Introspection and Reflection
- Obama’s African family members are involved in a major dispute. Did anything like this ever happen in your family? Was there ever a time when your family members weren’t talking to each other? What happened? How did you feel about what occurred? What did you learn from the situation? How was your role different from or similar to Obama’s?
- Obama describes feeling conflicted about his responsibilities towards his family. They expect a great deal of financial help from him, and he’s not sure he can or wants to take on the responsibilities. Did you ever feel this way with regard to your family members? What did you do about the situation? Were your feelings similar to Obama’s? Why or why not?
Suggestions for Essays, Presentations, or Research Projects
- Throughout Dreams from My Father, and especially in Chapters 15-19, Obama explores his ideas about family and how his understanding of family changes during his time in Kenya. Using the links below, please write an essay in which you describe how different cultures view family structures. Consider the differences between immediate and extended families and matriarchal and patriarchal structures. Then, explain your own understanding of what makes up a family and what your culture defines as the responsibilities of family members.
- You have met more members of Obama’s family. Please pick one of these people and, based on what you know about him or her, draw a picture of the person, or find an image that you think represents that character, and then write a short description about the character that you chose. Explain how your image reflects the hopes and dreams of the character, and his or her feelings about life in Kenya.
Useful Links for Further Research
Luo Tribe http://www.mahalo.com/luo-tribe
