On the 11^th of October we discussed The Baptism by Ijeoma Umebinyuo. The umbrella theme that is discussed and that is evident within this poem is that of identity and language. The context of the poem is where an African parent is asked for her the name of the daughter and where a European says that she is not allowed that name. The theme of colonialism is tied here with religion. The reason why the girl cannot use her own name, according to the European, is because it is of heathen decent. This is evident where it reads:” Your names are heathen and Jesus needs holy names” and “but your daughter’s name is not that of a European saint and the priest needs to be able to baptize her without bringing in darkness”. It is also mentioned that “God will not understand it”. By stating this quote, it is implied that God is European and that God is not for non-Europeans. If your name is not that of an European saint, then you are not a child of God for how can you be if you cannot even have a relationship due to the lack of understanding the language. It is evident that the European only actually makes these claims (yes, because it is their belief, but) because it is a way of colonizing and gaining power. By doing this they gain power over the person and their identity.

Another poem that we discussed was My Name by Magoleng wa Selepe. This poem has the same context. It describes that the woman’s real name is loaded with meaning and sentimental value. She is of royal decent. But the name ‘Maria’ is given for it is easier (it is quicker to call and order around for service and selfish gain). By contrasting these two poems I noticed that the name Maria is given, it is a religious name and is seen as holy and accepted by God, according to the previous poem. But in the Bible Jesus befriends a prostitute (which is considered heathen) with the name Maria. It is ironic that one’s name makes you holy and not one’s actions. Here the topic of language is applicable. We discussed a reading called Decolonizing the Mind, The language of African Literature. In this reading it is stated:” deliberate undervaluing of a people’s culture”. That is what these poems are doing through the means of language.