Over the years the black culture has been associated with negative aspects such as drugs, violence, and crime. There has been some heated debate amongst the blacks following the constant concomitant. Different authors through their works have made the immense progression to address the issues in the best way possible to change the notion to the present times. Through the enduring values, writers find it necessary to reiterate between the historical moments and the future to make vital time links to the present moments (Chambers 45). For instance, Chinua Achebe and Alice Walker have integrated the issues of black culture in their works to incorporate some experience that can make aid in progressive changes to the modern society. In Chinua Achebe’s book “Things Fall Apart,” he addresses the issues of the black values through the story of Okonkwo and the Igbo culture (Tumwebaze). The author draws his attention towards the intricacies of Igbo culture such as justice, murderous tales and the braveness of the community. The articles are broken down into three parts formulating crucial ideologies, practices, and rituals that aid in shaping the narrative (Katbi and Abdeen 90). The first part has historical events about Umuofia village, focusing on the lifestyle of the people before the arrival of the European colonisers (Katbi and Abdeen 90). The society in this section of the narrative outlines the culture of the Igbo community through their unity and religious beliefs acting as a source of inspiration to the natives (Katbi and Abdeen 90). The second part encompasses the obedience of the members of the society, through following instructions of the gods and goddesses in the community (Katbi and Abdeen 90). Lastly, the third part gyrates around Okonkwo returning to his fatherland until his demise (Katbi and Abdeen 90).
On the other hand, Alice Walker’s book “The Color Purple,” addresses the issues that the African American women are facing on account of racism, sexism, and poverty (Mitra). The storyline gyrates around a woman named Celie. She wrote letters to God, despite the illegible English, explaining about her inner turmoil after being raped by her step-father and had her children abducted (Blount 119). Consequently, she is married to a sex slave man who violates her rights. The book addresses the issue of women inequality through the loneliness and estrangement of the black woman (Mitra). The two books have discussed devastating matters towards the black culture trying to expose the experience they endured. Besides, the primary objective of the two works was to alter the stereotyping images of the black culture by some prejudiced authors and theorist with limited knowledge about the culture. Henceforth, through their articles, it is necessary to analyse how their works contributed to shaping the modern black culture. This paper scrutinises on the comparison between the two literary works, how they reflect on contemporary society and the extent that the books have contributed to change the black culture.
Leadership
Chinua Achebe’s book “Things Fall Apart,” has its setting Nigeria, a land dominated by the blacks. The book chronicles the precolonial life of the black community culture, which was associated with unity, bravely, leadership and obedience that was being emulated by the natives (Puhr 44). Chinua Achebe uses his character Okonkwo, to reflect on how the black society has respect towards their leaders. Okonkwo is portrayed in the narrative as a tragic hero, through his bravery. He regains must respect and attention in Umuofia village, accruing a lot of wealth and titles (Puhr 43). Through his character, Chinua Achebe displays excellent qualities of leadership amongst the black culture community. The black society used to pay much respect to their leaders and treated them with gratitude, since they were pillars that could help them during wars and solving problems and calamities that hit the community. Chinua Achebe reflects the black society leaders through Okonkwo, who has won a lot of battles for the village; hence, the society has much respects towards him. Moreover, the village members do not question anything he does despite it being wrong since they have much respect and honour for him. For instance, he chooses to stay with Ikemefuna, a girl from another tribe, despite the society prohibition, however, no one questions him since he is a tragic hero (Achebe 23). Nevertheless, hell break loose through his son (Nwoye) who does not heed his authoritative deeds of not being converted to Christianity (Achebe 63). Through Nwoye, the author portrays the evolution of the black culture against the norms of their leaders and following what they feel is rightful for them.
Additionally, the author used his works to criticise other biased writers who outline the negative image of Africa’s to be subordinate, primitive and savage (Katbi and Abdeen 90). Majority of this prejudiced writers believed that the black race required to be controlled by the whites since they did not have a history that impacted significantly to their culture and leadership (Katbi and Abdeen 90). On the contrary, Achebe portrays that the natives have some leadership qualities and sense of belonging to their motherland, hence, fighting the invading white man as an obstacle that hinders the community from enjoying the cultural values and cultural identity (Katbi and Abdeen 91). Through the experiences, Achebe uses his skills to shape the modern black society leadership qualities. He depicts the evolution of the black culture, through the actions of Okonkwo who fights against the whites to eradicate them from their motherland. The scenario illustrations the society progressing to have their community back, by recollecting after the inception of the whites. Consequently, the instance reflects how the modern society fought against the colonisers to have their land back.
