Topic > No Change Without Connection: Analyzing My Kids! My Africa!

In the show My Children! My Africa! by Athol Fugard, the characters' desires may be similar, but their many limitations due to social and political differences contribute to contrasting points of view. Thami, Mr. M, and Isabel have trouble connecting with each other for a multitude of reasons. When the passion for change conflicts and overshadows the opinions of other characters, problems arise. Thami and Mr. M struggle to share a perspective on freedom because Thami prioritizes liberation through violence over education; However, Isabel's different cultural upbringing poses a barrier to her ability to empathize with Thami's need for change. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The characters Thami and Mr. M both want similar things and emphasize the need for change, although Thami sees the solution as liberation through the use of violence, and Mr. M claims to appreciate the power of education much more . Their significant desire to want change may overlap, but there is limited agreement between the two when it comes to how to achieve change. Mr. M demonstrates the difference between violence and language when he states, “…If you put these two on a scale I think you would find that they weigh about the same. But in this hand I have the whole English language in my hand. This… (The stone.) …is just a word in that language” (69). His explanation of the two objects supports the idea that language and education are worth more than violence. By describing being able to hold an entire language in one hand in awe, he encourages that education and language are to be valued far more than stone throwing; for him education is more powerful. Previously, he explains how a revolution and protest can take shape in educating people about an issue. “Where were you when I stood there and said that I considered it my duty, my deepest obligation to you young men and women, to sabotage this, and that my conscience would not let me rest until I succeeded. And I did it! Yes, I did it! I have irrefutable proof of my success. You!" (63). Mr. M conveys that his success is tied to Thami's awareness of and anger at his insufficient Bantu education. Thami's inability to recognize what Mr. M sees as sabotage of his mission, his obligation, demonstrates Thami's limitations; he fully understands the effect that words and education can have. The social divide between his generation and that of Mr. M also contributes to their conflict of views hers, Isabel is unable to empathize with Thami's actions and decisions due to a different cultural upbringing. Being raised in a white community influences Isabel's opinions and perspectives, which makes her unable to understand those of Thami, with whom he disagrees. He says “My world is changing too, Isabelle. With my presence here I break the boycott. The comrades don't want to mix with the whites” (62). as in “my world,” he is more emphasizing the social divide between him and Isabel. It is shown that, racially speaking, Isabel's mere interaction with Thami is a conflict in itself. Unfortunately, due to Isabel's race and upbringing, Isabel cannot truly share Thami's need for change. She doesn't understand it either, due to the different social reality she is used to. Her spoiled life and favoritism for being white by the political system are the cause.