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In Every Mirror She's Black


An arresting debut for anyone looking for insight into what it means to be a ...
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What does Kemi's final interaction with Ragnar show about her own growth and what she's learned about herself in Sweden?

Created: 09/02/21

Replies: 8

Posted Sep. 02, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
davinamw

Join Date: 10/15/10

Posts: 3442

What does Kemi's final interaction with Ragnar show about her own growth and what she's learned about herself in Sweden?

Kemi's relationship with Ragnar is unhealthy almost from the start. What does her final interaction with him show about her own growth and what she's learned about herself in Sweden?


Posted Sep. 04, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Cynthia

Join Date: 06/07/17

Posts: 76

RE: What does Kemi's final ...

This takes me back to decision-making and choices the three make that affect their lives. Kemi has issues with her unsuccessful dating experiences in the States and thinks Sweden will present an opportunity for change. I think Ragmar makes her realize she looks for the wrong type of man (successful corporate "suit," the kind her sister would approve of) and it doesn't matter where she lives, she needs to modify her thinking. Kemi learns from her mistakes. She ultimately decides Tobias is more appropriate for what she wants and she comfortably embraces and commits to the relationship.


Posted Sep. 04, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
beckyd

Join Date: 07/31/19

Posts: 92

RE: What does Kemi's final ...

I think she is just tired of making her choices ( at least sexual ones)based on knee jerk reflexes or what her hormones are telling her. It's as if she is actually putting some thought into her actions,


Posted Sep. 05, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
janines

Join Date: 11/21/16

Posts: 87

RE: What does Kemi's final ...

I felt Kemi made growth in her personal understanding of what life is expected to offer; that is, it's not all about the veneer of success and the status of who you know or who you date. At the end, I think Kemi came to the realization her own identity was hers not who others thought she should be and especially that whatever she thought she should be wasn't ever going to make her happy.


Posted Sep. 05, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
melanieb

Join Date: 08/30/14

Posts: 265

RE: What does Kemi's final ...

Kemi learns that no matter where you go there you are and that she needs to think about what it is she’s looking for and what’s really important. Going to a different country for a new job didn’t change what she desired after all.


Posted Sep. 06, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
beverlyj

Join Date: 12/22/11

Posts: 138

RE: What does Kemi's final ...

I thought Kemi learned that if she is with a man who makes a happy and is there for her that his financial status should not be the defining nature in a relationship.

I also think she learned not to mess a good thing for a one-night stand or fling.
I think she also realized that has a successful Black woman that a married white man would want to see if she lived up the stereotype of Black woman who are too often expected to either a Jezebel or a Mammy.


Posted Sep. 08, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
melissa c.

Join Date: 01/10/21

Posts: 111

RE: What does Kemi's final ...

I pretty much agree with everyone. Hopefully Kemi's last interaction with Ragnar was the final straw and gave herself permission to accept and be comfortable with Tobias without carrying the heavy burden imposed on her by sister, herself and society.
Societal and familial pressures exist no matter where one lives.


Posted Sep. 08, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
lesleyf

Join Date: 05/14/11

Posts: 119

RE: What does Kemi's final ...

Kemi is the one of the three who not only learned about herself and her choices but has the most opportunity to take advantage of her situation and do that.


Posted Sep. 12, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
nancyh

Join Date: 06/25/13

Posts: 347

RE: What does Kemi's final ...

I think Kemi has grown a lot. She finally realizes that she is attracted to the wrong type of men. Some of her thinking may be based on conversations with her sister. Kemi finally comes to the conclusion that Tobias makes her happy and she should go for it. I hope it works out for her.


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