Jal's Culture - Blog Post 2

The above is a picture I made to represent and connect the cultural beliefs of Emmanuel Jal

Blog 1 - The Character

After reading chapters 1-9 I have learned and absorbed the sort of life Emmanuel Jal has been living, starting in the village of Tonj located in Southern Sudan. Emmanuel had come from 2 tribes; his father was a member of the Proud Neur tribe and his mother was half Dinka half Neur. We have learned thus far in the book that coming from 2 different tribes is similar to coming from 2 different worlds meaning that there are different celebrations, traditions, rules etc.

While reading we learn that Emmanuel was just a young boy at age 7 when the Civil War broke out. His father (often referred to as Babba) joined the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA). His father always told him that the SPLA “is fighting for freedom” (pg 8). This quote is significant because it supports Emmanuel’s reasoning and thoughts for why the SPLA is good. Emmanuel’s mom would say to him that because of the SPLA “one day we will all live peacefully together in heaven” (pg. 8) which made Emmanuel think that the SPLA was out there to promote peace and make harmony. Emmanuel’s mother was a very firm believer in religion and god. After the devastating death of Emmanuel’s Mother, he boldly decided do join the thousands of other children traveling to Ethiopia where they had been told they would receive education. “We’ve been sent to get you; your father wants you to come with us. You’re going to school.” (pg. 39). Once Emmanuel arrived in Ethiopia he was recruited by the SPLA along with many of the other young children who were also told they would be going to school, and were taken to training camp. This camp was located deep “in the bush” of Ethiopia. From the outer look at this camp, it appears as a school, but secretly it was a facility that was meant for training in war combat.

After what I’ve read this far in War Child I am realizing the miserable truth of what can happen to young Emmanuel Jal. I am realizing that Emmanuel’s life can be ended before it really even gets a true chance to begin. War is a serious, remorseful, dangerous and fatal activity that is soon to be a horrifyingly memorable, heartbreaking and dreadful period and part of his life.

First Post (Empathy)

Empathy means the ability to identify and understand another persons situation, feelings and motives. It is important to understand and have an idea of other cultures around the world because the world is an extremely big place and it is important to understand what other people around the world are going through in terms of war, desiease, natural disaster etc...