WEEK 5

SITI AMIRA BT SALLEHUDIN

1) Based on your reading of "Things Fall Apart", what aspects of the Igbo culture allow the British to take over?

2) Since Sarawak has also undergone colonization, how have these affected aspects of culture in our society?

3) Are there any changes brought about in the lives of the indigenous tribes in Africa and Sarawak?

Answer

In Things Fall apart, the Igbo’s people seem to be disturbed by some of their immoral cultures such as the killing of the twins because of the superstitious that the twins bring bad luck to the family aside from the sacrifices of Ikemefuna because of his father’s fault. These two are the examples for the immoral cultures that the Igbo’s people practise. However, there are some cultures of the Igbo’s people that can be practised such as the gathering and the Week of Peace. Ever since the immoral cultures can be considered as immoral acts to the people, when the colonisation happens, they allow the British to take over the culture. The British gives them education so that the can differentiate the wrongs and the goods in things. In addition, they encourage the Igbo’s people to convert to Christianity but not by forcing them. Even though the people do not have the intention to convert to Christianity, they can attend the class which the British provided for them. One of the Igbo’s people who converted to Christianity is Nwoye - the protagonist who against Christianity’s son.

The colonisation has affected some aspects in the Sarawak's society. For example, the language they used. My friend told me that instead using 'bola' for ball, the Sarawak people use 'bol'. Besides that, during marriage ceremony, the bride will use dress and the groom will use coat instead using the traditional wedding attire. Moreover, I have been told that some of the people in Sarawak still use the term ‘residen’ to the officer. 

            Mostly the country that has been colonised do has some changes in their lifestyle. As for Africa, they get formal education after the colonisation. Moreover, before the colonisation, the people do not have any religion as they believe on superstitious and the oracle. Therefore, during the colonisation, the British spreads their religion which is Christianity to the Igbo’s people. 

WEEK 5

Siti Noor Amira binti Mohammad Johari

1) Based on your reading of "Things Fall Apart",what aspects of the Igbo culture allow the British to take over?

2) Since Sarawak has also undergone colonisation, how has this affected aspects of culture in our society?

3) Are there any changes brought about in the lives of the indigenous tribes in Africa and Sarawak ?

     Based on my understanding, one aspect of Igbo culture that allows the British to take over is when the missionaries try to persuade the Igbo people by using many strategies, and they are easily fall to it. In this novel, we can see missionaries tried to convince by giving them the "iron horse" or bicycle and the other was the use of rhythmic singing and clapping to draw attention to their message. These show that their allegiance towards their belief is not totally strong. Besides, one of the villagers that converted to Christianity was Nwoye, Okonkwo's son. Okonkwo was not satisfied with Nwoye's attitude. He was always complaining about Nwoye who was not possesses manliness as he was. So, Nwoye felt he did not belong to his father and he also questioned himself about the killing of Ikemefuna and the twins. These make Nwoye converted to Christianity which this religion teaches them that everyone was brothers and sisters. Other than that, Igbo people also believe on the Evil Forest was filling with evil spirit which men that killed themselves, ogbanje and twins. Then, when the missionaries came to the village, they gave the forest for the missionaries to build a church. They believed when the missionaries built up a church there, they will be destroyed. Unfortunately, their belief was wrong instead the church made the British more powerful as they could spread their religion easily. 

     In Sarawak society, there are some aspects from colonisation of British that affected in this culture. One of them is their language which still maintaining the English language. As I know, the older still use English words in their daily communication. Such as, ball is 'bola' but they still call 'bol' and also resident is  'pejabat daerah' and they still call 'residen'. Other than that, in that time majority of Sarawakian are influenced by the attire of British. I saw in the picture of the wedding of my parents's friend, they wore coat,necktie,gown,and etc as their wedding attire rather than wearing traditional dress. This shows how British have influenced them indirectly. Besides, in the social perspective, in that time way of life of Malay-Muslim community began to be absorbed by the Western elements. For instance, they built many entertainment center such as Kampung Tanjung Kesenangan Club (1926), Sarawak Malay Tennis Club (1929), Sinjan Music Club, dan Surabaya Jolly Minstrels (Zulkiple Abdul Gani & Juanda Jaya, 2003:643). Besides, from the perspective of eating manner and etiquette, some of Malay Sarawakian rather to use spoon and fork when they eat. It is different from most of the people in West Malaysia which we tend to use bare hand to eat. It is a way for us as Malay Muslim in eating informally. 

