₦airaland Forum

Even the title of the novel is disrespectful, but Achebe is not the author.

The kommandant's girl by Pam Jenoff

While Rap music has been derided, deservedly, for their misogynistic and foul languages, I find it strange that society has overlooked or even celebrated another medium, that constantly insert this repulsive and appalling languages . . . literary novels. Seldom, have I not come across these languages used freely, or even sparingly in some 'notable' books. After reading and listening to the high acclaim heaped on Toni Morrison, the black American writer, I decided to read one of her novels. "Sula" was my first choice, and the novel was a turnoff because of her choice of words which were used quite freely. I'd have to ask, if she would read that novel to her grandchild, if she has any.

Most African writers that I have read have been very respectable in their choice of words in the medium. Except for Achebe, whose 2nd novel, raised the ire of some Kenyans, who likened it to pornography.

Even the newly celebrated Nigerian writer has also joined the league with her insertion of a foul language. I did not finish her novel, because I did not see the need to do so. But I just don't get this double standard. Certain words that are forbidden to be uttered in public, are freely transmitted in the literary medium. While rappers are condemned (I have no regards for them in the first place) for spewing out filthy languages, it appears that most people have accepted their inclusion in text books. If one may protest, would this hinder the "Freedom of the press", and given this excuse, what then can we say about "Freedom of speech"?

If it is true that Oprah is turning her back on rappers, then, she might as well refused to endorse or promote Toni Morrison's novels, for her inclusion of this filthy language. Unfortunately, that is not the case. At least one of her books was inducted into "Oprah's book club". I would not even gift that novel to anybody. I look at some of our African writers, and their choice of words they use in writing. Respectable. Hope it remains so.

So much for double standard!

I read her 2nd novel, "Half of a yellow sun", she is a fine writer, and the story line was indeed a page turner. But I stopped reading it when I read the derogatory sexual term she used in her book. Dont want to mention it, but all what I have to ask, is, "What ever happened to clean literature"? Words that are forbidden to utter in public, are now accepted in the printed version. Na wao!