On the other hand, in Alice Walker book, women are portrayed to lack leadership qualities in the society. The author depicts the black society belief towards women leadership in the community. However, Alice shapes the modern black society by using Sofia to intervene between the mayor and his wife to resolve their matters (Mitra). Through the instance, Walker reveals the evolution of black women in the society to poses some leadership qualities. Consequently, it is evident in the present community, where women are allowed to run for the top seats in politics and other respected areas in the society.
Women Inequality
Alice Walker, in her book "The Color Purple," portrays the mistreatment that African women are enduring and gender inequality under the leadership of men. She uses her character, Celie; a poor black woman struggles to survive with the mistreatment conducted to her by the men. Celie tries to escape the brutality, despite her stepfather raping her and her children abducted (Watkins). Her disclosures reveal through the letters she addresses to God out of isolation and despair (Watkins). The cruelty under the leadership of men also unveils after her stepfather beat her and forced to marry Albert, who is in love with the vivacious singer Shug Avery (Watkins). The instances of Celie portrays the struggles and mistreatment the black women undergo in the society. Women are forcefully forced into marriages, however, through intermingling and education, they end up escaping the brutality and exploitation conducted towards them and become independent, revealing the evolution of the women in the black culture society.
Moreover, when Albert's oldest son, Harpo asks him why she usually beats Celie, he claims that she is her wife (Watkins). Later, Celie frees herself from the oppressive control of her husband, where she starts the business of designing and making clothes (Watkins). The potentiality of the women in the black culture becomes undermined since men have a different perspective about them in the society. From a community point of view, the role of a woman is depicted out to be similar to that of a sex slave and housekeeper in the society. However, in the modern black culture, females have portrayed great achievements both politically, economically and socially. It is evident in Alice works, by shaping the black woman in the society, by making them liberal if empowered. In the book, Celie intermingles with women in the community who enlighten her, and finally, she starts her own business (Watkins). Through the events, the author reflects on the evolution of the black woman culture, despite the rampancy issues of sexism and feminism. Thus, empowering women and sensitising them to fight against discrimination promotes a sustainable society.
On the other hand, in Chinua Achebe’s work, women inequality aspect is outlined to reflect on the culture of black women in the society. Okonkwo associates masculine with aggression, and he beats his wives and often threatens to kill them (Achebe 20). Moreover, in the “Week of Peace,” he notices that his youngest wife had left to have her hair braided without cooking dinner, and he beats her up on returning (Achebe 13). Achebe’s portrays the black culture on the perception of women as housewives, their work being to cook and take care of the family. However, he also develops the aspect of them being responsible in the society, hence, portraying the evolution of the culture, since Okonkwo wives stand by her despite her ruthlessness and provide him with advice on what to do after he killed a boy (Achebe 28). Subsequently, it shows the evolution of the women in the society to provide their husband with guidance in times of crisis, which reflects on the modern society.
Racism
Both authors address the issue of racism. In the current world, the young generation may not perceive the impact of the problem, since discrimination is not rampant. However, the older generation has testimonies regarding the issue; hence, the teens need exposure to such lessons imparted by history, through literature (Kravchuk). Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart," recognises the African struggles and the chaos left behind during the colonial era (Kravchuk). He addresses the racial stereotypes towards the Africans by offering a personal outlook on the individuals suffering due to discrimination of their culture at the expense of the Western world (Kravchuk). He reflects on the modern world by stirring the fight to ensure the eviction of the colonisers from their motherland. The invaders were biased towards the Africans, to the extent of having constant believe that Africans needed a white man to rule them (Kravchuk). Through the author, the evolution of the black culture is evident, since members of the society fought to regain their customs that catered for their rights. As a result, they used all means to ensure that the whites were eradicated from their land. Consequently, it reflects on the struggles that the society endured to make sure that the colonisers were kicked out of their motherland, hence, shaping the evolution of the black community ensuring they recuperated their land from the colonialists.
Moreover, following the article "An Image of Africa: Racism in Conrad's Heart of Darkness," Chinua Achebe critiques Joseph Conrad against his racist stereotypes regarding Africa and its people (Kravchuk). He argued that Conrad talked ill about the people of Africa without a clear context of their capabilities. In the article, racism was evident as Africans were referred to be savaged by the whites (Kravchuk). However, Achebe addressed the issue of black culture, arguing that Africans have the right to dominate their motherland without being oppressed (Kravchuk). As a result, the experiences shape the black society evolving by fighting for their rights against discrimination and oppression.
