Holding On as an Act of Resistance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Holding On as an Act of Resistance - Essay Example I think this reaction on Alfred's part is justifiable by the fact that he had developed a sense of love for their language and their culture. And this only confirms that holding on to one's beliefs and practices builds a certain barrier around a person that would make him reject the unfamiliar. However, his grandmother corrected this behavior, stating that to cling to your culture does not necessarily mean you have to envelope yourself so as not to absorb others' way of life. Sometimes, one only needs to learn to appreciate every new learning, while maintaining a keener and a deeper loyalty to his own ethnicity. But is it possible to surpass the tendency of being eaten whole by the new standards brought about by the new cultureAlfred expressed his opinion on the issue regarding whether to fight back or not to fight back the bullying menaces of the white society. He states that fighting back brings on conflict; but to not fight back brings on a different type of tension within oneself (Alfred, 2004). I think what he means by the bullies are the whole of the Settler Society and that, according to him, fighting back and staying still are two equally courageous things. However, resistance still proves to gather more audacity and, in the end, establishes a stronger stand. This does not only give the people more sense of dignity, but more freedom in enjoying the culture they were brought up in. If, however, economic progress goes with staying still, would these people still choose to exhibit valor The Different Warrior Older people tend to have more attachment and tighter bonds with tradition and cultural practices. Their passion and loyalty to their culture have been developed throughout their lives and this drives them to want to extend and pass on their tradition to the following generations. And as Alfred's grandmother left him the urges to fight and insist on gaining honor and respect, he takes on the challenge of being a different, or THE different warrior, and stand up for the forgotten values. I believe this warrior, in the end, will prove to be the most audacious of all since his mission is not one that only involves physical combat. His is a mission which seeks to save a dying culture, and restore values that are vital to the survival of their future generations. But the question of whether his battle for this mission will serve worthy in the end still hangs. An Independent Culture Long existent has been the debate over whether to break free from tradition in order to survive global evolution or risk facing the manifestations of greedy colonization by remaining isolated and intact. Alfred argued that the Onkwehonwe have been too dependent on and influenced by the white culture that they have already lost their freedom and integrity. Their continuous submission to the colonizers' rules and way of life is slowly wiping away their identity. The whites have imposed political and social power over the people that they deem their own lands, inaccessible. These people should, however, understand that the white society's governance is tainted with their vested interest and this interest usually includes expanding colonization and more damage in the Onkwehonwe culture. Now, what's left for these people to do is to decide. Should they embrace the settlers' imposing powers on them and over them Or should they strive for self-sufficiency and freedom by overcoming the oppre ssors and revive the culture they have lost or are losing A Continuing Challenge The issue of breaking free from oppressors is not something new to the world. As Alfred explains, materialism is continuously