At Brittany's birthday party, Kemi awkwardly stumbles during their conversation and insults Brittany. Why do you think the author chose not to have these two Black women become friends?
Created: 09/02/21
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The language of "sisterhood" comes up in the novel sometimes, so you might assume that these two characters would feel a natural kinship for each other as Black Americans overseas. However, I think the author is making the point that just because people are from the same country or race, they can still have extremely different personalities that clash with each other. These characters also have their insecurities and things they are judgmental about, and they both manage to trigger each other.
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I agree with Rebecca that the author may have been (was probably) making the point that two people of the same race in the same situation wouldn't automatically mesh with each other, and linz's thoughtful questioning that it may represent Kemi's treatment of her coworkers back in the States.
I thought Kemi's behavior was out of character in that scene, and it didn't fit with how she presented herself in the rest of the book. I don't think she would have allowed herself to be out of control of herself in such an important situation. She was too savvy and self-disciplined. I also think it illuminated Brittany's insecurities.
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Kemi wanted to fit in so spoke out against Brittany as she sensed that Brittany was not respected by others and the rumors she heard at work.
Kemi also felt that she worked hard for her success and thought that Brittany stayed home and did nothing.
Brittany while lonely was not interested in being close with an "outsider" to protect Jonny and his family's reputation.
Neither one knows what each's experience and feelings are about being a Black woman in Sweden.
I did not see any reason why the two would be friends. In the little they know about each other - seems to say that they would not be friends.
Kemi was definitely disappointed that Jonny was not around in the office and she was disappointed with her job and felt he sold her a bag of goods.
Brittany knew Jonny's reputation regarding Black women.
The two women had nothing in common and no affiliations in common, and just being Black does not make for a friendship.
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They were two completely different women. Kemi worked for Jonny and Brittany was his wife so a friendship might not be wise. Kemi was extremely intelligent and a career woman and Brittany was a pampered young wife. Their friendship would not have added to the story.
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Just because people are of the same race, it doesn't mean they have to like each other or get along. I'm white and there are plenty of white people that I don't want to be friends with. Even if I were in the situation of being around very few white people and a new one shows up, I don't know that I'd bend over backwards to try to be friends. I don't choose my friends because of their race, I choose my friends because of the people they are and project themselves to be.
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