This Side Jordan Analysis

In Margret Laurence’s “This Side Jordan,” white protagonist Johnnie Kestoe realizes he needs to change his practices in order to have a successful life in Ghana. Johnnie is a young married accountant who works for a British company, Allkirk, Moore & Bright in Ghana. Johnnie and his wife, Miranda recently moved to Ghana. This novel depicts two different cultures battling for power and identity while the people of Ghana fight to be ruled by their own people. This novel also has to do with old vs new, and how each culture practices different ways of life. Johnnie struggles with his racist attitude, his history of violence, poor attitude towards women, and his adjustment to Africanization in the new country. Towards the ending of the novel, Johnnie
When Johnnie returns to his table after dancing with the African woman, Bedford, Johnnie’s co-worker displays a racist attitude towards the woman. He warns Johnnie not to be seen dancing with Africans. Johnnie assures Bedford, “This will not happen again. I don’t know why the hell I did it. I don’t like Africans any better than you do” (6). Johnnie is still adjusting to living in Ghana when he dances with the young African woman. He still does not understand right from wrong in the new country, and would not have stopped dancing with the African if his co-workers and wife would not have been
The Head Office in London informed James that the Africans had to be trained to replace as many Europeans as possible in order for the firm to maintain a good relationship with the Africans (93). As the men discuss the expected change, they conclude, “it won’t work” (93). Both men believe that no African is capable of filling jobs at the firm such as an accountant or manager position. Although Johnnie worries about losing his position to an African, James reassures him that they would not replace Johnnie. Together, James and Johnnie decide, “We simply won’t be able to find any suitable Africans, that’s all. We must stick together in this business” (95). The European employees of the firm must work together to push past the fear and anger that are brought on by