I found it a little humorous that Felix Mnthali was making fun of Jane Austen. I personally have never read any of her books but I know the premise of what they are about. All the same typical problems occur in each book, a girl wants to meet a boy and get married. The problems her characters have to go through are nothing compared to what really happens in Africa. They are filled with tons of romance as well. When reading this poem I really understood Felix’s frustration with her and the way books are read in Africa. He is mad that the stories children read aren’t what really happens in Africa. It shouldn’t be all about love it should be more about the work that goes into life and the hardships that they face. It isn’t fair that students should have to read something that doesn’t relate to their own native region. He is very frustrated with the writings in Africa and wants them to change. I think in the poem he gives a very strong voice to this and is almost yelling at the audience to listen to him. I found this very effective when reading it.
When reading this I thought it was a lot like the short story we read “Gentleman of the Jungle” in the fact that the main character doesn’t want to give in to the government’s rules. Felix feels the same way. He doesn’t want to give in to what everyone else is teaching but there is only so much that you can do. Its hard being in this position when you think you know what’s right but no one else will listen or change for you. Both are faced with so many obstacles and they just want to change.
I agree completely with Felix. I don't feel as though students should have to read books that don't even deal with their culture or way of life. It is beneficial for them to know what else is going on in the world and to get a different perspective, but when it comes to certain things they need to know whats going on in their own world and in their own language.
I agree completely with Felix. I don't feel as though students should have to read books that don't even deal with their culture or way of life. It is beneficial for them to know what else is going on in the world and to get a different perspective, but when it comes to certain things they need to know whats going on in their own world and in their own language.
You make a great point about knowing what is going on one's own world and in one's own language. Should you become more involved in the Latin American community, and continue your studies in Spanish, remember this! This concept is an important one as we work to provide opportunities for the kids from so many different cultures in our increasingly diverse schools. What is cool is that while other kids are learning about new cultures, the kids from those cultures are learning more about their own. That is a great argument for a diversity of literature for diverse classrooms.
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