In White Teeth it is the female characters that are being repressed. It possibly could be because Smith is the author and she is trying to convey a specific message to the reader. There are certain parts in the novel where she physically describes the physical characteristics of Irie. Which I do certainly believe that she could have only done so as a woman. I think it this was a male author and describing Irie it would be more offensive. But coming from a woman, and a woman of the same racial background, it softens the blow of the obscene comments.
Sorry for the post being late guys, my internet was going in and out last night and it would not let me get online.
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3 comments:
I think that's an interesting point. In general, people tend to think that because an author is part of a specific culture or race (and in this case, gender) they have the license to speak negatively about others because "hey, they are including themselves in those remarks!"
I am not too comfortable with it. If for example, a person is African American or Jewish or gay (or all three), it doesn't mean that they can bash others who are the same. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, but I would disagree with the point that because Zadie Smith is a woman, her description of Irie, no matter how much like herself, is less offensive.
I think Barry makes a great point here in stating that just because you belong to a certain group you shouldn't be entitled to suddenly bash the very group you belong to and that stating since you belong to the group then its acceptable then. Bashing a group is bashing a group regardless if its your own, or someone else's. Regarding the "In White Teeth its the female characters that are being repressed" I think its a vague and general blanket statement that doesn't hold much weight. Obviously repression occurs on both sides of the gender line. For example Samad's failed military career that was supposed to establish him as a hero like his grandfather, as well as his wife's tantrums resulting in both physical and mental attacks on him are obvious signs of social and domestic repression respectively. To claim that it is only the female characters that are repressed is far from the truth.
part of what seems to make White Teeth both interesting and occasionally confusing is the massive amount of characters. by introducing the reader to a lot of different personalities and relationships from one to another, there are a lot of viewpoints and situations that are exposed. by discussing the past, present and future feelings and events in each of the characters' lives, Smith opens the door for a lot of criticism of each of the characters. repression is only one of many aspects to be analyzed in both the male and female characters.
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