Adichie uses irony and a bit of tension in this passage to
emphasis how strange it is for each protagonist to be having fellowship as equals
amid this conflict between both of their respective groups. This story acts as a
unique promotion of peace, as it focuses a moment of actual peace as opposed to
emphasis on the horrors of violence. In a way, this story allows the reader to understand
the backstory and depth of such conflicts using the reference to deep
racism and dogma on the part of the region’s Christians and Muslims. Chika
practices tolerance in this story. Her educational back-ground has allowed her
to understand certain nature’s of Islam, such as praying west toward Mecca.
Chika also never questions nor contradicts the woman’s beliefs. Further, the
element of survival seems to come into play as both women simply wish to not be
found and killed. Tolerance may be a means to an end to live through this riot.
Another aspect of peace and tolerance that this story promotes is the sake of
individualism. It over-rules the generalizing ‘us’ versus ‘them’ mind-set that
has started many a conflict throughout the years that parallels the one found
in this story. Through this story, we see that not both Christians and Muslims
are not, as individuals, inherently hateful and violent (as the opponents of
this story’s riot no doubt believe of their rival-faction). This story
demonstrates compassion and care for a fellow human-being. Chika lends medical
advice to the woman’s damaged nipple. I find this to be an excellent story to
give commentary on the times that we are currently living in. This tale argues that
Muslims are as empathetic and human as anyone in the western world. Not all
Muslims should be so quickly associated with their extremist-minority. Chika is
a representative of the western world as she bears witness to this individual
Muslim that wishes to only sell onions. Chika’s education in New York has no
doubt made her an intellectual citizen of the western world. The Statue of
Liberty on her outfit is a perfect symbolic visual of this aspect of her
character. With the coming together of this odd-couple, Adichie’s story gives
peace a brief chance.
No comments:
Post a Comment