James+Ch.+3-6

__**Ch. 3-6:**__
 * Respond, look for something in the culture :expected, unexpected, what do I think about that?**

a.. Paragraph of Text-to-Text/Self/World Connection** In the four chapters, Okonkwo beats his wives, the second and the youngest, just for minor reasons, disrupting the Week of Peace and the Feast of New Yam. He even tries to shoot his second wife with his gun! These violent actions of Okonkwo, although I respect his efforts and coolness, seemed like violence and terrors that Korean fathers frequently do to their wives and children. Many times in the news, we can see reports about child abusing as well as beatings of wives. These actions, which frequently occur due to alcohols and stress, seemed very similar to the actions of Okonkwo. Even the reactions of the village were very similar to the real world as the priest sternly told Okonkwo of his wrong deeds and told him to pay the fines. In addition, the fact that the Ibo culture respects and admires the hardworking people somewhat connects to the real world in many ways. Ibo has an unique cultural traditions varying from Week of Peace to the wrestling match. From just Ch. 3 through 6, we can read about various cultural traditions of Ibo. First of all, Ibo celebrates Week of Peace, which is a sacred week when the people start to clear their lands in order to prepare for the new season. The Week of Peace seems to be very sacred and important to the Ibo culture because it enables the villagers have a prosperous season through Ani, the earth goddess. Another important celebration mentioned in Ch. 5 is the Feast of the New Yam, which is a celebration held before the harvest for the earth goddess Ani as well. The celebration consists of decorations of the huts and also throwing away the old yams. In addition, the villagers paint various designs and drawings on themselves with can wood. It is a very idle celebration, which upsets Okonkwo. The villagers seem to really worship Ani a lot since she is the provider of successful harvests and prosperous lives. The villagers are somewhat strict about the celebrations since they refuse to bury people who died during the Week of Peace and fine the people who disrupted the peace--Okonkwo being one of them. Moreover, their celebrations are very peaceful and relaxing in some aspects. Lastly, another important celebration mentioned in Ch. 5 and 6 is the wrestling match--part of the Feast of the New Yam--where Okonkwo gained his fame. It is a celebration among various villages with excited spectators. The wrestling match is most exciting and tense celebration the Ibo culture holds. Another important fact about the cultural tradition mentioned in Ch. 3-6 is the firm belief in the success of hardworking and strong men; the people of the Ibo culture tend to respect hardworking and industrious men like Okonkwo. Okonkwo thinks that showing affection or deep inner feelings are signs of weakness, is it true?
 * Do journal entry related to chapters 3-6 including these three things:
 * b.. Paragraph regarding an Ibo cultural tradition mentioned in Ch. 3-6**
 * c.. A question in relation to either paragraph one or two**

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Well, my immediate response to your question is no way! Showing affection or your inner feelings is actually something that's hard to do. Have you ever tried to share your innermost thoughts with someone you don't know very well? It's not so easy. It can even be hard with people you trust. Making yourself vulnerable around others is risky, and I think that's anything but weak. But of course, many people out there would still agree with Okonkwo's attitude. What do you think, James?

Am I supposed to answer? I also agree with you about it being hard. Plus, I think it's not being weak since people actually gain strength sharing their inner feelings and affection. I think not showing one's affection can often hurt others' feelings and it also can hurt one's feelings if one shows too much affection. Thus, in a sense, showing one's affection leads to one's weakness. It's a little hard to answer because both arguments make perfect sense.