     There are many changes that occur in the lives of the indigenous tribes in Africa such as they were not consulting Agbala when they had problems. They converted to Christianity and this made Jesus as their god. Besides, I think there was development in their life. They will go through modernization as the missionaries will help them in developing themselves. It can be seen in the novel, when the Igbo people didn't know the bicycle but they called it 'iron horse'. When the missionaries came, they will teach the Igbo people about technology. Other than that, they also will believe that everyone is the same. There is no more “title” among them because in Christianity, everyone is same. Meanwhile in Sarawak, there are many changes that we can notice here. When there is a colonisation in a country, it makes the country starts to be strong to fight for their right. They will arise to protect their own land and not only see it will be taken by other parties. Thus, this spirit makes them stronger and good enough to fight on. Besides, the colonisation also makes them to be thrived in the technology as well as highly moral standard. When the colonisation takes place, they will introduce new technology and as they go back to their own country, they will leave the knowledge to residents. So, in indirectly the people can go through modernisation by their help. So, we can see from this aspect, not all colonisation will cause bad effects but they also give us some advantages. From the cultural aspect, I believe the indigenous tribes have been influenced by the colonisation. They still maintained the used of west attire in their wedding. Besides, from the political aspect, Malaysia practised Parliamentary Democracy. This system is based from the Westminster System which was totally from British. British brought it to Tanah Melayu and until now we still practise it. 

Rosiah Binti Omar

WEEK 5

1) Based on your reading of "Things Fall Apart", what aspects of the Igbo culture allow the British to take over?

2) Since Sarawak has also undergone colonization, how have these affected aspects of culture in our society?

3) Are there any changes brought about in the lives of the indigenous tribes in Africa and Sarawak?

Aspects of the Igbo culture that allow the British to take over are obviously showed when they don’t care about the missionaries and still let them to stay in the Evil Forest. They believe that the missionaries will die in Evil Forest. Besides that, the Igbo people also practice the openness, which means that they just let the missionaries to influence their mind and just believe what they said.

There are many changes that we can see until today. One aspect that obviously affected the culture is religion. British has brought the Christianity to Sarawak that makes the religion has the highest adherent. There is so many churches build in Sarawak. Besides, English language became the main important aspects that have been brought by British to Sarawak. Most of Sarawakian communicates in English rather than their native language which is Iban. Some of them speak fluently in English.

There are many changes brought in the lives of the indigenous tribes in Africa and Sarawak. In Africa, after the Christianity spread, most of the Igbo people have converted to Christian. They don’t believe in their ancestors anymore because they had found the new religion. They can think before they took some action because they now can differentiate the bad and good. Changes in Sarawak that we can see are the people became more knowledgeable and develop because they are using an international language. Moreover, the British also make the changes in administration system. Sarawak used the resident instead of district office which was brought by the British.

Week 5

Based on your reading of things fall apart, what aspects of Igbo culture allow British to take over?

Since Sarawak has also undergone colonisation, how has this affected aspect of culture in our society?

Are there any changes brought about in the lives of the indigenous tribes in Africa and Sarawak.

There are so many aspects of Igbo culture that allow British to take over. Firstly, they were ignorant of the capabilities of others. They thought that they were the best among all and did not think of the abilities of the missionaries to have come and invade them. That’s what happened when British came with the bicycle that the Igbo people called it ‘iron horse’ and they were so amazed with it and then let the British come and live with them. They thought the British will die after living in the Evil Forest but they turned out to be perfectly fine and even managed to build a church there. That incident had advanced the Igbo people to embrace Christianity.

Firstly, the religion of the people here changed. Majority of the tribes here are Christian after the colonisation when before, many of them were atheist or practiced the religion of their ancestors. The changes brought here, in Sarawak and Africa, the changes brought doesn’t seem to be much different. The systems are changed. The colonisation had brought so many administrations to be followed by the commoners. There were courts, schools and hospitals that were introduced by the British to help advancing the life of the people. Thus the education system, the health and the rules and safety of the people are getting better because of the colonisation.

The social life of the people also changed after the colonisation. The wedding of the people in Serawak and Africa has been western-like where they started to wear suits and wedding gowns during the ceremony and not their traditional wear anymore. Even when they wear their traditional outfit, the women will match it with high heels. Somehow the originality has gone. There are, however few left who still wear it. The way of eating also had changed, as the Sarawakian started to eat using fork and spoon and no longer use their hands like they used to. One by one the culture of the people starting to fade away.

by : Ateeq Medina

Rosiah binti Omar

Week 4- Perfect character a delusion or reality

            Okonkwo been a figure of inspiration to his people when he defeat Amalinze The Cat who have never lose to any battle or fight. After he defeat Amalinze,  he became famous among Umuofia’s people. however, okonkwo also bring disappointment to his people when he disrespected the week of peace. All people did not respect him because they believe that Okonkwo has done a bad things to their God, and he should never be respected by others.

           Characteristics of okonkwo in my nations leader is hardwork and eager to earn a positions of high status in community. It is clearly seen in the society. When he managed to defeat Amalinze The Cat, all the people respect him and point out him as a leader of the clan. 

I can relate Okonwo's characteristic with our former Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman. He is hardworking always tried to give the best for his country. Eventhough, there were many obstacles he had to overcome, he still managed to get the independence for Malaya. In Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo was a person who was very hardworking and always tried to get as much as he could for his life, wives and children. Besides that, Okonkwo's characteristic that I found in Tunku Abdul Rahman was he always upholding his own principle and never gave up on what he already started. 

