"Things Fall Apart"-Cultural Change

Cultural Change Did you ever receive a great idea from a friend or family member? Maybe they taught you something and you decided it was a good idea, and continued to use it. This is just like cultural change, when Europeans came to Africa and changed their lives forever. Africans were at first hesitant to believe the strange and absurd teachings of these “white men,” but soon liked European beliefs. As more and more people converted and more Europeans arrived, African culture became much more different. Eventually, cultural change became evident in almost every aspect in the lives of Nigerians, including religion, economy, social status, and many more. Religion had one of the biggest effects on the Nigerian people. Just a few white Christians in Africa were very successful in converting them. The African people were once polytheistic, and then became monotheistic, believing in one true God. Missioners taught that African gods were false, and the people were reluctant to believe them. Over time, however, they soon came around and converted. “’It is too late,’ said Obierika sadly. ‘Our own men and our sons have joined the ranks of the stranger. They have joined his religion and they help to uphold his government.” (Achebe 176) Christianity quickly grew among the Africans, and soon there were way more than just a few converts. Obierika tells Okonkwo that many people converted; even those they thought would stick up for their culture. In fact, their sons have adopted Christianity! This shows how big of an influence the Europeans had and how the religion changed so drastically. Because Europeans brought Christianity to Africa, this means that they also brought about the idea of human equality. No man is greater than one another in God’s eyes, so certain people should not be treated like they are worthless. They taught this belief to the converts and also to those who wanted to join the church, but feared they couldn’t because of social status. “…Why should that be? How are you different from other men who shave their hair? The same God created you and them… The two outcasts shaved off their hair, and soon they were the strongest adherents of the new faith. And what was more, nearly all the osu in Mbanta followed their example.” (Achebe 157) Because of this belief, the Europeans accepted anyone, no matter who they were, into the church. This brought about a huge change in the society and hierarchy of Nigerians. For the first time, the outcasts, or osu, could be in the same room as a wealthy and worthy man with many titles. In the church, they were both equal, and titles of the clan did not matter anymore. They both were there to worship one God. Many changes in Africa happened because of Christian beliefs, such as the change in religion and the change in social status. However, there are some other things that the “white man” brought besides religion. One of these things was a growing economy for Africans. “The white man had indeed brought a lunatic religion, but he had also built a trading store and for the first time palm-oil and kernel became things of great price, and much money flowed into Umuofia.” (Achebe 178) Europeans had brought the concept of a trading store, bringing in more money for Africans. This was a great change for them because it stimulated their economy, bringing much more money into the villages than ever before. Throughout the book, there were many ways in which Europeans brought about cultural change in Africa. It all started with the few converts to the Christian religion, but soon, Europeans had an influence on many things other than the church. Many Africans liked these changes and converted to the European religion and way of life. Because of this, they were living much more differently, and almost every part of their lives was changed because of one country.

Works Cited:
Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart. New York: Anchor Books, 1959. Print.

Cited: Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart. New York: Anchor Books, 1959. Print.