Analysis Of In Full Color 'And The Soul Of A Butterfly'

What defines “who we are” is debatable and up for discussion. Some would argue that “who we are” comes from our socio-economic background, while others would connect it to ethnicity. Individuals describe their knowledge of themselves based on what they know or “self-knowledge”. “Self-knowledge” is composed of several things which may include: their family, their friends, their socioeconomic status, their gender identity, their ethnicity, and their nationality. The previously mentioned concepts may be influenced by history. History is the explanation of how individuals are where they are today because they are affected by their past. The past influences where someone is in the present moment, and their choices will influence where they will …show more content…
“In Full Color” and “The Soul of a Butterfly” are examples of narratives that amplify the voices of the oppressed or the excluded. Rachel Dolezal gained some of her self-knowledge through a combination of her own personal experiences and her family. Although Rachel’s identity was at first formulated by her parents because of the Christian fundamental ethics that were imbedded into her moral codes or psyche. Rachel manifested the moral codes taught by her parents through her obedience to the faith and her parents authority. Rachel demonstrated an acceptance for Christian morality by remaining obedient to her family’s request. Consistently throughout the text she tries to satisfy her family’s needs by making sure she remained diligent when performing chores. Mohammad Ali shares his story based on how he persevered against the racism of his time while rising to be the best boxer. Throughout his journey Ali realized that his status was not enough to break down racism when his Olympic metal did not change the perception of a prejudice entrepreneur. The lessons one may gather from both narratives is that experiences are diverse, and individuals can find resiliency in their experiences which contribute to their “self-knowledge”. Rachel denounce whiteness and called herself black due to the oppression she encountered. Blackness for Dolezal seems to be the concept that gave her strength to be prideful of her cursed status she was assigned at birth. Ali being able to become successful during intensely discriminatory times allowed him to be the role model he wished to be. Reading the autobiographies of people like Dolezal and Ali can help break down assumptions that are based on a skewed reality. The ethical conclusion is that we are more similar than we assume. By understanding our