On the other hand, Alice, in her book “The Color Purple,” instances of racism are rampant. First, Celie sexual oppression portrays the plight of black women in the society and vindicates the racial agenda, since to some extent, sexism associates with race and class (Selzer 68). Secondly, Celie develops the perspective that she is ugly due to her dark complexion, which forms the perception of the majority of the Africans in the society (Selzer 68). Thirdly, Sofia fights against discreet racism of the mayor and his wife; however, she ends up working in the family as a surrogate mother to Eleanor, who does not recognise the sacrifices she made for her (Selzer 74). Lastly, Netti recalls Olinka selling his ancestors into slavery in America, following his lousy discernment towards the African Americans (Selzer 70). Subsequently, the instances depict a clear reflection of the modern society towards the black culture concerning racism. Celie hating her complexion reveals the black society hatred towards their colour since it contributed to their discrimination. However, the society has evolved with the community accepting their appearance and developing various means to be equated with the whites by having a strong feeling that they can undertake the tasks done by whites too. Nevertheless, the two books have brought the aspect of empowerment and the black society fighting against significant forms of discrimination to ensure that there is equality concerning racial backgrounds in the community, hence, shaping the modern culture.
Religion
Comparatively, the two authors have also used religion in their works to reflect on various aspects of the modern society. Religion has also been another facet of discrimination amongst individuals in the community. Chinua Achebe depicts the theme of belief amongst the Africans, and the obedience’s they exhibited to their gods and goddesses (Katbi and Abdeen 91). However, in the era of colonisation, Christianity was introduced, despite the majority of the Africans prospecting it to be a trap of developing a new government by the whites (Katbi and Abdeen 91). Through the instance, the author portrays the evolution of the black culture regarding religion, which reflects the belief that exists in the modern society. In the Achebe’s book, Nwoye is rejected by his father Okonkwo, after converting to Christianity (Achebe 61). Okonkwo decision reflects the black culture perspective towards the religion as a trap set by the colonisers. However, through Nwoye, the author depicts the evolution of the black culture towards accepting the belief. More so, villagers kill a white man and tie his bicycle at a scared tree, to depict their un-wiliness to be converted (Achebe 59). However, later members of the society accept to be turned to Christianity. It is evident that the black culture is shaping gradually regarding the religious aspects.
On the other hand, Alice Walker book portrays the changing culture of the Africans towards acceptance of religion. It is evident through Celie's letters addressed to God, showing her stern believe towards a supreme being (Mitra). The two books have portrayed the evolution of the black culture into accepting the existence of a supreme being, God, which shapes the modern society belief.
Marriage
Both authors bring the issues of marriage in their works to reflect on the modern society. Among the black community, marriage was a core thing according to the traditions and customs. Men in the village were allowed to be polygamous and marry as many wives. According to Achebe’s book, Okonkwo had married many wives since being a tragic hero the customs permitted it. The author portrays the marriage aspect of the black culture, where men could be polygamous. However, the facet has changed through the author, since the black culture has evolved with the majority of the women going against polygamous marriages.
On the other hand, in Alice Walker book, Celie is married to Albert despite him having other kids out of wedlock (John). She realises that the patriarchal system in the society is abusive to all women due to the challenges they face in marriages (John). Moreover, Sofia and Celie are often oppressed by their husbands; however, they stand out to present women in the society. Through their empowerment, they depict the evolution of the black culture towards marriages, where women were taken in as materials to be wedded and bear children. Celie gets out of her marriage and becomes independent through her business contributing to the empowerment evolution of the black woman.
Family
The family is an important aspect of the black culture society. In the community, the most individuals are judged according to their family characteristics. Both genders have different roles to play to ensure the family flourishes to be envied by other members of the society. According to Chinua Achebe, in the Igbo community, women were important in the family to be wedded and bear children. Consequently, it reflects the culture of the black community, which still happens in the modern society. Noteworthy, as the women grew up, one of the main things taught was the role of the family and the future. They are allowed to choose wives for their sons after an analysis of their morals and qualities. However, in Achebe's book, Okonkwo's son, Nwoye, goes against the customs, since he has a different perspective regarding the customs of the Igbo community (Puhr 44). Nwoye portrays the evolution of the black culture, going against the traditions of their society and having diverse perspectives regarding certain ideologies that seem to be different to them. Any matter that revolved around the family in Igbo community was treated with seriousness, for instance, Okonkwo's daughter, Ezinma, is believed to be cursed since she keeps on dying and being reborn (Achebe 33). The scenario reflects the evil perception of the black community. According to the customs of the black community, such children were prospected to bring bad omen to the community and mostly treated as outcasts. However, Okonkwo’s family take good care of her, reflecting the evolution of the black culture family towards certain evil ideologies.
