In an ever-shifting society, change is one’s only constant. As individuals transition into a more modern, technologically advanced age, more and more grow discontent with the practice of traditional customs. Although much of what we do now, even after conforming to modernity, roots deep in the traditions of our ancestors, many find themselves deciding whether to adapt to modernity or stick with traditions. Even though the two connect to each other, we use these labels [modern and traditional] to categorize different people, ideas, events and even cultures. These “labels” of modernity and traditions simultaneously pull in opposite directions. The literary texts Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, Gooboora the Silent Pool by Noonucal and The
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Modernization has been often the introduction of western elements. Many times the introduction of these elements creates great tension with the traditional cultures. In Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, during a conversation between Obierika and Okonkwo, which is centered on events that have happened since the arrival of the western colonialist they say, Achebe writes ““Does the white man understand our custom about land?” “How can he when he does not even speak our tongue? But he says that our customs are bad; and our own brothers who have taken up his religion also say that our customs are bad”” (Achebe 176). Throughout the novel, the role of customs is incredibly important and decides the fate of men, women and the children. Many of the customs practiced in the Nigerian culture is frowned upon in the West yet are perfectly acceptable in the traditional culture they live in. Westernization, in this story, is seen as almost an equivalent to modernity and is widely unpopular, especially by Okonkwo. After Okonkwo returns to his country after being exiled for killing his own son, which is surprisingly normal for this Igbo culture, he is astonished at the westernization taking place in his once traditional homeland. Okonkwo, who sees supremacy as his idea of power, hangs himself at the end of the novel because he cannot bring himself to conform to these untraditional ways. Laurence Kirmayer, Cori Simpson and Margaret Cargo find a link to mental health and the modernization of Aboriginal cultures. They write, “There are high rates of social problem. Depression, substance abuse, suicide and other mental health problems in many Aboriginal communities…there is clear and compelling evidence that the long history of cultural oppression and marginalization has contributed to the high levels of mental health problems found in many communities. There is evidence that strengthening
Modernization has been often the introduction of western elements. Many times the introduction of these elements creates great tension with the traditional cultures. In Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, during a conversation between Obierika and Okonkwo, which is centered on events that have happened since the arrival of the western colonialist they say, Achebe writes ““Does the white man understand our custom about land?” “How can he when he does not even speak our tongue? But he says that our customs are bad; and our own brothers who have taken up his religion also say that our customs are bad”” (Achebe 176). Throughout the novel, the role of customs is incredibly important and decides the fate of men, women and the children. Many of the customs practiced in the Nigerian culture is frowned upon in the West yet are perfectly acceptable in the traditional culture they live in. Westernization, in this story, is seen as almost an equivalent to modernity and is widely unpopular, especially by Okonkwo. After Okonkwo returns to his country after being exiled for killing his own son, which is surprisingly normal for this Igbo culture, he is astonished at the westernization taking place in his once traditional homeland. Okonkwo, who sees supremacy as his idea of power, hangs himself at the end of the novel because he cannot bring himself to conform to these untraditional ways. Laurence Kirmayer, Cori Simpson and Margaret Cargo find a link to mental health and the modernization of Aboriginal cultures. They write, “There are high rates of social problem. Depression, substance abuse, suicide and other mental health problems in many Aboriginal communities…there is clear and compelling evidence that the long history of cultural oppression and marginalization has contributed to the high levels of mental health problems found in many communities. There is evidence that strengthening