Rosiah binti Omar

Week 3- Religions and Superstitions

I think that I agree with Karl Marx. Religion guides us to stay on the right track. There is no religion who taught their follower to become evil, thief, rapist, or murderer. Religion is a very important aspects in our life, without religion we will lost and don’t have any aims or goals for our life. However, in the case of Umuofia, I think their native religion stunts their development because they seem to follow what their ancestor’s believe. They don’t want to take any paradigm shift towards their life and religion. If they can think better, their life would be more valuable.

            The new religion which is Christianity, had brought the changes and development to Umuofia. All the people in Umuofia can think before taking any actions or decisions. As the new religion came, they banned all the things that not good for themselves, for example, before the Christianity came, they killed the twin baby but now they can accept the twin baby in their community.

            I think that superstitions and religions affect the development of a country because that set of belief help to sustain positive aspects of individual behaviour that enhance productivity. The new religion also creates the human capital who have many good behaviour and positive thinking.

            One’s belief affects the nation in terms of politics and culture because one’s can change the whole world only using his mind and power. They can spread the bad propaganda and slander about someone or something that can affects others.

week 4

              

Perfect Character A Delusion or Reality

In the novel Animal Farm, the hope for a better world remains unattainable. Even with the change of governance, the animals are eventually mistreated. How is it possible that the longing for good can turn awry when the person is in power for long?

It is possible if the intention of the governance changed. At first it might be honesty that drives him along but as time goes by, he might found another interest such as money or power. When this happens, the longer the person is in charge, then the more awful the people get treated. To find such a good leader with excellent qualities are indeed hard but if the people had known of the true intention of the leader, they must act against him. The people must play their role to get the good instead of only longing for it to come by itself.

In the case of Okonkwo, he is not painted as someone who is without fault. In fact, he is in many ways a tragic hero. Neither is he a person who is evil despite his part in killing Ikemefuna. Based on your understanding of him in the novel, reflect on the following questions:

•             How has Okonkwo been a figure of inspiration and disappointment to his people?

Okonkwo had once known as ‘The Roaring Flame’ for his courage, strength and power. He had defeated Amainze,the cat who was a tough fighter from the other village to make his people grant him that title. He was inspiring the people by that sense and plus when he grew up, he married three wives, got children and own his own yam field. It was symbol of a successful man in Umofia. He was considered a respected man before he was casted away from his village for accidentally killed a young boy. When he returned to Umofia, he was shocked to find that the missionaries already affected the village and the people in it. He tried to fight back and do all his might to rebel. He was disappointed with his kinsmen whom he adored so much as they had turned feminine for not fighting the missionaries. At last, he acted by killing one of the messenger abruptly in the market in front of his people and that had brought questions to them, wondering why did he commit such an act. Okonkwo later felt so depressed by the villagers and there were nothing more he could do to save his people, he decided to take his own life by hanging himself on a tree. And that is considered a taboo for Ibo tribe, to kill own life. In the end, his people disappointed in him and could not even touch him to get him buried properly although he was once a great man.

•             What are the characteristics of Okonkwo that you can find in your nation’s leader?

Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, is the former prime minister of my nation and he is indeed a great man, just like Okonkwo. The characteristics of Okonkwo which is strong, intelligent and dependent are reflected in Tun Mahathir’s personality. He had never quit to make Malaysia a great country and did his best to protect her from any harm. The same goes to Okonkwo when he tried to protect Umofia from the missionaries. Okonkwo wanted his children to be successful and Unoka, his son to respectable be like him and Tun Mahathir wanted the same for his children. The only difference they have is Okonkwo died in such not pleasant way but Tun Mahathir retired respectably after performing his duties as Prime Minister of Malaysia for 20 years.

by : Ateeq Medina

week 3

 Religions and superstitions

Karl Marx once commented that 'religion is the opium of the people'. Do you agree with him? In the case of Umuofia, do you think their native religion stunts their development? Is the 'new' religion seen as a way of bringing development to Umuofia?

Apart from religion, superstitions play an important part in the Ibo culture. Do you have your own sets of superstitions which you find difficult to discard?

The following points can help you as you write your reflective post on the role of religion and superstition in the novel and in your life:

•             Analyse how superstitions and religions play in the life described in the novel.

•             Do superstitious beliefs and religion affect the development of a country? How?

•             How does one's beliefs affect the nation in terms of politics and culture?

Yes I do agree with him  as ‘religion is the opium of people’ or more to the need of the people. People or humans ought to lean or rely to the greater power themselves thus religion plays that part well. superstitious belief was practised by all the Ibo tribe in the novel Things Fall Apart and they do take it seriously.The Umofia’s religion had restricted some rules for the native as there are few rules that are fatal or considered not appropriate such as the killing of the twin babies because they are considered bad omens. That example reflected that the native doesn’t develop in the sense of science because they did not aware of the fact that twins are formed because of genetic and have nothing to do with bad omens.  Their beliefs that are sometimes too superstitious which is believing that evil forest contains evil spirits and no living things could live there because that is the place where they vanish the sick people to die and cast evil spirits to and leave the twin babies to die. But then when the ‘new’ religion stayed there later, they managed to live and even built a church there. This has opened the eyes of some of the natives there about their superstitions. They slowly developed to become the more civilised native.

