Stereotypical norms within society today play a vast yet unjust role in shaping individuals perspectives regarding diverse topics. While true that some individuals are informed to an extent so strong they are able to develop empathetic feelings regarding fragile topics easily, for the most part the majority of society is left in the dark, with only stereotypical knowledge, allowing for an individual 's resilience to develop mostly through empathy and maturity. Clearly evident in Margaret Laurence 's enlightening short story The Loons, this perspective is analyzed extensively through the identity of Vanessa MacLeod. Throughout having First Nations outcast Piquette Tonnerre stay at their luscious family cabin, Vanessa slowly develops a sense
…show more content…
After stating to Piquette that she should have come to the dock, and receiving her disrespectful and negative response, it is clear that Vanessa has given up on any hopes of connecting with Piquette; “I could not reach Piquette at all.” (Pg. 5) Throughout the entire beginning of the summer vacation at Diamond Lake Vanessa makes advances to attempt to connect with Piquette, however her disrespect towards Vanessa in combination with her negativity towards all of Vanessa’s suggestions lead Vanessa to lose any sort of empathy she has towards Piquette. As well, Vanessa’s lack of maturity combined with her naivety also lead her to lose any sense of resilience she has developed towards Piquette. At this time Vanessa also comes to the realization that by the standards of common stereotypes, Piquette may not be truly Indian; “It became increasingly obvious that, as an Indian, Piquette was a dead loss.” (Pg. 5) In stating this, Vanessa affirms to the fact that Piquette doesn 't meet her stereotypical standards of not only Indians, but people as well. Although Vanessa hadn’t developed empathy for Piquette’s situation as a child, she was resilient to the fact that she responded negatively to everyday childhood activities, however Piquette’s perpetual negativity and Vanessa’s lack of empathy ultimately lead to the complete loss of resilience Vanessa encounters towards Piquette. Without empathy towards Piquette’s adversity, Vanessa has no resilience to Piquette’s antagonism, and with no resilience, Vanessa becomes discouraged and ultimately loses interest in
After stating to Piquette that she should have come to the dock, and receiving her disrespectful and negative response, it is clear that Vanessa has given up on any hopes of connecting with Piquette; “I could not reach Piquette at all.” (Pg. 5) Throughout the entire beginning of the summer vacation at Diamond Lake Vanessa makes advances to attempt to connect with Piquette, however her disrespect towards Vanessa in combination with her negativity towards all of Vanessa’s suggestions lead Vanessa to lose any sort of empathy she has towards Piquette. As well, Vanessa’s lack of maturity combined with her naivety also lead her to lose any sense of resilience she has developed towards Piquette. At this time Vanessa also comes to the realization that by the standards of common stereotypes, Piquette may not be truly Indian; “It became increasingly obvious that, as an Indian, Piquette was a dead loss.” (Pg. 5) In stating this, Vanessa affirms to the fact that Piquette doesn 't meet her stereotypical standards of not only Indians, but people as well. Although Vanessa hadn’t developed empathy for Piquette’s situation as a child, she was resilient to the fact that she responded negatively to everyday childhood activities, however Piquette’s perpetual negativity and Vanessa’s lack of empathy ultimately lead to the complete loss of resilience Vanessa encounters towards Piquette. Without empathy towards Piquette’s adversity, Vanessa has no resilience to Piquette’s antagonism, and with no resilience, Vanessa becomes discouraged and ultimately loses interest in