Of Water and the Spirit

Author: Malidoma Patrice Some
ISBN: 0140194967
Format: Paperback, 311 pages
Publisher: Penguin Compass

Of Water and the Spirit, by Malidoma Patrice Some, is the story of one man's journey between two worlds. He began his education in the Dagara village where he was born, with the help of his community, especially his grandfather. From a very early age , Malidoma was told his mission was to befriend his enemies. This purpose began to be fulfilled when Malidoma was abducted and educated according to Western ideology and perspective. Malidoma has provided the story of his return to his native people in order to create a greater understanding of both cultures. The missionaries' behavior and the similarities between some aspects of dagara culture and current thought processes were two of the most remarkable elements of Of Water and the Spirit.

The missionaries' behavior that Malidoma reports was one of the most surprising aspects of his story. Through revision in the presentation of Western history, some stories have surfaced in mainstream textbooks about the mistreatment of Africans who w ere "taken in" by missionaries. I was disturbed, however, by Malidoma's account of sexual abuse that took place among the French missionaries and their students. Seemingly, how can one be surprised that they are capable of this type of behavior after th ey raped their students of their former ways of knowing, community, history, and culture. Malidoma tells of one father who made him undress and then sexually molested him, telling him it was not a sin so as not to get caught. Malidoma reports that this practice occurred between some of the older students and the younger students, as well. I was surprised because these are stories I would expect from a jail, not a mission. However, from Malidoma's view and the view of others that were kidnapped, the mi ssion was a jail.

In the introduction of the autobiography, Malidoma comments on how many westerners study religions and belief systems of the East. He suggests that Westerners "embrace some of the more positive values of the indigenous world." Examples that illustra te a common theme between Malidoma's traditional beliefs and that of modern day society are provided throughout the book.

Malidoma claims that it takes a whole tribe to raise a child and that children are the most important thing to his Dagara village. This theme is reminiscent of some people's belief that children are the only hop because they represent the possibiliti es of the future. In education, the idea that a child's life at school is only one part of his or her educational experience has grown in popularity. Now many teachers try to incorporate family members or members of the community in teaching.

In Malidoma's clan, children can roam freely among parents. A child can stay with another family for a few days enjoying their love, before returning to his own home. This practice supports the belief that a child is the community's responsibility to raise. This belief of a community responsibility for the welfare of children can be seen in may efforts by our American government to regulate the environment of children. However, these practices are probably not as effective as those of Malidoma's clan because they are enforced by the government, rather than by the people.

Another example of the West accepting or adopting Eastern thought is the idea of expressing ones feelings, particularly grief, as a way of freeing oneself from that grief. When Grandfather dies, Malidoma recounts the intricate burial ceremony. Part of this process is the release of grief by everyone, male and female. Malidoma claims, "An adult who cannot weep is a dangerous person who has forgotten the place emotion hold's in a person's life." relatively recently, many psychologist have stressed the importance of expression of emotion. It is understood now that when one holds on to feelings of grief or anger, for example, they can effect a person's attitude. Some psychologists and doctors believe that this attitude can negatively effect a perso n's health.

There were many elements in Of Water and the Spirit that I thought were interesting. I was surprised by the sexual misconduct of the missionaries. I also found a cyclical connection, between some of the ancient ideas of Malidoma's clan and new theor ies or practices, ironic.