Nigerian writer Uwem Akpan brings to the world in Say you are one of them five (5) fascinating and revealing stories about the lives of urban children in Africa and the incredible humanity that characterizes their profiles. As the recipient of many international literary awards including Oprah?s Book Club, Uwem captures what we would rather not want but need to know about children caught up in a frightening and politically intriguing world and how their lives unfold in this terrifying landscape. His Nigerian bishop in the Afterword on p. 358 summarizes it all – Akpan?s novel is ?a bold attempt to enlighten readers about children in Africa, fueled by a passionate desire to create a safer place for children all over the world?.

Using the Bishop?s statement as a backdrop and ?Luxurious Hearses? (chapter 3) as one of three stories (choose two others) you will use in your essay, show how Akpan portrays socio-economic, religious and ethnic conflicts through the voice of children in post colonial Africa. Discuss the commonalities you find in the stories drawing on past discussions and readings on colonization and decolonization in Africa and the resultant crises that we now witness. In your discussion, you may want to show how among other things, he a) increases awareness of the ramifications of child abuse, neglect, pain and suffering; b) skillfully agitates for child protection advocacy; c) builds a platform of knowledge at the humanitarian and international levels and d) portrays the universality of the characters? lives as part of the human condition. Also note and reference the relevance of the title ?Say you are one of them? (p.127, p.183) in the stories in your essay.
I encourage you to substantiate your arguments with quotes from the chapters noting page numbers. There is no need for external sources to inform your writing except for further support.
—-Your paper should include a clear introduction with a statement of intent, a well-organized body and a clear conclusion.
—-Your essay must be double-spaced and typed in a standard 12 font script.
—-Your essay must be at least 5 (five) pages in length excluding the cover page.
—-Each essay must also include a standard title page, page numbers and one-inch margins (this page is not included in the count of (5) five pages).