Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Janice Mirikitani’s "Doreen" is a poignant and unsettling exploration of identity, self-perception, and the destructive forces of internalized racism and societal cruelty. Through the tragic narrative of Doreen, the poem examines the ways in which cultural and racial pressures shape self-worth and the lengths to which individuals go to conform to or escape from those expectations. Mirikitani’s unflinching voice and vivid imagery highlight the devastating consequences of a world that marginalizes and dehumanizes those who do not fit its narrow ideals.

The poem begins with a stark description of Doreen’s appearance, focusing on her “round face” and “narrow” eyes—features that make her a target for ridicule. The taunts she endures, being called “moonface” and “slits,” reflect the racialized mockery she faces in school, where her Japanese heritage is reduced to cruel caricatures. This external derision is mirrored by Doreen’s internal struggle, as she attempts to reshape herself to align with Western beauty standards. Her efforts—frost-tipping her hair, applying heavy makeup—are acts of transformation born of pain and alienation. The “glittering blue shadow” that she paints on her eyelids is particularly evocative, symbolizing both her desire to appear different and the sadness that lingers beneath her outward appearance.

Doreen’s attempts to change herself come at great cost. Her avoidance of gym class, to prevent her makeup from smearing, underscores the extent of her insecurity and the fragility of the identity she has constructed. Yet, there is a defiance in her choices as well. Her tight sweaters and low-cut dresses, worn even in winter, suggest a bold assertion of her sexuality and a rejection of the constraints placed on Japanese girls. These choices, however, further isolate her from her peers, as she distances herself from the community that might otherwise provide support and solidarity.

The poem’s tone darkens as Doreen’s behavior and associations are revealed. The white boys’ snickers and the rumors of her promiscuity reflect the sexualization and objectification she endures, rooted in racial stereotypes. Her relationship with a veteran fresh from Korea introduces a chilling dimension to the narrative. The veteran’s stories of torturing “gooks”—a racial slur for Asians—are recounted with horrifying casualness, and Doreen’s laughter in response to questions about her choice in men reveals the deep wounds of her internalized racism. By aligning herself with someone who dehumanizes people like her, Doreen embodies the destructive impact of a society that vilifies and alienates individuals based on their race.

The tragic climax of the poem—Doreen’s fatal car accident—shifts the narrative’s focus to the aftermath of her life. The violent image of her skin torn “from scalp to chin” is both literal and symbolic, representing the erasure of the identity she painstakingly constructed. The final line, “Because no one could remember Doreen’s face,” carries a devastating irony. Despite all her efforts to change and be noticed, Doreen is ultimately forgotten, her face—a symbol of her identity—lost to those who once mocked or ignored her.

Mirikitani’s language throughout the poem is direct and evocative, capturing the harsh realities of Doreen’s life with unrelenting clarity. The juxtaposition of her attempts at self-transformation with the cruelty she faces underscores the futility of trying to conform to an oppressive society. The poem’s tone balances empathy and critique, mourning Doreen’s struggles while exposing the societal forces that contributed to her alienation and tragedy.

At its core, "Doreen" is a powerful commentary on the intersection of race, gender, and self-worth. It challenges readers to confront the systemic racism and cultural pressures that shape perceptions of beauty and value, and to recognize the devastating toll these forces can take on individuals. Mirikitani’s portrayal of Doreen is both a critique of the society that failed her and a tribute to the complexities of her life, leaving an indelible impression of sorrow, rage, and the urgent need for compassion and understanding.

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