentrates on the experiences of a young lady named Noval, whereas the documentary is focused on those of a young Indigenous woman named Nakuset. Both of them emphasize the unique trials and hardships that diverse persecuted groups must endure, as well as the ways in which these women find solace and support within their respective cultures.
In the novel, Noval is a young Black woman trying to find her place in the world and understand her identity as a woman of color. She faces racism and discrimination from her classmates and professors in college, which makes it difficult for her to feel like she belongs. Despite this, Noval finds a sense of belonging in the Black community and her connection to her African heritage. She becomes involved in the Black Student Union and studies African culture and history, which helps her understand and embrace her identity as a Black woman (Rice). Similar to Nakuset in the documentary, who is a young Indigenous woman attempting to understand her identity as a woman and find her place in the world. It is challenging for her to feel like she belongs because she experiences prejudice and marginalization from her peers and teachers (“Becoming Nakuset”). Despite this, Nakuset feels a connection to her heritage and a sense of belonging in the community. She gets involved with the community and learns about history and culture, which aids her in accepting and understanding her identity as an Indigenous woman.
One major difference between the two works is the specific cultural and historical context that informs the experiences of each protagonist. Noval’s experiences as a Black woman are shaped by the ongoing legacy of slavery and racism in America, while Nakuset’s experiences as an Indigenous woman are shaped by the history of colonization and forced assimilation of Indigenous peoples in America. This highlights the unique challenges and experiences different marginalized groups face in society. Both Noval and Nakuset face similar struggles in their journeys of self-discovery. Both women are searching for their place in the world and trying to understand their identities in the face of systemic oppression and discrimination. Similar to Nakuset in the documentary, Noval, a Black woman living in a largely white culture, experiences racism and discrimination. Furthermore, in their own traditions, Noval and Nakuset find comfort and community. While Nakuset discovers a sense of community, Noval connects with her African background and feels a sense of belonging in the Black community. This is seen from Noval and Nakuset’s involvement in the Black Student Union and the study of culture and history, respectively.
Overall, the novel Moon of the Crusted Snow and the documentary Becoming Nakuset provide valuable insight into the experiences of women of color and how they navigate their identities in a predominantly white society. Noval and Nakuset find solace and community in their respective cultures, which helps them understand and embrace their identities. The importance of culture and community in understanding and embracing one’s identity is emphasized in both works, which also highlight the particular struggles and hardships endured by many oppressed groups. Identity and self-discovery are comparable themes that run through both of them.
Works Cited
“I was taken from my home and raised as a “nice Jewish girl,” but I’m Indigenous | Becoming Nakuset.” YouTube, uploaded by CBC Docs, Web.
Rice, Waubgeshig. Moon of the Crusted Snow: A Novel. ECW Press, 2018.