The Rabbis cat is a wonderful story that deals with religion,cultural identity and colonialism. The main character seem to be the cat who develops the ability to talk after swallowing a bird. The cat begins to question religion and morality from its own point of view. The Jewish religion seem to be the main focus at least in the first few chapters, however the Islamic religion is mentioned also. The author of the story seem to really attempt to answer some of the questions of religion and morality.
Religious tolerance is another point that the author seem to make in this story. For instance, the cat wants to have a Bar-Mitzvah which I believe is part of the Jewish religion that involves the coming of age of a young man. Also, the cat questions other human behaviour such as sex. I find it hard to follow foreign authors because I am use to reading action novels by American authors whose stories are usually straightforward.
I don't understand the Jewish or Muslim religion because I grew up in the Christian religion. However, I sometime question my own religion. For instance, when I see the hypocritical actions of people who claim to be Christian but advocate hatred or when I see the innocent life of a child end violently while it seems like the mass murderers of the world get caught only after they have killed many people.
I question my morality also when I do things that I know is wrong until my conscious catches up with me and at times I find myself fighting my demons and no matter if I win or not they keep coming back. I use the examples of people who have overcome their problems as inspiration. I have no problem with religion or morality I just wish that somehow it were easier to understand and practice religion and morality on a daily basis.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Blog Posting IV
Blog Posting IV: " This week we read three stories from James Ngugi 'Decolonization of the Mind' 'Wedding at the Cross' and 'Minutes of Glory.' 'Decoloniza..."
Monday, April 4, 2011
The Stranglehold of English Literature
This poem by Felix Mnthali is very insightful he describes with beautiful accuracy with truth and complexity the African experience of colonialism. This poem gives insight into the condition of the African people from the view of an African native. Also, from a historical perspective it is very relevant and insightful because he uses historical facts and personal experience.
I love the part where he references the use of Eng lit in comparison to African institutions of higher learning " How could questions be asked at Makerere and Ibadan, Dakar and Ford Hare with Jane Austen at the centre? " (Mnthali). Overall, I am very surprised and proud that I am reading for the first time in my life works by African artist, I have read works by African American artist and in comparison the struggle between the two cultures seem to be frighteningly similar.
I love the part where he references the use of Eng lit in comparison to African institutions of higher learning " How could questions be asked at Makerere and Ibadan, Dakar and Ford Hare with Jane Austen at the centre? " (Mnthali). Overall, I am very surprised and proud that I am reading for the first time in my life works by African artist, I have read works by African American artist and in comparison the struggle between the two cultures seem to be frighteningly similar.
Sams blog: The Stranglehold of English Literature
Sams blog: The Stranglehold of English Literature: " This poem by Felix Mnthali is very insightful he describes with beautiful accuracy with truth and complexity the..."
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