The commonality of the theme found in both Zitkala-Sa's and Bama's accounts is the struggle against societal oppression and the infringement of their individual and cultural rights. Both narratives highlight the issue of cultural assimilation and the denial of personal identity, whether it be Zitkala-Sa's imposed Americanization in the boarding school or Bama's experience with the caste-based discrimination in her society. Another central theme is the courageous resistance shown by both Zitkala-Sa and Bama. They each muster their strength to resist the oppressive forces in their respective societies. Zitkala-Sa bravely resists the haircut symbolizing forced assimilation, while Bama uses her experiences to challenge caste-based discrimination.