The speech of Charles Nogarther
Professor at Oxford that travelled to Ibo with the missionaries
At the annual dinner of the Royal Colonial Institure on April 21, 1895
Greetings to all, I am immensely honored to be here at the Royal Colonial Institute, being able to share opinions in the light of the Imperial patriotism. In that light,we are all cognizant of the situation in the colonies of our beloved country, but I am afraid that we may not realise how we are affecting consequently these so called "uncivilised populations".
I would like to commence this speech with the poetry lines from my latest book "Words From A Distance";
"So why do we label whoever does not resemble our reflection,
There is this creation of some kind of perception
That anything unknown will lack convention."
You see when I decided to join the missionaries on their voyage and quest into the African continent, it was in light for inspiration for a new creative piece, to see these people that apparently have their eyes in their chests, these people that are not even characterised as humane in our literature. The Igbo world is a "real world" just like any other country. We have set foot in this territory containing over fifteen million people and decided to call it ours, without considering the population, undermining their worth until they are nothing but slaves of our demands and a mere source of profit.
It seems that we have detached ourselves from our humanity and if anything we should learn from the Igbo life; how it is based on equality in which nobody is allowed too much control or how the world is known to have constant struggles thus they have an approach which recognises that vie with situations is not worth it; constant readjustment is demanded by the individual. Surely, they live the same way our ancestors did; in touch with nature, but does that give us the right to go into their land and force them into our beliefs?
As a professor, not only do I teach the depth of literature in our language, but I have also learnt to look at the depth of thought, and surely we do have different occupations, as they have more primitive needs such as living in harmony with nature or making enough food, but we truly need to stop making these false comparaisons; all flowers do not bloom at the same time. Does the fact that we are more educated make us superior? They believe in reincarnation, we believe in one God, but why can't one disregard the differences and try to work together to build a bridge in between both worlds. I am here to challenge your thoughts and conceptions, not force it upon you like what we have done to these populations.
They are kind people that are open to change and negotiation, and it is indisputable that the Igbo people are not the only population which we have abused of their values for our mere benefit. I will finish this speech with one idea; if a bully were to threaten your child on your front lawn, how would you react?
Hey Yesmine!
ReplyDeleteI think this is a really strong speech, full of interesting and charged topics. To me, the most interesting part of your speech, is the point where you, playing the role of Charles, quoted his previous book. This strengthened the illusion that you were writing from his perspective, and that, along with your authentic dictation. Do you agree with the perspective you wrote? I know the assignment was to fit his shoes, but does that align with your personal beliefs? You really fit the time period well, using speech that would of been rampant within the higher ranking, wealthy members of the time period, like that which you are attempting to mimic. Good work, Yesmine.
I agree with Tyson! What really stood out to me about your speech is the role you were playing as a professor. "I am here to challenge your thoughts and conceptions, not force it upon you like what we have done to these populations." This sentence acts as a very effective persuasive technique that really does tie in with the previous actions that have taken place. Great speech!
ReplyDeleteI personally like how you emphasise a lot on ethos to gain further credibility from your audience and my favourite line from your speech is "all flowers do not bloom at the same time" because it leaves the audience thinking about those specific line and hopefully will change the way the audience see things. Overall, it is a very good and persuasive speech!
ReplyDeleteYesmine, I really enjoyed reading your blogpost! You've managed to successfully express your knowledge on the historical context of "Things Fall Apart", from the perspective of Charles. Based on the poem you've mentioned, more specifically the line "That anything unknown will lack convention.", do you think the "unknown" could have been regarded as "progressive" and "innovative" if it were not for the colonialists? Good job!
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