Counter Stories II

When still talking about counter stories there are so many stories to tell. Many people and places in history have suffered greatly. Yet one group of people on one continent had their lives greatly impacted in the arrival of the white man. I am referring to Africa and its people who have been through many hardships throughout time. 

In Chinua Achebe's book Things Fall Apart, it is about the life of Okonkwo, a important leader in a village within Nigeria, and how his life is changed with certain events and the arrival of Europeans/white man. 

Throughout the first half of the story the reader sees the life and customs of the villagers through the eyes of Okonkwo, the main character. This gives an insight into how society was inside of Africa.  Rather to the claims made that they were savages, the people in the village were in fact civilized having their own form of living, religion, and government. Through this we can see customs, way of life inside of Africa and although it is foreign, it still is a simple, nice life.

However with the arrival of white men in their country and village, things fall apart. The white men brings Christianity and imposes their own government. There is always constant confrontation between the two sides, one fighting to regain their culture and land back, whilst the other seeking to convert and conquer. 

In this way we can see how greatly the  impact is when things change.  This time it is the story of Okonkwo, and how the white man came and everything changed. Through his eyes we see how he suffered and not only him but the rest of his village as well. That is why this is a counter story, showing who really was the savage, who came forcing one's belief upon another group of people. We must never forget that there is always two sides to a coin.