The lack of ability to accept the differences and beliefs of others is a pervasive issue which has created fear and violence throughout regions of the world. Those that are intolerant of others beliefs are often threatened by the differences which these groups present. Furthermore, the desire of authority and control over others is the catalyst which drives human to do the unimaginable. These behaviors are often seen in violent dictators, religious groups, and nations under the control of cruel and opressive governments. In the novels, I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai and A Long Way Gone written by Ishmael Beah, the authors expose the interdependent and synergistic relationship between fear and intolerance.
Often, …show more content…
For example, A Long Way Gone describes young boys who were recruited to fight in return for food, shelter, and safety. Although the circumstances were poor, young children choose to fight, in fear that if not, they would die from starvation or murder. In addition, lieutenants would display the corpes of those who did not want to be apart of the army. As young boys with no family and little guidance, the army was an opportunity to avoid starvation and the dangerous consequences of traveling alone. In a similar manner, the novel I am Malala, describes punishments for inappropriate behavior including public floggings, bombings, and murder. The Taliban often would display the lifeless bodies throughout villages, with messages such as, “Do not touch this body until 11 am or you’ll be next (147). These brutal consequences prevented witnesses from speaking up, which allowed for the Taliban to continue to abuse more innocent victims. People believed by following the Taliban and thier beliefs they would be reassurred “life security” (149). The fear created by the Taliban’s actions strenghthened the power of the group, but continued to weakened the voices of the people.
In conclusion, both novels share common themes of dread and bigotry such as encouraging intolerance, and imposing fright to achieve influence over a specific group or person. Despite