s are alike in some aspects of life, while
being dissimilar in other aspects. This idea is clearly exemplified when one
compares their own experience and knowledge of culture in America to that
description and portrayal of Nigerian culture as seen through Buchi Emecheta's
novel, The Wrestling Match.
Both of our societies can be looked at as parallel in how teenagers are
typically stereotyped, rivalry among towns/villages, and the attainment of
manhood or maturity through experiences or accomplishments.
Contrary to the similarity of the cultures, there are also some basic
differences. One of the main distinctions is that we live in a technologically
advanced empire while Emecheta shows us that Nigerians are more typically a
primitive nation.
No matter in what culture you find teenagers, they will probably be
stereotyped. This is evident in the novel as well as in our own culture. For
example, the Akpei people (neighbors to the nearby Igbuno village) have
found that someone has fished and trampled in their stream. ( This is a very
bad thing because the vegetation and fish are now no longer available) The blame
immediately lands upon the Uma aya Biafra, or teenagers of Igbuno. There is no
question, it is just assumed that teenagers were involved. (Unfortunately, Uche,
a teenager from Igbuno, has committed this heinous crime). Also, when the people
of Akpei find that someone is stealing from their huts, again without any
evidence, they surmise that teenagers are to blame. Lastly, Okei's ( Okei is a
teen who lives in Igbuno and is the novel's main character) Uncle Obi Agiliga is
...