‘Others’: Fantasy vs. Reality
Yoko Tawada employs a very unique reality in her novel ‘ Etüden im Schnee’ (Memoirs of a Polar Bear). In perhaps Kafkaesque fashion, this seemingly normal world is interrupted by self aware and literate polar bears. This is a story about the ‘other’, which the bears act as. Those who are at the will of an institution or system that exploits the ‘other’ when it suits them but will just as soon set them aside when they are no longer a benefit. But is this story about bears in a fantasy book? Or is it symbolic of something in our own reality.
Like the polar bears, refugees and immigrants across the world struggle to be understood and accepted in the country they flee to. Whether it is unequal treatment, exploitation, or simply being used as political pawns, immigrants fight to be seen as individuals instead of being lumped into the ‘other’ group.
Tawada enters an interesting realm that forces the reader to look at Knut and his family as humans rather than animals. Readers see dialogue, emotions, and inner monologues flow through these bears in the same way they would out of a human. This creates a unique opportunity for us as readers.
By removing their status as an ‘other’, we are able to empathize with the bears because we view them as equals in our sub-conscious. Yet the challenges the bears face are aligned with those of immigrants across the globe.
How are we able to use the story of Knut’s family to learn about the plights of immigrants?
Knut’s Grandmother: The matriarch of the family, she has the ability to speak and write in multiple languages. Writing is the crutch she uses to understand her place in the world, however even her greatest gift could be exploited. After she is told to write her autobiography in German to appeal a broader audience, her book is also used by the seal for his own gain.
Immigrants are also exploited for their commercial worth. Although some media outlets are earnestly attempting to spread the message and stories of immigrants, many see the monetary value of the challenges refugees face attaining citizenship. There are countless stories outlining the journey immigrants make to their new home. These media outlets know these stories sell papers and get clicks.
Toska: is a world renowned circus bear that draws crowds everywhere she goes. Yet most profits go to the circus owners and she along with other circus animals form a union. She is used for her talents to put money in the pockets of those who have control of her.
Many waves of emigration to a certain country can be attributed an boom in industry and work. This is evident in the United States at the turn of the century, as well as Germany who brought in millions of Guest Workers in the 1950’s and 60’s. These workers were brought in to build major cities and advance western countries into developed nations. Unfortunately these immigrants faced unsafe working conditions and low wages. In certain cases immigrants were sent back to their original countries when the economy slowed and unemployment began to rise.
Knut: Farthest down the family line is Knut. With no speaking or writing abilities, he is the most representative of a normal polar bear. This however does not deter us from seeing the depth of personality through Knut’s thoughts. Knut is unique because he exploited not only for his talents, but also simply for being a polar bear. The first polar bear born in captivity at the Berlin Zoo, he became the face of the Zoo and attracted visitors from all over the globe. He brought in a huge amount of profits for the Zoo. At the same time, activists used Knut as their trophy in the fight for animal rights. Neither the Zoo owners nor the activists knew Knut or were able to hear what he wanted.
Many times when we talk about refugees or immigration it is on a political platform and not a personal one. We are concerned about employment in our country or voting demographics if we let in to many foreigners. We don’t talk about the father leaving his family behind. Or the children who are left alone in a country after seeing their parents deported. Instead we look at immigration on a surface level and how it will affect us.
Perhaps Yoko Tawada is using this novel to force us into empathizing and relating to a character we wouldn't have thought it would be possible to relate to. By treating these bears as humans we look past shallow ideas regarding their experiences and plights and can connect with them in a personal way. If we exhibit the same ability to see past our own clouded view and interact with the people and topics of immigration on personal level we will be able to fix the many issues facing us today.