In my race which is Malay, there are some sets of superstitions that were introduced by our ancestors. It was told to have been a guide for the people since a long time ago. For example, cutting the nails at night are not allowed because it is feared for us to die at the young age. The rational explanation of this superstition belief is that during the time of our ancestors, there was no electricity so they could not see well at night thus cutting the nails would be dangerous because they can injured themselves. Nevertheless, I personally does not have any superstitions that I find difficult to discard because as for me, everything have a reason for them to happen and we just need to find just that.

by: Ateeq Medina

SITI AMIRA BINTI SALLEHUDIN

Week 4

In the novel Animal Farm, the hope for a better world remains unattainable. Even with the change of governance, the animals are eventually mistreated. How is it possible that the longing for good can turn awry when the person is in power for long?

In the case of Okonkwo, he is not painted as someone who is without fault. In fact, he is in many ways a tragic hero. Neither is he a person who is evil despite his part in killing Ikemefuna. Based on your understanding of him in the novel, reflect on the following questions:

• How has Okonkwo been a figure of inspiration and disappointment to his people? 
• What are the characteristics of Okonkwo that you can find in your nation’s leader?

                Okonkwo is the main role in Things Fall Apart. He is known as a tragic hero because at first he displayed as a tough who represent strength. It is because when he was 18 years old, he had won a fight over Amalinze the cat. It considered as a big achievement of him because Amalinze had never been defeated for 7 years. Besides that, he had no patience with unsuccessful man especially towards his father – Unoka. Therefore, he determined to gain his own wealth since his father doesn’t have anything to be inherited to him. Those are the examples why Okonkwo has been a figure of inspiration.

                Aside from that, Okonkwo has been a disappointment to his people because of his impatient. He tends to decide on his own about attacking the colonist for coming to his place. The people of the Igbo didn’t join him as they know that they would get punished if they did it. Consequently, he had been punished by stay alone in the Evil Forest. It can be conclude that if you object good thing others give you, there I consequences for the objection.

                Despite that Okonkwo is an impatient man, he is a brave man too. It shows that when no one supports him to go against the colonist, he still go against. Even though it is a bad example to do so but it shows that he is determined on what he is will. When Sabah been attacked by the Sulu when they claimed that Sabah is theirs’, our nation’s leader determined that he will never give Sabah to the Sulu.

WEEK 3

Karl Marx once commented that 'religion is the opium of the people'. Do you agree with him? In the case of Umuofia, do you think their native religion stunts their development? Is the 'new' religion seen as a way of bringing development to Umuofia?

Apart from religion, superstitions play an important part in the Ibo culture. Do you have your own sets of superstitions which you find difficult to discard?

The following points can help you as you write your reflective post on the role of religion and superstition in the novel and in your life:

• Analyse how superstitions and religions play in the life described in the novel. 
• Do superstitious beliefs and religion affect the development of a country? How?
• How does one's beliefs affect the nation in terms of politics and culture?

                In Things Fall Apart, superstition like twins bring bad luck is very unacceptable culture for me. Babies are like a white cloth. They are pure and innocent as they know nothing about anything and yet they’re being sacrifice since it has been the culture for the Igbo’s people. Other than that, the killing of Ikemefuna is another Igbo’s culture that does not make sense for me. It is because Ikemefuna is being sacrifice because of his father’s fault. It is unfair for the person who receives the punishments instead of the person who did the crime. Since Ikemefuna knows nothing, he just follows Okonkwo back to his house. Besides that, it is the Igbo’s culture for having the women stay at home and do the house chores and obey the husbands only. For example, Okonkwo’s wives have to serve him and obey him. Any activities that do not have any approval from Okonkwo, he will be furious about it and acts violent towards the wives.

                In my opinion, superstitious beliefs and religion do affect the development of the country. For example, before the colonisation happens, the Igbo’s people seem to live in the dark with unacceptable superstitions and culture. When the colonisation happened, the White people gave preach about Christianity to the Igbo’s people. Moreover, they provided some proper education to the villagers which they never had before the colonisation. After that, we could see that there were some changes in the villagers such as they attend the classes provided by the colonist to improve their life. For example, Nwoye attended the classes because he can’t stand his own culture’s beliefs. As conclusion, superstitious beliefs and religion do affect the mind of the people which eventually affect the development of the country.



BY : SITI AMIRA BT SALLEHUDIN

WEEK 4 Perfect Character A Delusion or Reality

SITI NOOR AMIRA 

In the novel Animal Farm, the hope for a better world remains unattainable. Even with the change of governance, the animals are eventually mistreated. How is it possible that the longing for good can turn awry when the person is in power for long?

In the case of Okonkwo, he is not painted as someone who is without fault. In fact, he is in many ways a tragic hero. Neither is he a person who is evil despite his part in killing Ikemefuna. Based on your understanding of him in the novel, reflect on the following questions:

• How has Okonkwo been a figure of inspiration and disappointment to his people? 
• What are the characteristics of Okonkwo that you can find in your nation’s leader?

