In the past few weeks we have been exploring global issues novels as well as the study of consumerism and economics. Our teachers have asked us to now make connects from our book that relate to our study of consumerism and economics.
The global issues novel I have been reading is "A long way gone" a riveting, breathtaking story about a young boys life in the war of Sierra Leone. This novel takes you through the young boys life as he is trying to run away from the war but eventually the rebels catch him and he is forced to become a child soldier. The book also takes you through the struggles in the boy life and how he escaped the tragic place in one piece.
The boys name in "A long way gone" is Ishmael. He is only 12 years old and he is with his older brother Junior, his best friend Talloi, and his other friend Mohamed. One thing I really noticed reading this novel is what all the boys’ value. The thing they value most is food but another big value they have is music. Before reading this book I would have never expected for these boys to value music so much. The reason that music (rap in particular) is such a key value to them is because it is how they pass their time not having video games or homework and it also is something they love and have a huge passion for. In a way music helps them cope with what is happening around them.
Even though Sierra Leone is a very poor place and does not have much of an economy you could say they run off a market style economy. Some people there sell crops or whole food dishes in a market and others sell clothing and novelty items. This way people buy and sell and contribute to the very small but running economy with no government contribution. Another key thing we have learned about that connects to my novel is the problem of scarcity. Since Sierra Leone is a very poor place there are not even close to enough materials, land or, money for the wants and needs of the people. Most people there are living in very poorly built shelters and don't have much or any food everyday, and to top that they have to deal with the rebels and the war happening around them.
I think this novel perfectly reflects to one of our guiding questions "How would your consumer identity be different if you lived in a different nation?" If I were to be living in Sierra Leone I would not be doing this post right now I would be working and fighting for myself in a cold, cruel, place. This book really shows you how your life would be living in that nation and how your consumer identity would be different. It would be different in a way not having toys and games so often but rather to be buying food and definitely not as much as here in Canada. While shopping you wouldn't be looking for cookies and cake like we do in Canada, you would be strictly focused on finding proteins and veggies to stay healthy and living.
Bibliography:
http://www.alongwaygone.com/ishmael_beah.html
-November 19
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