"What we believe, what we value, and even what we think are direct results of our culture and society, not our religion, our supposed philosophy of life, or our worldview" (Bressler, 202).
When I read the above line (and the entire paragraph it was within), I could not help but think that this could be the theme of White Teeth. Each character evolves throughout their years and prove this above point to be true. Although Samad may deny it, even religion can not be considered to be the ultimate mold from which much of our characteristics and interests are formed. This is why Marxists believe that the ideas within Marxism are "inseparable from modern civilization" (Eagleton, qtd. in Bressler, 191). I think that this may be a difficult idea to accept, especially for those who are fighting assimilation. However, I believe if Samad were to understand that this concept is universal to all people and not inherently negative, he would accept the changes of his sons more easily.
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2 comments:
I really think your on to an important idea here... sounds like paper topic material. I think the stark contrast between each of the characters, Samad, Archie, Clara and Alsana for starts, really bring in that idea that the culture they exist within is in direct correlation with what they believe despite even Samad's very own Koran totting actions.
That is a really interest concept that I agree with. Bressler's comment does strongly resonate with the theme of White Teeth. Culture does unfortunately determine the majority's belief system. This is exemplified in the novel through Irie's feeling of being a "stranger in a strange land" in England (Smith, P.222). I believe this is so because she is rejected b y her society's belief that "green-eyed Holywood stars" are beautiful and her Afro is not.
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