Contact Zone

Katrina Ulaky

September 20, 2009

ENG 1111

Kingsley

Arts of The Contact Zone

A contact zone is defined as the imaginary space in which people of different geographical or social communities meet and establish a connection with each other. Although this appears to be a special occasion, the truth is that contact zones are all around us. They are in our school, workplace, all over the city, basically anyplace where you can feel a difference in the people of your surroundings no matter how significant. In fact, they are essential to our societies, because they allow us to interact with others, and hear new ideas that we would not normal envision. However, sometimes this does not always go as smoothly as it sounds. Many difficulties can arise such as language barriers and differences in values, which can result in anything from a minor clash to utter chaos. Negative examples would include oppression, slavery, and tyrannical governments. It is how we respond and adjust to these variations that determines the success of the contact zone.

Mary Louise Pratt is notorious for her essay on this concept. However, the first time I read through her piece, entitled “Arts of the Contact Zone”, some of my initial feelings were frustration, confusion and stress. Yet upon a more careful examination, I soon realized that one must read very thoroughly between the lines of her historical excerpts and philosophical citations, for the message Pratt has to offer is quite enlightening.

Through descriptive words such as “clash”, “grapple”, and “transculturation”, Pratt demonstrates that contact zones are so valuable because of how they open our eyes. Whether we realize we have entered a contact zone or not, the result remains constant; we leave with a greater understanding of truth and reality. In my opinion, this is an absolutely incredible piece of information, one that should be more readily embraced. So many incredible opportunities are overlooked simply...