Seminar paper from the year 2011 in the subject Didactics - English -
Literature, Works, grade: 2,0, University of Trier, course: The African
Diaspora in North America, language: English, abstract: This term paper
will deal with the culture shock of African slaves who came into contact
with European imperial society. They, being forced to journey to the
Americas, must have had to endure and process many cultural conflicts.
The journey's impact will provide the basis to investigate on a possible
double identity being created by the slaves to arrange with their new
culture, as well as with their cultural heritage. Olaudah Equiano's The
Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, the African will serve as an
important resource for this purpose. To begin, the European culture in
the 18th century will be looked at. Especially the European attitude
towards other cultures will be of interest. Afterwards it will be set
into contrast with the culture of the African tribes. A special account
will be taken to compare historical data to Olaudah Equiano's
descriptions of Igbo culture and the theme of culture clash will be
examined. Included in this, the phases of culture shock will be
explained. In the following section, I will look at cultural
similarities between British and African societies, based on accounts of
Equiano's Interesting Narrative. Evidence of his assimilation to
European culture will be used when attempting to demonstrate his
European identity. Having clarified this, a closer look will be taken at
how culture and identity are connected. Following that, an attempt will
be made to explain the creation of identity. Focusing on Equiano, the
circumstances of developing a double identity will be investigated.
Finally, Equiano's case will be used to explain the progress and stages
of double identity throughout his life. Of course, it is arguable,
whether Equiano actually came from Africa or was born in the Americas.
However, this is no matter of investigation in