Okonkwo plays as the main role in the novel Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. It is shown as a tragic hero who in the beginning, the author represents him as a tough and brave man. A man who possesses a quality of masculinity.  In his youth, he brought honor to his village by beating Amalinze the Cat in a wrestling contest. Until his match with Okonkwo, the Cat had been undefeated for seven years. This shows how powerful Okonkwo is. He is an inspiration for the youngest. He also does not portrays the attitude of his father. His father is lazy man and he is totally different from him. He gains wealth by his own effort. He does not depend on anybody just like some of the villagers that inherit from their heir. It will be a proof that Okonkwo is a character that we should emulate. Unfortunately, not all people can achieve the glory until they die. Okonkwo is going to fall down when the missionaries come. It begins when his son turns back on him. He chooses to follow the missionaries then the villagers also one-by-one try to adapt the new religion. From here, Okonkwo starts to give a disappointment not only for the villagers but also for the readers. He cannot face the problem and lastly he commits suicide by hanging himself on a tree. 

Okonkwo's characteristic that I find in my nation's leader is brave to face the enemy. Lately, our country has been attacked by the intruders from Sulu tribe. It was very violent when they came to Malaysia to claim for Sabah. They killed the policemen and armies and this cannot be forgiven. Our Prime Minister said that Government will not compromise on the safety, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Malaysia. It shows that he does not afraid of any threat given by the enemy. 

WEEK 3 Religions and superstitions

SITI NOOR AMIRA  

Karl Marx once commented that 'religion is the opium of the people'. Do you agree with him? In the case of Umuofia, do you think their native religion stunts their development? Is the 'new' religion seen as a way of bringing development to Umuofia?

Apart from religion, superstitions play an important part in the Ibo culture. Do you have your own sets of superstitions which you find difficult to discard?

The following points can help you as you write your reflective post on the role of religion and superstition in the novel and in your life:

• Analyse how superstitions and religions play in the life described in the novel. 
• Do superstitious beliefs and religion affect the development of a country? How?
• How does one's beliefs affect the nation in terms of politics and culture?

In the novel Things Fall Apart, at first it seemed that everyone was superstitious and truly believe in their god. They believe in the killing of the baby as the twins will bring bad luck to their society. So, they just followed the the superstition blindly without think it logically. Besides, the incident when they killed Ikemefuna for the fault of his father. It is a criminal as they cannot punish or execute someone who is not doing the crime. It is his father's fault but Ikemefuna has to endure and face it. It is very unfair. 

I think, superstitious beliefs and religion can be both side, which they can affect the development of a country and they also can be an advantage to develop the country itself. It is because if we believe something blindly and do not think of its consequences it will affect of the development of the country. For example, the villagers killed the twins but they did not know perhaps in future, the killed baby will give an advantage to their village. So, we must avoid in taking someone live. Besides, if we believe in something in appropriate ways, for sure we will find the truth and it also can guide us to produce a bright future. It is stated that every religion has the goodness and we must follow it. 

If a person do good things based on his religion, for sure he will be a good person. It is because, from our religion, we are forbidden to begin an unhealthy environment. We have to live in harmony and peace. So, if a person totally learns in depth about his religion and applies it in real life, there will no any disputes and any people who love to begin a conflict. Thus, religion plays an important role in shaping a good human capital.

Perspective towards women in Things Fall Apart

SITI NOOR AMIRA 

Reflection on Things Fall Apart (Week 2)

•  How are the women treated in the novel? Do all members in the community agree with the status quo? Why? 
• What contributions are made by the Igbo women to the survival of their culture? 
• What are the changes in women’s roles in this present world?

Based on the novel Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, I believe that women had been treated in a balance way. It is not all the women had been treated badly. For example, women play role as the priestess who the villagers consult when they have problems. It is shown when Okonkwo's father consulted Agbala when he wanted to know why he had a misery life. Here we can see that even the villagers lifted the women to be high in status. It is undoubtedly that women does not get the right as they suppose to get. Achebe represents women as has little in power rather than men. They cannot do what men can do and only has to listen the words of men. For instance, when Ojiugo came late to home and did not prepare the food, Okonkwo beat her badly until he forgot that week is Week of Peace which is forbidden for them to beat somebody. I don't think all the community agree with the status quo. It is because some of them even try to deny the status itself. It is because the status does not show the equality between man and woman. 

Even women status is being underestimated, their contribution also can be the same as the men. The woman is the one who teach the children by giving them advice through story telling. For instance, Ekwefi tells her daughter Enzinma the fairy tale entitled Tortoise. She tries to teach her daughter by showing her the consequences or benefits in the action takes. Besides, women also is the priestess that the people will seek if they have any problems. Here, the contribution of the women is they are trying to solve or find the solution for the people. So, we can't deny that there is no contribution of women towards the culture. They also one of the important roles in order to produce a quality generation. 

