Last week we had [in my group] enlightening observations of the creation story and how it might have had an affect on Valentino and the way he handles situations of a dire nature. For instance, when he is talking about Monynhial to Mike a.k.a. T.V. boy, he almost candy coats the story enough that a child will understand and be able to identify without fear. The same type of behavior his father displayed when telling the story of creation to the Arabs [the enemy] and the children.He altered the ending of the story in order to teach his son [Valentino] how to be civil and not hurt anyone's feelings. At least this is what I discovered. He [Valentino's father] told the story in such a way that children would understand and the Arabs would not retaliate. At first, I thought he did this because he was afraid of the Arabs, but the more we discussed his reasoning the more I realized he was not afraid; he was just instilling a civil virtue in his son that would carry well into his adulthood. The Dinka are very proud people and it shows in their creation story by portraying them as the superior race.
In Africa, children are brought up by their families and what so ever the father teaches and does, so does the boy. This ensures that not only tradition will survive, but the family values as well. When these boys grow to be men it is their father's ways that they strive to mimic. Although they [the boys] are individuals and have their own minds it is their upbringing that reflects their character. Sadly life expectancy in Africa vairies from 39-49 years of age this the fathers must not waste a moment when instructing their sons on the ways of life. Someday [traditionally] men take care of their siblings and their mothers. During the course of history it is plain to see why they have not changed much. Tradition is the basis on which they thrive. Although, Valentino's story is colorful in itself and tells of his plights and tragesdies it is [just like his father] quite possible that he is not credible in his writings. Let me explain. He [Valentino] believes whole heartedly in his beliefs and renditions of what occured, but what he believes may in fact not be the truth.
Week #5 Extra comment
ReplyDeleteJust FYI this is my first attempt at displaying pictures, so please be patient I will learn as I go. Although, this is a very big accomplishment for me. Yay!
Week #5 Extra comment
ReplyDeleteI found that when Valentino was up against the assailants that he realized that things were a little mixed up. His transition to America was the WHAT and the man standing in front of him to hurt him was the truth.
his beliefs may or may not be the truth, that was probably my favorite part of your whole post. It shows us that what we think and how we perceive a situation can sometimes be "miles away" from what the actuality of the situation is. In our own minds we can draw certain assumptions from situations which lead to our overall analyzation of the problem. As for the whole issue of what it means to be brought up or who should do it, that varies from culture to culture so to outline it as a right or wrong may not be exactly right either. That's what makes the public sphere so interesting, the fact that we can all express our opinions in blog post rooms and in Valentino's case, a book.
ReplyDeleteI like how you and your group relate Valentino’s father’s story “What is the What” to other parts of the book. There is bound to be some importance there of the story, because the novel is after that passage. First, it hints at the religious conflicts that may have sparked civil war. But, if we were to connect the story to the other parts of the novel, it’s interesting how his father’s story helps shape Valentino as a character. I liked your example how this affects Valentino’s behavior while interacting with T.V. boy. It’s interesting how we realize how important that passage is by relating to other key parts of the novel.
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