Ngugi - Decolonization of the Mind

The effects of colonization aren't so easy to avoid.  Everyone wants to have something 'better": a better education, a better job, better living conditions, better looks, overall a better life.  Western colonization has promised all of this and lured good people away from their homes and families with all the luxuries of life.  The struggle within is how to stay true to who you are, while still having a better way of life and is that better way of life really worth it?  Ngugi introduces us to characters who face this struggle in "Wedding at the Cross" and "Minutes of Glory".  Ngugi uses these storis to bring to light the effects of colonization and language imperialism on the people of Africa.  Formal education in Africa does not allow for the traditions of cultural or religious beliefs, and then there is the isssue that you do not get your education in your own language.

"Wedding at the Cross" introduces us to a young couple in love with aspirations of marriage.  But since Wariuki was of a different social class, Miramu's father did not approve that she would marry into sin and poverty.  Her father had already risen above the poverty, coverted into Christianity and earned wealth and the "favor of the white farmers".   He did not want her to "marry one of those useless half-educated upstarts, who disturbed the ordered life, peace and prosperity on European farms".  That pretty much sums up the colonization of the mind that Ngugi is speaking against.   As the two young lovers ran off to begin their life together, Miriamu discovers that a life outside of that which she was brought up, was freeing and happy; Wariuki let his happiness fade.  His desire to live up to the expectations of Douglas Jones had in the end been what caused him to become colonized in his own mind.  Miriamu in the process,  actually became decolonized, enjoying the simple pleasures of  her life with her children and her mother-in-law.  He achieved what he had long dreamed of, but since his intentions were selfish, the result left him empty.   I felt bad for Miriamu because she chose a man that made her happy, loosing her family in the process, but since Wariuki decided their life together based on what was important to him, they both became unhappy.  This would be a great example to be shared with young couples about to be married.  Be true to yourself, and make sure the ones you love really want to be on the path you are taking them on.

Beatrice was such a sad creature.  My heart broke for her that she was in the degrating position of having to sell her body for money and it just made her feel ugly.  She began to wish that she could be more like Nyaguthu, to be what made her so desired by men.  She longs for someone to listen to her, to care for her just the way she was.  She thought she had found that in the lorry driver, only to discover that he only cared that his own needs were fulfilled.  She took his money an instead of using it to better her life, she used it to buy herself confidence and a new sense of power.  This came in the form of stockings and high heels.  I like to think she knew she would be caught, but for that short time, she had achieved what she had dreamed of, to be desired, to be acknowledged and to be in control.  It is a hard balance to be true to yourself and fit it the life you desire.  This is something that is impossible to teach, I know because I have a teenage daughter.  However, with encouragement, support and the appropriate boundaries, people can learn to fit into any situation just as you are.  First impressions and stereotypes are hard to shake, but true self confidence emerges above all else.