Bharati Mukherjee "Orbiting"

In Orbiting, Bharati Mukherjee shows his representation of America, and how he views the overall culture and acceptance of others in the perspective of an outsider (or immigrant). The title refers to this idea, representing the various cultures, beliefs, and ways of life "orbiting" and intertwining into one nation of America. America is involved with other nations, thus other nations are involved in America. Although many ideas are present, majority are unheard or ignored, as immigrants generally play somewhat of a lesser role.

The story is about Renata, and her transformation from a life in India to a different one in America. The overall plot takes place at a thanksgiving dinner, where each family member shows qualities of being American while still being proud of their heritage. The food they eat is mostly American, TV shows they watch and ideas they talk about and discuss are American based, and acitivites they take part in (especially the children) are American. This idea shows that conformation for many takes place, as the overwhelming and dominant culture generally impowers the others. In one instance, it speaks of the fathers "North Italian heritage". Although it points out that he is still very proud of it, the New Jersey lifestyle and American mindset is the one generally shown and active. Similarly the fathers mother was Korean, but beacuse of the fathers outlandish acts and somewhat American rebellious nature, "she wanted him out of the house."

This story further shows American conformation as characters in the story even change their name. "Renata and Carla are what were christened. We changed to Rindy and Cindi in junior high." Changing of names and overall verbal recognition shows the cultures heavy dominance and leadership in the "orbiting" of all others.