write an essay over "II. Examine how white people and black people regard each other in "No Witchcraft for Sale," "The Moment Before the Gun Went Off," and "The Prisoner Who Wore Glasses." How do they help to teach and support each other, and how do they fail? Think about what each group is trying to protect and when it withholds something from the other. III. A theme that runs through the poems in this unit is that a sense of pride is important to a sense of self-worth. What do you think is the connection between this theme and Africa's history of colonial rule? Support your view with details from at least two of the selections you have read."
Title: Interactions and Failures: Examining White-Black Relations in Three Short Stories
Introduction:
The short stories "No Witchcraft for Sale," "The Moment Before the Gun Went Off," and "The Prisoner Who Wore Glasses" explore the complex dynamics between white and black individuals in Africa. These narratives shed light on how these groups regard each other, their attempts at teaching and supporting one another, and the instances where they fail. Additionally, a theme of pride and self-worth emerges throughout the unit, which can be connected to Africa's history of colonial rule. This essay will delve into the intersections between these themes in the selected texts.
Body:
I. White-Black Relations: Teaching, Support, and Failures
In "No Witchcraft for Sale," the story showcases the relationship between black tribal healer Gideon and white boy Teddy. The white people, represented by Teddy's parents, initially regard Gideon with skepticism due to their ignorance of African traditions. However, Gideon's knowledge and act of saving Teddy's life bridge the gap, leading to mutual respect. While Gideon manages to teach and support Teddy when it comes to his medicinal skills, the black Africans are also trying to protect their cultural heritage from misappropriation or exploitation.
Similarly, "The Moment Before the Gun Went Off" portrays an accident involving the white boy Lucas and the black boy Lucasen. The story helps us examine the way white and black individuals regard each other in the aftermath of the tragedy. While some white characters, like Colonel Piet, attempt to protect Lucas and conceal the truth, other white individuals express empathy and support for Lucasen's family. The failed attempt to withhold the truth reveals the tension between the groups, highlighting the necessity for honest dialogue and acceptance.
In "The Prisoner Who Wore Glasses," white prison authorities and black prisoners interact in a penal colony setting. The story demonstrates the prisoners' struggle for dignity and self-worth through education, particularly with the character of Brille. The white authorities withhold educational materials initially, but eventually, a white teacher named Miller becomes instrumental in bringing about change and teaching the prisoners. The story illustrates how these interactions create both opportunities for teaching and support while simultaneously exposing failures in understanding and bridging the racial divide.
II. Pride, Self-Worth, and Colonial History
The theme of pride is significant in understanding the connection between Africa's history of colonial rule and one's self-worth. In "No Witchcraft for Sale," Gideon's pride in his traditional healing methods and his refusal to be seen as an exotic attraction by white tourists underscores his self-worth. This pride is reflective of the African resistance against colonial attempts to diminish and exploit indigenous cultures.
Likewise, "The Prisoner Who Wore Glasses" emphasizes the theme of pride through Brille's determination to educate himself and his fellow prisoners. This pursuit is an act of reclamation and resistance against the dehumanizing effect of colonialism. Brille's pride allows him to assert his worth and challenge the oppressive status quo.
Africa's history of colonial rule left a legacy of cultural erasure, economic exploitation, and systematic devaluation of indigenous perspectives. By affirming their pride and sense of self-worth, Africans are able to reclaim their identities and challenge the dominant narratives established during the colonial era.
Conclusion:
"No Witchcraft for Sale," "The Moment Before the Gun Went Off," and "The Prisoner Who Wore Glasses" provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics of white-black relations in Africa. These stories demonstrate the potential for teaching and support between the racial groups but also highlight the failures in understanding and bridging differences. The theme of pride in these narratives serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of self-worth and its connection to Africa's history of resilience against colonial rule. By asserting their pride, Africans can reclaim their narratives and rebuild a stronger sense of identity.
put it into a Short essay ONLY
Interactions and Failures: Examining White-Black Relations in Three Short Stories
The short stories "No Witchcraft for Sale," "The Moment Before the Gun Went Off," and "The Prisoner Who Wore Glasses" provide a glimpse into the complex relationships between white and black individuals in Africa. These narratives explore how these groups regard each other, their attempts at teaching and supporting one another, and the instances where they fail. Additionally, a theme of pride and self-worth emerges throughout the unit, connecting to Africa's history of colonial rule.
In "No Witchcraft for Sale," the story revolves around Gideon, a black tribal healer, and Teddy, a white boy. Initially, Teddy's parents exhibit skepticism towards Gideon due to their lack of knowledge about African traditions. However, when Gideon saves Teddy's life using his medicinal skills, a mutual respect forms. Gideon teaches and supports Teddy, while also safeguarding his cultural heritage from exploitation.
Similarly, in "The Moment Before the Gun Went Off," an accident involving Lucas, a white boy, and Lucasen, a black boy, offers insight into white-black relations. While some white characters try to protect Lucas and hide the truth, others show empathy and support for Lucasen's family. The failed attempt to withhold the truth reveals the need for honest dialogue and acceptance between the groups.
"The Prisoner Who Wore Glasses" explores white prison authorities and black prisoners in a penal colony. Education becomes a source of dignity and self-worth for the prisoners, particularly Brille. Initially, the white authorities withhold educational resources, but a white teacher named Miller eventually supports and teaches the prisoners. This story unveils the potential for teaching and support between groups while also exposing the failures in understanding.
A recurring theme in this unit is the importance of pride for self-worth. In "No Witchcraft for Sale," Gideon's pride in his healing methods and refusal to be a mere attraction for white tourists reflects his self-worth. This pride signifies resistance against colonial attempts to diminish indigenous cultures.
Likewise, "The Prisoner Who Wore Glasses" highlights Brille's determination to educate himself and others as an act of resistance against colonialism. Brille's pride allows him to assert his worth and challenge the oppressive status quo.
Africa's history of colonial rule has left a legacy of cultural erasure and economic exploitation, devaluing indigenous perspectives. However, these stories show that by affirming their pride and self-worth, Africans can reclaim their identities and challenge dominant narratives established during the colonial era.
In conclusion, "No Witchcraft for Sale," "The Moment Before the Gun Went Off," and "The Prisoner Who Wore Glasses" offer valuable insights into white-black relations in Africa. These stories emphasize both the potential for teaching and support between groups and the failures in understanding. The theme of pride serves as a powerful tool for self-worth, connecting to Africa's history of resilience against colonial rule. By affirming their pride, Africans can reclaim their narratives and rebuild a stronger sense of identity.