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  • Essay / No change without connection: analyze my children! My Africa!

    In the room My children! My Africa! by Athol Fugard, the characters' desires may be similar, but their many limitations due to social and political differences all contribute to conflicting viewpoints. Thami, Mr. M and Isabel struggle to connect for a multitude of reasons. When the passion for change conflicts with and overshadows the opinions of other characters, problems arise. Thami and Mr. M struggle to share a perspective on freedom because Thami prioritizes liberation through violence over education; however, Isabel's different cultural upbringing hinders her ability to understand Thami's need for change. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay The characters Thami and Mr. M both want similar things and emphasize the need for change, although Thami sees the solution as a liberation through the use of violence, and Mr. M expresses that he values ​​the power of education much more. Their deep desire for change may overlap, but there is limited agreement between the two on how to achieve change. Mr. M demonstrates the difference between violence and language when he states: "...If you put those two on a scale, I think you'll find they weigh about the same." But in this hand I hold the entire English language. This… (The stone.)… is only a word in this language” (69). His explanation of the two objects supports the idea that language and education are worth more than violence. By describing being able to hold an entire tongue in one hand in awe, he encourages that education and language should be valued far more than throwing stones; for him, education is more powerful. Earlier, he explains how a revolution and protest can take shape by educating people about an issue. "Where were you when I stood there and said that I considered it my duty, my deepest obligation to you young men and women, to sabotage this, and that my conscience would not let me no rest until I succeed. And I did it! Yes, I succeeded! I have irrefutable proof of my success. You!" (63). Mr. M conveys that his success is linked to Thami's awareness and anger at insufficient Bantu education. Thami's inability to recognize what Mr. M sees as sabotage of his mission, his obligation demonstrates Thami's limits; he does not fully understand the effect that words and education can have. The social division between his generation and that of Mr. M also contributes to their conflicting points of view. For her part, Isabel is unable to understand Thami's actions and decisions due to her different cultural upbringing. Growing up in a white community affects Isabel's views and perspectives, making her incapable. to understand that of Thami, with which she does not agree. He says: “My world is changing too, Isabelle. I am breaking the boycott by being here.” (62) When Thami refers to his community as "my world", he further emphasizes the social divide between him and Isabel. It is shown that, racially, Isabel's mere interaction with Thami is already a conflict in itself. Unfortunately, due to Isabel's race and upbringing, Isabel cannot truly share Thami's need for change. She doesn't understand it either, because of the different social reality to which she is accustomed. His pampered life and the favoritism of..