When I was a PhD candidate at Addis Ababa University, I was highly interested in reading Zimbabwean novels. One novel in particular, “Bones” by Chenjerai Hove, stood out to me, and a particular character within the book always stayed in my mind. At times, I even felt like I had seen and known the character in my own conscious thoughts.
Her name is Marita, the protagonist who was created with a personal and mental setup that represents various aspects of colonialism and African identity. She was a mother to a son who left her to join the freedom fight.
Marita worked on a farm owned by a white man, showing affection and care to a girl who worked alongside her. Despite her kindness, the white man abused Marita demanding that she bring back her son and stops him from fighting against the system. She endured repeated physical and psychological violence, nearly dying from his mistreatment.
One day, while searching for her son in the city, Marita encountered his friends who questioned her about the white man’s behavior towards her and other workers. Initially, she defended him, but when the girl on the farm confronted her, Marita explained that she didn’t want to be responsible for sending another woman’s son to his death.
This conversation taught me valuable lessons about humanity and femininity. It reminded me that women should not contribute to each other’s suffering. I admire Marita for her strength and integrity in difficult circumstances.
I am grateful to Hove for teaching me about humanity, sympathy, love, honesty, and intelligence through Marita’s character. Despite our different cultural and political backgrounds, the universal themes in the story resonate with me. By placing myself in Marita’s shoes, I learned to consider the perspectives of others and the importance of empathy. Marita’s decision to withhold the truth out of empathy for the white man’s mother was a powerful example of compassion and understanding.
Scholars and artists argue that art, culture, and literature are meant to nourish the soul of mankind, playing a significant role in sparking global conversations about humanistic issues and reshaping perspectives. Renowned author Elif Shafak expressed her belief that literature and art allow us to understand different opinions, fostering empathy and enabling us to see the world from another’s point of view. This ability to step into someone else’s shoes is essential for social cohesion, as sociologists emphasize the importance of tolerance and understanding in their research. Literature provides a platform for fostering these qualities.
The role of writers and artists is to bring forth controversial issues that touch on the essence of humanity, transcending cultural and historical boundaries. Elif Shafak argues that writers should pose difficult questions and create spaces for diverse opinions to be heard, allowing readers to form their own conclusions. Through artistic expression, readers are encouraged to reflect on and engage with challenging topics, fostering empathy and critical thinking.
Literature has the power to bring people together and address common issues in a way that other mediums cannot. Fiction, in particular, has played a significant role in shedding light on injustices and human experiences, leading to greater empathy and understanding. By portraying the complexities of human reality, literature can challenge biases, highlight injustices, and ultimately contribute to a more cohesive society.
In the novel “Fikir Eske Mekabir,” the author explores the exploitation of feudalism within a community, showcasing how this oppressive system affects individuals and families. By depicting the struggles of characters like Seblewongel, readers from diverse backgrounds can empathize with her story and reflect on the broader implications of systemic injustice. This shared experience allows readers to connect with the characters and themes on a deeper level, prompting discussions and actions in support of victims like Seblewongel.
Cultural diversity is a natural aspect of human existence, offering a rich tapestry of stories and experiences for writers and artists to draw inspiration from. Embracing multiple cultures and perspectives allows for the creation of bridges between communities, fostering understanding and appreciation for humanity’s varied expressions. By celebrating diversity, writers and artists can enrich their work and contribute to a more inclusive and harmonious society.
Creating social cohesion does not require uniformity or the erasure of cultural differences. Instead, it involves building mutual understanding and cooperation around fundamental issues that promote harmonious coexistence. Sociologist Ulrich Beck emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and respecting diverse identities while fostering connections and bridges between individuals, groups, and cultures. In a world characterized by uncertainty, embracing diversity and uniqueness can lead to a more equitable and inclusive society.
Throughout history, writers have used their pens to echo the issues of society, shed light on causes, and propose possible solutions. This trend has brought about significant changes globally. In the quest for social cohesion, which is essential for a nation to progress harmoniously, various forms of literature such as short stories, novels, prose, poems, and fiction can play a vital role.
Through their artistic and skillful presentation of societal issues, these works can help readers understand different cultures, values, and practices, fostering tolerance and unity. By peacefully and artistically addressing common issues, people from diverse cultures can come together in solidarity. The beauty of cultural diversity lies in the unity that arises from variety and collective action. Therefore, writers have a crucial role in building bridges that connect societies charmingly, promoting solidarity and unity.
BY MEKDES TAYE (PhD)
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 7 DECEMBER 2024
