I would struggle with how women are treated in Igbo culture.
America values civil rights. The constitution of the United States of
America explicitly states that citizens are entitled to certain “unalienable
right.” It is such language and vision that Martin Luther King Jr alluded to
in his many inspirational speeches. Many lives were lost and blood was
shed so that individuals could gain certain rights for African America and
other minorities. Over time women’s rights group have rallied to achieve
equal rights. Today, more women work and have access to high paying,
high profile jobs. Traditional roles regarding women are slowly dissolving.
While some may argue that equal rights among gender has not been fully
attained, women are less limited today than they’ve ever been. The Igbo
culture, on the other hand, has a much different view regarding a women’s
role in society. The Igbo believe women have specific roles in which they
should not deviate from. For example, in Thins Fall Apart, the tribal
meetings are structured based on gender. The men hold the high profile
positions amongst its’ members, while the women are relegated to the role of
spectator and our seated on the outside of the circle. In addition, women
function as the cooks and caretakers of the children. There are not allowed
to work in the fields or take positions in the army. Furthermore, women in
Igbo society share their husbands with other women. Therefore, it would be
difficult for me to agree with and live in such a culture. I would be tempted
to speak out and take on the role of Martin Luther King Jr. I would want to
argue for equal rights and allow women the opportunity to achieve their
dreams.