How literature broadens the knowledge and perceptions on the African diaspora - Essay Example

?How Literature Broadens the Knowledge and Perceptions on the African Diaspora Introduction The African Diaspora was characterized as the forced dispersal of Africans. This involuntary migration is rooted to slave trade, wherein the Africans were forcibly transported to the American continent to be enslaved in an unfamiliar world. However, the Diaspora was also a story of struggle and reformation of their identities in the new world despite being diffused to different lands. Hence, some literary artists and writers advocated to the cause through producing pieces that will exhibit this historical phenomenon. This paper then will discuss the development of understanding regarding the African Diasporic identities and cultures. Furthermore, the paper will also deliberate on the perceptions of Black existence across the Diaspora as the impacts of the examining two African literatures My Singular Irene and Reversing Sails by writers Jose Almanzar and Michael Gomez, respectively. These two literary pieces were chosen as those have distinctly tackled the African Diaspora--- repression and exploitation. Additionally, this paper has provided a concise background on African Diaspora better contextualize its arguments However, the paper recognized its limitations as there are other literary works that best exemplify the African Diaspora. African Diaspora By definition, Diaspora means the settlement and breeding of new of migrants in far-off lands while still maintaining connections to their homeland. However, the African Diaspora does not simply take form in this definition. The existence of the Black people in America and Europe is outlined with long distance slavery, which has become the prime determinant of the African people from around the world (Manning). However, the Diaspora phenomenon does not only center on these events, but as well as the social struggle and fight against these social adversities (Manning). The Blacks campaigned and strived to end these oppressive activities through connecting with other African communities around the world. These literary, specifically the journal Making Callaloo, aims to exhibit the literary works of various African artists from other areas to engage the writers outside Africa in communication beyond geographical boundaries (Rowell XX). My Singular Irene by Jose Alcantara Almanzar This body of work focuses on alienation and repression. These two issues are represented through the situation of a married woman within a repressive and patriarchal marriage. Irene (the wife) although not living in poverty, was treated a secondary to the husband instead of a partner. As narrated by the husband, he has provided her with a television and everything that she needs so she does not have to leave the house (Almanzar 5). Furthermore, according to the husband, the woman who possesses knowledge is considered to be dangerous. This means that she should not be educated as she will be able to plot and invent things (Almanzar 5). Given this situation, Irene saw the chance of liberation by joining one with nature (become a butterfly) during their trip to evade the repressive marriage. Evolution The situation of the woman in this literary work is similar to the existence of the Africans during the Diaspora. They were subjected to repression and discrimination through slavery. This work has depicted the situation of the Africans through the character of Irene, while the colonizers as the husband. Prior to reading and studying this body of work, African Diaspora was only known as the transportation and the enslavement of the African to other distant lands. However, this has enlightened the reader of the extent of the African struggle from the past, which may still be prevalent at the present. This has provided the reader with a better understanding as it tackles the inner emotions of the Africans--- their constant search for liberation. However, the most educational component of this literary piece is that it also provides the reader with the perception of the oppressor. The husband (society) thought that their behavior was right. The Africans are only treated to what is appropriate, like a woman. Hence, the narrative showed a different view of the Diaspora through the views of the oppressor. Impact The greatest impact of this piece to the thinking of the African Diaspora lies in the indifference of the oppressor’s behavior to the oppressed. Based on the understanding of the reading, the oppressor only acts based on how one should act. In implication, society has shaped the mindset of the people on how will they behave towards the Africans. The work seemed that it is a norm for the oppressors to think and act the way they should. Hence, for the Africans to be free, repressive activities and behaviors should be eliminated. The learning from this piece and from the African Diaspora is still relevant to the present society, where discrimination and curtailment of freedom is still prevalent. Thus, this literary piece has impacted the reader by being aware of the struggles of those oppressed. Reversing Sails by Michael Gomez When he wrote about the African Diaspora, he offered a viewpoint of the old and contemporary society. This discussion centers on the causes of the Diaspora by pointing out religious conflict, commerce, the expansion of European colonies. In particular, Gomez captures the readers by arguing that African Diaspora roots from the Bible. It was stated that the oppressors or the supporters of this social activity justified their claims by citing The Old Testament. Gomez stated that the “people with color” or the Africans are supposed to be inferiors (20). Later on, the Diaspora also means the fight against enslavement. Gomez clearly showed in this work that the Africans aspire freedom, which is multifaceted (depending in every person and situation). This has been evident on their different reconnecting activities to Africa through art, religion, and music to continue the struggle against colonialism and racism in the global world (Gomez 193). Evolution It is apparent from this body of work that it provides a new meaning and understanding of the African Diaspora. Gomez has succeeded in providing deep insights of the social phenomenon, wherein the readers will learn the various situations of the Africans from different regions and continents. Specifically, this has provided the reader with a wider view of the African Diaspora, from the Bible and religious aspect to the real-life evidences from around the globe. For instance, Gomez argued that some Africans in the Middle East were free, which is a contrast to the belief that all Africans were migrated to become slaves. Hence, the literary piece has opened the minds of the reader to the differing situations of African culture and existence in the Diaspora. Prior to examination of this work, the reader was not opened to a new critic of the Diaspora, in which it also provides benefits. Furthermore, Gomez has discussed the various causes of the Diaspora. The book tackled that globalization has also paved way of this phenomenon. Development such as sugar production, transoceanic trade has been the source of subservient labor in the modern world (Gomez 59). It was learnt that the Diaspora cannot only be associated with European colonization, but as well as the development of economies and technologies. Impact The most important impact of this work is the primary aim of Gomez. This book aspires to promote appreciation of the African struggle and their contribution to the society by closely examining the roots of the phenomenon. This means that one can only understand, and truly promote freedom by being aware of the history, which precedes repression, slavery and colonization. This work encourages those who believes and supports the freedom to acquire additional knowledge of the African Diaspora. Gomez’s different approach in examining the history of the social event has provided the readers with different and new perceptions of the event. Hence, this has affected the reader with regard to appreciating the importance of the past socio-political and economic events that led to the Diaspora. Connections The interconnectedness of the two writers is evident on the themes of their works. Both writers encourage the readers to know more about the history of the African Diaspora to acquire higher levels of understanding. Gomez stated that looking backward is the first step of moving forward while Almanzar emphasizes the importance of eliminating the roots of the Diaspora to eradicate slavery, racism and exploitation. Through the similar aims of the writers, the readers are encouraged to maximize literature to support and appreciate the struggles of the African people. Conclusion The African Diaspora has been the repression, slavery and struggle to fight against it by the Africans. Their struggle includes the reconnection to the homeland and other African communities around the world by means of arts, music, literature and religion. Literary writers joined this cause by producing works that will be accessible to various African societies. Two of these works emphasize the significance tracing the roots to appreciate the African struggle, and eventually helped in attaining true freedom. Therefore, as a reader, one should exploit the availability of materials and historic accounts to better understand the African Diaspora. Through this, one will not only acquire knowledge but also commit in advocating for the cause, wherein dispersed Africans will be able to reconnect to Africa. Works Cited Almanzar, Jose Alcantara. “My Singular Irene.” Making Callaloo. By Ed. Charles Henry Rowell. New York: St. Martin’s Griffin, 2002. Print. Gomez, Michael A. Reversing Sails. USA: Cambridge University Press, 2005. Print. Manning, Patrick. The African Diaspora: A History through Culture. New York: Columbia University Press, 2009. Print. Rowell, Charles Henry, ed. Making Callaloo. New York: St. Martin’s Griffin, 2002. Print. Read More