On Dumpster Diving

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“On Dumpster Diving” by Lars Eighner and “Two Ways to Belong in America” by Bharati Mukheriee are both extremely thought-provoking texts that chronicle society’s treatment of marginalized people in the United States. Although, the speakers are of different ethnicities, nationalities and come from very different backgrounds they both share the common perspective of feeling left behind by society and excluded socioeconomically. On Dumpster Diving explores the financial hardships of living in America and the treatment of the lower class, mass consumption and waste. It highlights the theme of reckless gluttony that is prevalent in American society. Whereas, Two Ways to Belong explores the treatment of immigrants a cultural upheaval, mass division …show more content…

I will never forget the pain of that sudden turning, and the casual racist outbursts the Green Paper elicited. That sense of betrayal had its desired effect”. The tone of the text also begins to shift as the speaker delves more into her experience living in Canada as an Indian. The speaker feels like the society has turned its back on her and all her efforts to assimilate were futile. This is also comparable the way in which the speaker in On Dumpster Diving feels as though the wealthier class turns its back on the poor. The speaker discusses what is safe to consume from the dumpsters. While the wealthy are wastefully throwing out food, people like …show more content…

“Although very rare with modern canning methods, botulism is a possibility. Most other forms of food poisoning seldom do lasting harm to a healthy person. But botulism is almost certainly fatal and often the first symptom is death. Except for carbonated beverages, all canned goods should contain a slight vacuum and suck air when first punctured. Bulging, rusty, dented cans and cans that spew when punctured should be avoided, especially when the contents are not very acidic or syrupy.” The speaker is so desperate to survive that he is willing to risk his health and wellbeing. Additionally, the contents of what people discard are also a reflection of society. As the speaker’s dumpster diving journey further unfolds, the speaker discusses his discoveries of illicit drugs, bank statements, bills, alcohol, pornography etc. “I avoid trying to draw conclusions about the people who dump in the Dumpsters I frequent. I think it would be unethical to do so, although I know many people will find the idea of scavenger ethics too funny for words.” The speaker begins to

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