Nowadays, the stereotype that women should stay at home and looking after the children is cannot be used anymore. We can see that women spend their time by searching or seeking the chances to be in the same level of men. If a man can be an engineer, a woman also can. Even she can be better than man. It is true that the job is focusing on men but it is no wrong if women take the challenge to be the part of it. Besides, the women also can be one part of the bread-winner of the family. It is from the career women. They can help the expenses in home in order to reduce the burden of the husband. Lastly, a lot of women nowadays as succeed as the men. It proves when they even went to higher education. They are free to further their studies and the equality between men and women can be seen through this. 

week 2 question

ATEEQ MEDINA BT MOHD MALIKI

Women in Things Fall Apart

 How are the women treated in the novel? Do all members in the community agree with the status quo? Why?

Woman are inferior in the tribe and men are superior than them. Man can marry up to he could support but woman could not do so. In this aspect,it seems that the society receives it well because there are so many men with titles got to marry women to the sum of twelve. There are so many mistreatment that woman receives including have to take beatings from their husband if they do something wrong. Like what happened to Ekwefi who had been beaten by Okonkwo because of not preparing food to her children and go braid her hair elsewhere. Okonkwo’s son, Nwoye is the one who questioned the custom of his own tribe because he did not understand why such things have to happen.

What contributions are made by the Igbo women to the survival of their culture?

They accept the rule well and never protest it. Although some of them are quite harsh and mean for us nowadays but they still follow it. They obey their husbands, prepare food for the family, accept polygamy and work for their family well. Not even once that the case of woman against their husband arise. It helps to maintain the culture of Igbo tribe eventhough sometimes they are sad because their twin baby that they carried had to be killed because of the custom. They manage to hold it together until the arrival of the commissioner.

What are the changes in women’s roles in this present world?

As we living in the world of globalisation, women role had change drastically as there are women who are the breadwinner in the family instead of men. The term househusband is also relevant in the present world. Women no longer required to stay at home,cook and look after the children. Woman can be as successful as she wanted to be. They can study until the level of their wish and work anywhere they want. Nobody have the right to stop them.

TFA WEEK 2

1. How are the women treated in the novel? Do all members in the community agree with the status quo? Why?

The women in Igbo community have been treated unfairly in this story. The women in this community have no authority to speak their mind and do things they like. For example, one day, when Okonkwo’ youngest wife was not home in time to cook for him lunch, he beat her severely when she reached home. He didn’t listen to his wife explanation before he beat her since she has no right to talk back to her husband. Moreover, Okonkwo once thought about Ezinma, his daughter that, “She should have been a boy.” Okonkwo thought made me realized that the women’s ability in Igbo community has been underestimated. The women only do things if their men allowed them to. As example, Ezinma can only be married when they reached Okonkwo’s motherland since her father said so. Not all of the members of the community seem to be fine with this status quo since they did advised Okonkwo to stop when he beat his wife. It shows that they concern on the status quo but they literally could do nothing to change it because it was one of their cultures.

2. What contributions are made by the Igbo women to the survival of their culture?

The Igbo women contribution for the survival was big even though they had been considered as the weak and low-class. The Igbo women cook for their family, take care of them, tell stories to their children, serve their husband, and do the housework. Each of the elements stated portrayed in Okonkwo’s wives. For example, Okonkwo wives would cook for him and their children each meal. Besides that, Nwoye’s mother told him a story which has moral values and so did Ekwefi to Ezinma.  

3. What are the changes in women’s roles in this present world?

Nowadays women are different from the Igbo’s women. Not totally different but there are some parts that change. It is because nowadays women are no longer considered as weak and low-class. Nowadays, women have their own job for themselves. Moreover, they can speak out their opinions and ideas and they can do things that they want without being restricted unlike the Igbo’s women. Aside from that, nowadays women can choose their own future. They can future their studies and have career. Since I mentioned that nowadays and before women are not totally different, it is because nowadays women do take care of their family and cook for them. Even though they have career, they do things that requires them to like do the housework and else. It just that they have more freedom than the women before. 

By: SITI AMIRA SALLEHUDIN

Women in Things Fall Apart (Week 2)

Rosiah Binti Omar

1. How are the women treated in the novel? Do all members in the community agree with the status quo? Why? 

"Sit like a woman!" Okonkwo shouted at her. Ezinma brought her two legs together and stretched them in front of her”(Chp 5), this quote obviously showed the great power and difference between males and females in an household in an Igbo society. In Things Fall Apart, women considered as a second-class citizens which means that in the society, they are disregarded and voiceless because they believe that women have no right to talk about their own opinion. For example in this novel, women plant maize, beans, and melons meanwhile for the men, they have been given the trust by the society to plant yam. Okonkwo said that “Yam stood for manliness, and he who could feed his family on yams from one harvest to another was a very great man indeed”. The society treated women as their servant because the job of women in the community is to serve their husband in every way possible, they should cook, doing all the chores and help out in repairing the huts. They also needed to be good storytellers to tell the young children the origin of their life.  For example, Mother tells stories how to behave themselves to attract husbands, serve husbands to win their hearts.

