In the beginning of the book the SPLA is brought up, I didn’t think at that time it would be such a big thing to actually care about and have an opinion about but it turns out it’s something you just can’t ignore. The SPLA stands for Sudan People's Liberation Army. After many days, the centipede arrives back in Willy’s village, they have been walking in circles as there are no points of reference in the desert. Willy joins Jacob, Monyroor and Oscar and they walk for several more weeks. The Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) sometimes stops by, recruiting young soldiers, but the boys resist. The SPLA definitely doesn't help children be young and themselves, they pick young boys to make them into soldiers one day. Just think about that, being a 7 year old whose instincts should be to play not worry about life and have fun, but you’re forced to grow up and not be who you really want to be. I think that the SPLA is something you shouldn't side with or even give into, this army is not right for the world to have. In the beginning when Jacob said he doesn't want to go to school he just wants to be a soldier, i think that's not him even talking he truly doesn't know what he wants it is just the army getting to his head. When you’re 7 you may say what you want to do and be, but you most definitely do not know.
I totally agree with you. Young children shouldn't have to join the war or worry about things that adults should be. It's very sad that these kids have to grow up so fast. Childhood is a very important part of your life. Joining the SPLA isn't something a young boy should have to do.
ReplyDeletei agree with both of you these boys should have to fight for their country at such a young age. Although i thing the reason all the boys in the story want to be soldier is more of the influence of male stereo type and not just the army and young age. We read that all the men want to be soldiers because they are simples of strength and bravery. as we read Jacob doesn't want to cry because he is a "Dinka Man" and they don't cry. It seems that there is a lot of that in the story.
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