Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Colonization
I think that the bathroom scene, the Nesquik scene, and the part where Tambu does not win a trophy for her O-levels all show a very negative side of colonization. There is no doubt that these along with many others were very humiliating incidents in Tambu's life and they made me sympathize with her and her situation. But I feel that the biggest negative consequence of colonization was not external but rather internal. The way that living at Sacred Heart amongst the whites has changed Tambu internally is the biggest conflict in the novel. In the novel, Tambu actually begins to believe that the color of her skin is something to be ashamed of, that the whites deserve the special treatment they get, and that she should just be grateful for the generosity of the nuns to accept her into Sacred Heart. These feelings that Tambu had made me realize that what the Rhodesians have done to these black Africans is strip them away from their customs, their language, and their homes. However, the worst thing they have done is to literally strip these Africans away from their mind. If even blacks start hating themselves, then who is going to defend them?
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I have to completely agree with this post. Tambu's internal battle is something that has wrenched at my heart throughout the entire novel. She has developed a way of thinking that is just like the whites, however she is the one that is discriminated against, therefore she is discriminating against herself. This European way has definitely striped the Africans of their customs and culture. I am all for making a life for yourself, even if that means learning the customs of a new country. However, what these Africans have done is completely abandoned their roots all for the sake of trying to gain an education. If you lose your true self along the path to success what is it really worth in the end?
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't take much for an individual to lose their self of esteem and confidence. We see it all the time in emotionally abusive relationships. Tambu unfortunately has no shortage of emotionally abusive relationships in her life. It was sad to see the strong willed girl who peddled mealies to pay for her own schooling succumb to this. I think this is Dangarembga's calling card. Colonization beats you down, it strips away your will till its but a fleeting dream that is never realized.
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