Moreover, the family is different from others in the community, since they allow Ikemefuna to live with them (Achebe 24). According to the Igbo society, it was not usual for any family to live with children from other communities. The fact that Okonkwo was allowed to live with the child follows the fact that he had a functional status in the village. The instance portrays the black culture towards outcasts and maintaining their family tradition customs. Nevertheless, Okonkwo allowing the child to live with them depicts the black culture evolution towards other cultures regarding the family customs. Lastly, according to the black culture, children are dependent on their parents, and the father provides money and wealth to support them in all their endeavours. However, when their father hurt them, they sought comfort from their mother, according to the black culture. According to Chinua Achebe, Nneka mother provides support for her children after Okonkwo scolds them. Moreover, when Nwoye gets converted to Christianity, her mother comes to his defence. The instance of Nwoye depicts the evolution of the black children in the modern community by doing what their hearts desire regardless of their parent's opinions.
On the other hand, according to Alice Walker's book, the family is portrayed as a crucial aspect in the society. Celie is forced to take care of the family when her mother falls ill (John). Consequently, Celie's depicts the role of women in the family according to the black culture to nurture the family. Celie stands up for the women in families since she protects her mother and sister by sacrificing herself to be raped by her step-father (John). Celie portrays the black women in the society to withstand all the family responsibilities, despite the problems they face in the community. However, after her children were abducted, she moved to another family where she is married to another man, Albert (John). The scenario shows the black culture towards women, portraying them as objects, wedded from one marriage to another. Nevertheless, Celie breaks the custom chains after she leaves Albert's suppression and starts her business (Mitra). The instance portrays the evolution of the black culture regarding women and the family customs.
The two authors have portrayed the reflection of the black culture regarding certain family aspects, especially pertaining women and children. However, transformation concerning the customs and traditions of the society depicts the evolution of the black culture on family matters, hence, shaping the modern society.
Traditional Customs
The black culture had their beliefs towards certain conventional traditions of their community. According to Achebe’s book, the Igbo community had various beliefs and customs, which they obeyed. There was the struggle between the culture, religion, and family amongst the Igbo community, which brought along by the personal views and traditions (Katbi and Abdeen 92). Things fall apart after the arrival of the colonisers who do away with the customs and introducing the community to new ordeals such as Christianity (Achebe 80). At first, the community, under the leadership of Okonkwo, is not pleased by the white's moves to change their customs, revealing the black society beliefs, and loyalty towards their culture, despite some of the traditions oppressing the women (Achebe 81). However, the colonisers try to evolve the black culture, through the introduction of Christianity and education to impart knowledge to the community. According to Achebe, the religion of the society involved the worship of ancestors, the cult of personal gods, which reflected the black culture in the ancient days (Achebe 77). However, the inception of the colonisers in Igbo community, introduce Christianity belief on a supreme being, God, and reading the scriptures. The instance as portrayed by the author, reveals the evolution of the black traditions and customs presented in the modern society, where the worship of God in churches is rampant, relative to the sacrifices made in the ancient days. Lastly, the author portrays the language of the Igbo society being hard to translate until the inception of the colonisers, who use rhythms and proverbs to interpret certain customs of the community (Achebe 32). Submissively, it reflects the evolution of the black culture into understanding other languages.
On the other hand, according to Alice, Celie portrays the women in the society and the tradition and customs the community had towards the women through her subsequent events. The customs believe that women should be bear children and endure all the suffering (John). However, Celie reverses the ideologies of the traditions to depict that women can stand on their own in the society is provided with the financial and emotional support they need. Moreover, Alice works to portray the culture of the black community in silencing the women's voice, through the story of Celie (John). However, she shapes the modern black society by revealing that women can be liberal after being empowered, as it is evident when Celie starts her new business (Mitra).
Conclusively, the two authors have used diverse perspectives regarding the black culture in their works to reflect on the norms of the society. The authors have used instances of leadership, women inequality, racism, religion, marriage, family, and traditional customs, to reveal the black culture outlook on each aspect. Through the notions, the authors portray the black culture evolution to the modern society. For instance, through leadership the black culture has a perspective that only men can lead the community; however, the author's depict the evolution through women empowerment. Women inequality has been a significant aspect of the society, with women being oppressed and discriminated. The two authors portray the culture and belief evolving with instances of women putting up their businesses and becoming stable to stand on their own. Through the religious aspects, the black culture believed in their customs to worship their ancestors and personal gods. The inception of the colonisers reverse the ideologies introducing the community to the worship of a supreme being, God and the reading of scriptures.
Additionally, racism has been an ideology amongst the black culture with the whites discriminating them for their colour, however, through the empowerment and fighting against all forms of racism; the society regains equality in the modern society. Lastly, the traditional customs have been the basis of the black culture. The community tends to be loyal to its traditional beliefs, despite some of the traditions of oppressing other, especially the women. However, some customs were modified through the inception of the whites such as religion and new reforms introduced such as education that contribute to the evolution of the black culture. Through the notions, the black culture ideologies evolved through various changes to some facts, hence, shaping of the modern black culture society.
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