"Geese" by ZZ Packer

Exploring the Plight of Foreigners in ZZ Packer's "Geese"

In the short story "Geese" by ZZ Packer, readers are introduced to the challenges faced by foreigners in a society that is resistant to their presence. The protagonist, Dina, an African American woman, leaves Baltimore for Tokyo with high hopes, only to find her expectations shattered by the reality of life as an outsider. The narrative provides a critical examination of alienation and the fight for survival in an unfamiliar and often hostile environment, as Dina and other expatriates struggle with issues such as unemployment, poverty, and cultural exclusion.

Dina's Journey from Enchantment to Desolation

Dina's initial fascination with Japan is fueled by her exposure to Japanese culture in America and the prospect of financial success overseas. However, she is quickly disillusioned by the discrimination she faces in the Japanese job market, where preference is given to native workers. Despite having a visa, Dina's job opportunities are scarce, leading her to take a position at an American-themed amusement park. It is here that she meets Arillano Justinio Arroyo, nicknamed Ari, a fellow expatriate who becomes a source of camaraderie in a place that otherwise offers little warmth to foreigners.

The Struggle for Survival Among Expatriates

The story further explores the hardships of expatriate life as Dina's visa expires and her financial situation worsens. Forced to sell her return ticket and stay in a hostel, Dina experiences objectification due to her race. Seeking refuge, she moves into Ari's cramped apartment, joining a group of foreigners each facing their own struggles: Petra, a disfigured former model from Moldova; Zoltan, Petra's partner and a former bodybuilder from Hungary; and Sayeed, a Moroccan ostracized for his intercultural marriage. These characters represent a community of expatriates, marginalized and striving to survive in a society that views them as outsiders.

Symbols of Deprivation and Dehumanization

Packer employs potent symbols to highlight the characters' deprivation. Food, once a symbol of cultural curiosity for Dina, becomes emblematic of their dire situation as they face hunger. The necessity to steal food is a degrading act that further distances them from the local populace. The geese in the park are another symbol; initially seen as a potential food source, their elusive nature ultimately reflects the foreigners' dehumanization and the locals' perception of them as mere curiosities.

Themes of Alienation and the Dichotomy of Sex

The story "Geese" delves into the theme of alienation, portraying foreigners as perpetual outsiders within Japanese society. The characters are subjected to mockery and social exclusion, reinforcing their peripheral status. The narrative also addresses the dual nature of sex as a means of empowerment and a path to degradation. Dina's choice to engage in sex work is a pivotal moment, offering her a semblance of agency at the cost of her emotional well-being. This decision echoes the sacrifice of kamikaze pilots, emphasizing the theme of self-destruction for a perceived necessity.

Conclusion: The Harsh Reality of the Expatriate Experience

ZZ Packer's "Geese" offers a profound insight into the expatriate experience, characterized by adversity and a loss of self-respect. Through the intersecting stories of Dina and her fellow expatriates, the narrative paints a stark portrait of the difficulties encountered by those who are marginalized in a foreign country. The story serves as a stark reminder of the personal toll of cultural and economic displacement and the resilience needed to endure such adversities. Packer's adept use of symbolism and thematic exploration renders "Geese" an intricate reflection on identity, belonging, and the human spirit's capacity to persevere in the face of rejection.