compare things fall apart
...if forced to change who they are and forget all that they know. Each novel does a magnificent job in showing how when person’s rights are violated and pushed to their limits they will eventually do something about it. Achebe’s novel depicts how supreme societies seek to destroy societies they feel have no solidity. Throughout the novel the theme of conflicting cultures arises. In the European’s effort to convert the people of the Igbo society into what they feel is appropriate. The people of Igbo constantly struggle to prove to the Europeans that they too have rights, much like many religions have to do today. Everyone has to stand firm in their beliefs and fight for what they believe. This theme is also prevalent in O’Dell’s novel, through Raisha, the main character and Prok, the slave owners, relationship. He gives her the name Angelica in an attempt to make her believe that she is accepted into his culture. Raisha said that the plantation owners changed all the slaves' names because they "wanted the slaves to forget they were born in Africa, that they were black Africans." O’Dell dedicates his book, My Name is Not Angelica to Rosa Parks, he writes "To Rosa Parks, who would not sit in the back of the bus." His dedication serves as a symbol; it means to never let anyone violate the rights that you have been given as a human being. Karen Shore author of article titled “Don’t' Let Them Take Your Mind and Spirit On Being Called a Provider” states “Like Rosa Parks, rebel. Make your stand. Do not accept the will of a dominating culture. Like Rosa Parks, help to change the culture!” This quote in itself explains how much standing up for what you believe in could make a huge difference. “The falcon cannot hear the falconer; Things fall apart; the center cannot hold” This is a quote from the poem The Second Coming by W.B. Yeats. It is found in the opening of Achebe’s book. This too serves as a symbol. It symbolizes when the walls of communication are broken and people are not respected, then things will eventually fall apart. It is in the human nature to support yourself in everyway possible. People at times ignore the fact that they are not the only ones who have rights and at times unconsciously violate the rights of others. On the other hand the other times when these rights are violated it is done intentionally. Unfortunately those who do it intentionally do not care to change. What is the difference between African Americans, Caucasians, and Hispanics? The reality of it is that there is no difference. Obviously the way they walk, talk, and the foods they eat are different, but who is to say one is better than the other. Society has a habit of labeling people. They create these standards that segregate people and essentially never allow them to discover each other. We are raised in a society that teaches us to treat everyone equally, and to respect everyone as an individual. Until these standards are removed we will never live in a world where these stereotypes and prejudices do not exist. In today’s society cultural conflicts are less obvious nonetheless are still there, through prejudices I mentioned before that have been set by society. It is a common belief that African Americans listen to rap and rhythm and blues where Caucasians prefer rock and country. These stereotypes constantly hinder society from ever coming together as one, as they should be. In Achebe’s novel this theme is more prevalent. Instead of the white Europeans trying to compromise with the people of the Igbo culture they preferred to destroy what they believed in as if it never existed. Whereas in O’Dell’s novel the stereotypes are that African Americans are not able to think for themselves. When the French to end the revolt they demanded the slaves to give up their weapons and surrender rather than trying to understand why the revolt began. When the freedom to express yourself is denied what can one do other than revolt. This is exactly what occurred in these two novels. Okonkwo was denied the right to have his beliefs, and conduct his life in the fashion that he wanted. He had to fight for his culture and his right to be who he wanted to be. Similarity, in O’Dell’s novel, Raisha fought for her people, and their way of life. She knew in her heart what was right and did just that even if the consequences fell heavily on her. Both novels show when people are forced to be something they are not the result can only be terrible. Luckily, we are living in a society that when our rights are violated we can ...