To begin this week's post, I'd like to first address a few things about the author's duty to his/her readers. When we think of reading material from other countries or cultures, what factors are important to us? What information do we need in order to recognize the significance of the author's work? For me, it's important for the author to find some way to connect to me as a reader. Do we share a common experience? Can I relate your story to mine? This is not to say that a writer's work is rendered unimpressive if they choose not to do this. But I do think it goes without saying that most impressionable works hit us emotionally. I also think that an author should be conscious of the world that they are painting for the reader. Is it true what you're writing? Does it provide some sort of insight into the world as you see it? Are you confirming outside opinions of your culture, or are you breaking the stereotypes that have been placed upon you? That being said, I think it is equally as important for readers to become open-minded when immersing into literature from outside of their own personal culture. You have to be sensitive to the fact that our version of the world as we see it can be a foreign place to someone on the other side of the earth. Understand the time and place of the work your reading. Take the time to get to know the author before passing any sort of judgement.
These responsibilities shared between author and audience of essential when it comes to Aya: Life in Yop City.
This graphic novel, written by Marguerite Abouet, begins to recondition the the minds of outsiders when it comes to common misconceptions about Africa. As Americans, what do we think of when we hear the word, "Africa?" Do you think desert? Disease? Poverty? Abouet aims to educate her readers that her life is not much different than that of our own. While still staying true to the traditional colors and patterns of her culture, Abouet paints an Africa that is thriving both economically and socially. She writes of a regular girl with regular problems.
Not only does the author create a relatable story, but she also provides her reader with a multitude of resources to challenge the current "understanding" of Africa and what it has to offer. There's a map to help her readers understand the setting of the novel. She includes historical context to allow her reader the chance to have information about the time period. There's even a reference to cultural norms like coping mechanisms for mental health issues, and a look at how childbearing/childcare is handled in her region. The inclusion of these resources before she even begins her story already begins to change the narrative here. She does not want her readers coming into her story with an invalid perception of her culture. She takes control of the narrative by sharing factual information on how her country functions. This is her story, and not the world's blind, opinionated version.
I think what's important to note here is that Abouet uses a variety of ways in which to appeal to the reader's senses, on many levels. She begins with logistical information to set the stage for her story. She validates herself as a credible source of this information. She appeals to the reader's empathetic stance towards the misconceptions of her lifestyle and culture.
Aya: Life in Yop City is a powerful tool in that Abouet allows her story to be a game-changer. Throw out whatever stereotypes about Africa you had before you sit down to read this novel. I guarantee you'll have a greater respect and admiration for the continent and its people after you experience all that this graphic novel has to offer you.
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