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The white man is very clever. He came quietly and…

“The white man is very clever. He came quietly and peaceably with his religion. We were amused at his foolishness and allowed him to stay. Now he has won our brothers, and our clan can no longer act like one. He has put a knife on the things that held us together and we have fallen apart.” quote by Chinua Achebe
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“The white man is very clever. He came quietly and peaceably with his religion. We were amused at his foolishness and allowed him to stay. Now he has won our brothers, and our clan can no longer act like one. He has put a knife on the things that held us together and we have fallen apart.”

Chinua Achebe

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Colonial religion subtly divides communities, eroding unity and cultural cohesion.

In simple terms: Colonialism fractures societies.

Key Takeaway

Guard cultural solidarity against divisive influences.

Themes

colonialism culture identity conflict

Mood

reflective critical

Type

literary historical

When to use this quote

  • community meetings
  • educational curricula
  • interfaith dialogue

Key Concepts

Postcolonial theory social cohesion

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does external influence reshape internal group dynamics?
  • What strategies preserve unity amid cultural change?
A Different Perspective

Resistance can also create new internal conflicts.

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