Read this passage from 'child of the americas'. i am not african. africa is in me, but i cannot return. i am not taínan. taína is in me, but there is no way back. i am not european. europe lives in me, but i have no home there. how does the repetition of the phrase "i am not" to establish the author’s tone?

Explanation:

This is an excerpt from Aurora Levins Morales'  "Child of the Americas" that undertakes the social diversity of America. It explores the hybridity of Americans which is a blend of various cultures that adds to their heritage and identity. These lines depict the diversity of America having evidence of many cultures which is the basis of present America. The immigrants from several parts of the world have led to present America which it seems today as a diverse nation. The repetition of the phrase 'I am not African' or "I am not Tainan" takes us back to the time when they were enforced to slavery and transported to America. Gradually, their rights have been recognized due to the efforts of visionary men and they have turned "Americans". Yet there is a sense of belonging and affiliation to their mother country and thus, they say 'Africa is in me' or 'Taina is in me'. The usage of the phrase "There is no way back" represents their inability to return to their respective cultures and it now lies in their hearts only. But with the struggle of forefathers of contemporary civilization, they all have been made an integral part of America ornamenting their cultural diversity.

(you didn't attach a copy of the poem, but i'm answering as best as i can)

since a simile compares two unlike things using like or as, it kind of gives an item the ability to do something it can't.

example: "the player was like a tiger on the field"

in this sentence, the simile conveys the idea that the player was fast and strong, like a tiger.