Instructions: After reading the story “Growing up in
Scholi” use what was discussed in class about cultural differences to
answer these questions. A minimum of four sentences is needed for each question
unless noted. This assignment is due at the beginning of the hour.
1.) In the story the author
discusses what type of family organization or structure was in place when she
was a child. For example, she states that “Everybody who is closely
related to the child takes part in and contributes toward the child’s
education. Uncles, aunts, stepmothers, elder brother and sisters, all are
member of the staff” (Apoko: 12-13). How does this level of extended
family involvement compare to what you are used to at your home? How would this
compare to what you see as the average American household? What might account
for the difference between the two culture’s familial involvement?
2.) The story also had a
section that discussed what makes an Acholi person successful and respected in
society. “A man has so many acres of cotton, millet, and simsim. Who has
so many cows or goats; a man whose houses are bit and strong; a man who is
brave in hunting and fighting- is
considered a good and successful man in rural Acholi and is respected by
society” (Apoko:11). How does this quote from the story compare to what
you see as a successful and respeced person in America today? Are there any
similarities between the two? If not, do you think there ever was at an earlier
time in this country? And finally, what characteristics or qualitites do you
think a person should have in order to be labeled successful and respected in
today’s society?
3.) At the end of the story,
the author discusses how the culture is changing as education, technology, and
population increases in the area. Is the old way of life dying out and the
dramatic change in culture a bad thing? What parts of the culture might be lost
as it changes? Is it more important for chilfren to go to school and gain a
more academic education or stay home and follow the traditional ways of
assisting parents areound the house and farm while learning specific trades or
skills from family members and relatives?
4.) Now that you have read
about the typical Acholi lifestyle in northern Uganda, how does it compare to
what you had originally written and thought about in answer to your jump-start
question of what life is like there? Has your opinion changed at all? (If you
did not do the jump-start question earlier in the week, please think about how
your opinion ofteh people living in northern Uganda has changed after reading
the story.)
5.) Lastly, what from this
unique culture can we take to improve our current society? That is, is there
anything discussed in the story about the Acholi people that you think worked
really well and might assist in the imporvement of American culture?