However, not all of the community agree with the status quo. Every women in the society cannot voiced out and express their dissatisfaction. They just do the things that have been order or command by the men. For example, Okonkwo said to his wives "Do what you are told woman". Everything that his wives did were based on a orderly routine constructed by Okonkwo and everybody had to listen to him regardless of whether he was right or wrong.

 2.  What contributions are made by the Igbo women to the survival of their culture? 

Even though women in the society were considered as weak and low-class, their contribution to the survival of their culture was really big. They take care of the children, do all the housework, serve as priestesses, tell the stories to their daughter, and build relationships with other villages. Those are the contributions of women in the Igbo community. For example, Ezinma’s mother, Ekwefi, who tells her daughter the fairy tale about the Tortoise: “Tortoise saw all these preparations and soon discovered what it all meant? That is why Tortoise's shell is not smooth”. Ekwefi told Enzima the stories of Tortoise which has moral value in it that can make her daughter understand about life.

3. What are the changes in women’s roles in this present world?

In this present world, women’s roles in the community are no longer as a servant and have no right to voiced out their opinion. This modern society allows women to voiced out their opinion whether they agree or not and they also have the right to further their studies to the higher level as high as men. Women can have far greater opportunity in social, political, and commercial endeavors rather than the past. For example, in the novel, women only stay at home, raise their children and do all the chores but in this present day, we can see that women also can have a career even though they have children. Nowadays, women are the same level as men. They also can do what men can; women can be a pilot, engineer and army. Women's traditional role as wives and mothers has not disappeared but has been reinvented to fit in with the needs of the society.

Reflection on Things Fall Apart

Siti Amira Bt Sallehudin

• Based on your reading of “Things Fall Apart”, what aspects of the Igbo culture allow the British to take over? 

Based on my reading, I think the important aspect is the Igbo people can't accept fully their culture since their culture seems to be overboard. For example, the killing of the twins in the Evil Forest. One of the Igbo people that converted to Christianity is Nwoye - Okonkwo's son.

• Since Sarawak has also undergone colonisation, how has this affected aspects of culture in our society?

The colonisation has affected some aspects in the Sarawak's society. For example, the language they used. My friend told me that instead using 'bola' for ball, the Sarawak people use 'bol'. Besides that, during marriage ceremony, the bride will use dress and the groom will use coat instead using the traditional wedding attire.

• Are there any changes brought about in the lives of the indigenous tribes in Africa and Sarawak? 

There are changes in the lives of the indigeous in Africa and Sarawak after the colonisation. For example, they manage to improve their lifestyle since they have been colonised. For example, the Igbo feel at peace after converted to Christianity. Moreover, they feel that their previous custom were unreasonable. Besides that, the people acknowledge the colonisation as the steppingstone for them to modernise themselves. 

Ateeq Medina Bt. Mohd Maliki

1. Based on your reading of “Things Fall Apart”, what aspects of the Igbo culture allow the British to take over?

The traditions of their people which is cannot be accepted by some people. For example the dumping of twin babies in the Evil forest. Some people think that it is a mean thing to do. People who disagree of this thing also might not be agree with the concept of outcasts or bad luck that was practised by the Ibo people. In the novel we can see that Mr. Kiaga accepted osu or known as the outcasts and the woman who gave birth to twins into the church. He shaved the outcasts's hair which was feared to kill the outcasts if removed and soon enough they became the strongest adherents of the new faith. Nwoye, the son of Okonkwo also did the same when he started to questioned the killing of Ikemefuna whom he known as his brother and other horror things that Igbo people do. When the christianity came to  the village, it was like answering his questions. The 'imunity' of the Christians who built their church on the doomed land had proved that they are powerful to the villagers. It is because the Igbo people had taken that land which located in the Evil Forest to be an abominated land and they would not last for even a day but they did and even became stronger. From there, the villagers started to believe of what the missionaries said and later there were many man and children joined the new faith.

2. Since Sarawak has also undergone colonisation, how has this affected aspects of culture in our society

The coming of the British people had affected the lives of Sarawakian in many aspects,including the culture. Many Sarawak tribes had changed because of the colonisation. Firstly, it had changed the religion of most of the native Sarawak where they were originally anismist, religious worldview that natural physical entities including animals,plants, and even inanimate objects or phenomena to be Christian. Next, the names of the people also changed from the original native names to the christians names like Catherine, Joe and Darrel. Only minority of them kept their original name till now. the clothes are also modified as they dressed modernly now and only wore their traditional outfit for events and gatherings. Some of them even wear gown and tuxedos for wedding now. The values of traditionality slowly faded away.

3. Are there any changes brought about in the lives of the indigenous tribes in Africa and Sarawak?

It has brought many changes in Sarawak and Africa, the colonisation. . Before the coming of the British, the Sarawakian and the African only fed from their farming be it paddy or yams. they did not evolve but when the British came, they had brought progress with them. The building of school, hospital, church and also courthouse has made the people to be more advancing and modern. The people ought to have proper education, proper clothes and be more civilised than before. the creation of transportation also came from the coonisation when in the novel Things Fall Apart, the African was amazed by the "iron horse" which was a bicycle that they have never seen before. Then, they evolved.

