In the autobiography titled 'The Left-hander', explain how the conflict develops between Oodgeroo and her sewing teacher.
In the autobiography titled 'The Left-hander' by Oodgeroo Noonuccal, there is a conflict that develops between Oodgeroo, who is left-handed, and her sewing teacher. This conflict arises due to the teacher's rigid and discriminatory attitude towards left-handed students.
Oodgeroo, being left-handed, naturally begins her sewing class using her dominant hand. However, her sewing teacher, who adheres to traditional norms, considers left-handedness as unacceptable and tries to force Oodgeroo to sew with her right hand. The teacher believes that left-handedness is improper and needs to be corrected, disregarding Oodgeroo's individuality and her natural inclination to use her left hand.
As the sewing class progresses, Oodgeroo faces constant criticism and reprimands from her teacher, who insists on Oodgeroo conforming to the standardized right-handed approach. This contradicts Oodgeroo's own instincts and hinders her ability to excel in the class. The conflict escalates as Oodgeroo becomes increasingly frustrated by the teacher's unwillingness to acknowledge and respect her left-handedness.
Oodgeroo's frustration towards the sewing teacher deepens when she realizes that her left-handedness is not only considered inappropriate but also associated with negative connotations in the dominant culture. This discrimination intensifies her desire to stand up for her rights and challenge the teacher's oppressive behavior.
Unable to tolerate the persistent discrimination, Oodgeroo takes a stand against her sewing teacher. She decides to assert her left-handedness and refuses to conform to the teacher's demands. This rebellion against the teacher's restrictive approach further fuels the conflict between them.
Throughout the autobiography, Oodgeroo engages in a battle to preserve her autonomy and individuality in the face of a rigid society that struggles to accept differences. The conflict between Oodgeroo and her sewing teacher mirrors the broader struggle for marginalized individuals to be seen and accepted for who they are, rather than being forced into conformation with societal norms.