Introspection and Reflection
- On page 358, Obama admires the courage of the Masai, but he also admires the courage he sees in Francis, Auma, and the Wilkersons. He wonders about his own courage. Do you think of yourself as courageous? In what ways? How are you different from or similar to Obama? Are there ways in which you feel you lack courage? Why?
- At the close of Chapter 17, the Obama family goes out to dance and celebrate. Obama paints a rich picture of his family, and how they enjoy themselves. Remember a time when your family celebrated something. What did you do? Who was there? How did you feel about the celebration at the time? How do you feel about it now? How was your celebration different from that of the Obama family?
Suggestions for Essays, Presentations, and Research Projects
- In Chapter 17, Obama describes the beauty of the landscape and the animals he sees. Create a presentation about a geographical area that you have visited. Explain where the place is, how to get there, and what a visitor can expect to see. What aspects of the landscape impressed you? Why? What animals did you see? What do you remember about your visit, and why? If the area has changed since you first visited it, describe the changes and/or problems that have arisen.
- On page 357-358, Mauro and Francis have a conversation about missionaries and the connection between them and colonialism. Using the links below, read about what missionaries have done in Kenya, and reflect upon how their work has or has not aided in Kenyan development. If you are more familiar with the work of missionaries in a different country, you may research that country instead. When you have finished, write a letter to your place of worship in which you advocate either for or against missionary work. Provide support for your position by including information that you have gained from your research into this difficult and sometimes contentious topic
- On pages 347-348, Obama writes about tribal identity. He believes that tribalism can get in the way of peace and progress. Yet, many believe that tribes create community and help us to develop our identities. Read the general articles about tribes available through the links below. Then read more specifically on a tribe that you are interested in learning more about. You may want to pick an African tribe like the Luo or the Masai. If you have a more personal connection to a tribe, you might want to pick that tribe. Create a presentation or write a research paper in which you describe the tribe that you have chosen. Include information relevant to the structure, core beliefs and traditions of the tribe you have chosen. What do you think is positive about the tribe you have chosen? Negative? Finally, consider what you have learned, and articulate the benefits and disadvantages of adhering to tribal identity.
Useful Links for Further Research
Kenyan Geography http://www.globaladrenaline.com/africa/Kenya/
Tribalism http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/blog/2008/01/kenya_playing_t.html
Luo Tribe
Great Rift Valley http://www.jambokenya.com/jambo/location/rvalley.htm