Reflection on Things Fall Apart

Rosiah Binti Omar 

1) Based on your reading of "Things Fall Apart",what aspects of the Igbo culture allow the British to take over?

Based on “Things Fall Apart”, the aspects that I have found was the cleverness of the British to convince the people in the Igbo culture. They showed their good values so that the Igbo people will accept them. The British also tried to bring anything that makes the Igbo people impressed them, for example they use the bicycle, and people in Igbo culture didn’t know anything about development of the world sophistication. They assume that the British using the “iron horse” instead of calling it as bicycle. Besides that, Igbo culture also practices openness because they allowed other people to take advantage on them. For example, they let the British to disseminate Christianity.

2) Since Sarawak has also undergone colonisation, how has this affected aspects of culture in our society?

After British colonised Sarawak, there are many effects that we can see until today. One aspect that obviously affected the culture is religion. British has brought the Christianity to Sarawak that makes the religion has the highest adherent. There is so many churches build in Sarawak. Besides that, English language is the main important aspects that have being brought by British to Sarawak. Most of Sarawak people can speak fluent English.

3) Are there any changes brought about in the lives of the indigenous tribes in Africa and Sarawak?

Yes, there are many changes brought in the lives of the indigenous tribes in Africa and Sarawak. In Africa, the Christianity spread and most of the Igbo people converted to Christian. They don’t believe in Agbala anymore because they found the new religion that is better. We can see the changes after they converted to Christian, for example, they became independent and gain many knowledge.

Changes in Sarawak that we can see is the people became more knowledgeable and develop because they are using an international language. Besides, the British also make the changes in administration system. Sarawak used the resident instead of district office. 

Reflection on Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

Siti Noor Amira binti Mohammad Johari

1) Based on your reading of "Things Fall Apart",what aspects of the Igbo culture allow the British to take over?

Based on my understanding, one aspect of Igbo culture that allows the British to take over is when the missionaries try to persuade the Igbo people by using many strategies, and they are easily fall to it. In this novel, we can see missionaries try to convince by giving them the "iron horse" or bicycle and the other is the use of rhythmic singing and clapping to draw attention to their message. These show that their allegiance towards their belief are not totally strong. Besides, one of the villagers that is converted to Christianity is Nwoye, Okonkwo's son. Okonkwo is not satisfied with Nwoye's attitude. He is always complaining about Nwoye who is not possesses manliness as he is. So, Nwoye feels he is not belongs to his father and he also questions himself about the killing of Ikemefuna and the twins. These make Nwoye converts to Christianity which this religion teaches them that everyone is brothers and sisters. Other than that, Igbo people also believe on the Evil Forest is filling with evil spirit which men that kill themselves, ogbanje and twins. Then, when the missionaries come the village, they give the forest for them to build a church. They believe when the missionaries build up a church there, they will be destroyed. Unfortunately, their belief is wrong meanwhile the church makes the British more powerful as they can spread their religion easily. 

2) Since Sarawak has also undergone colonisation, how has this affected aspects of culture in our society?

In Sarawak society, there are some aspects from colonisation of British that affected in this culture. One of them is their language which still maintaining the English language. As I know, the older still use English words in their daily communication. Such as, ball is 'bola' but they still call 'bol' and also resident is  'pejabat daerah' and they still call 'residen'. Other than that, in that time majority of Sarawakian are influenced by the attire of British. I can see in the picture of the wedding of my parents's friend is they use coat,necktie,gown,and etc as their wedding attire rather than use traditional dress. This shows how British has influenced them indirectly. Besides, in that time way of life of Malay-Muslim community began to be absorbed by the Western elements. For instance, they built many entertainment center such as Kampung Tanjung Kesenangan Club (1926), Sarawak Malay Tennis 
Club (1929), Sinjan Music Club, dan Surabaya Jolly Minstrels (Zulkiple Abdul 
Gani & Juanda Jaya, 2003:643).

3) Are there any changes brought about in the lives of the indigenous tribes in Africa and Sarawak ?

There are many changes that occur in the lives of the indigenous tribes in Africa such as they are not consulting Agbala when they have problems. They convert to Christianity and this makes Jesus as their god. Besides, I think there is development in their life. They will go through modernisation as the missionaries will help them in developing themselves. It can be seen in the novel, when the Igbo people don't know the bicycle but they call it 'iron horse'. When the missionaries come, they will modernised the people there. Other than that, they also will believe that everyone is the same. There is no more rank among them. 

Meanwhile in Sarawak, there are many changes that we can notice here. When there is a colonisation in a country,it makes the country starts to be strong to fight for their right. They will arise to protect their own land and not only see it taken by other parties. Thus,this spirit makes them stronger and good enough to fight on. Besides, the colonisation also makes them to be thrived in the technology as well as highly moral standard. When the colonisation takes place, they will introduce new technology and as they go back to their own country, they will leave the knowledge to residents. So, in indirectly we can go through  modernisation by their help. So, we can see from this aspect, not all colonisation will cause bad effects but they also give us some advantages.