Black Girl by Sembene Ousman - Book Report/Review Example

The Pouchets don't even realize that they are treating Diouana in a terrible manner because they see their way of living to be the norm, which postcolonial criticism takes issue with: "whenever a universal signification is claimedthen white, Eurocentric norms and practices are being promoted by a sleight of hand to this elevated status" (Barry 193). The recurring theme of the story is that the author is forcing you to look deeply into racism in a small unit. Also, it is the subtlety of the way the Pouchets treat Diouana that is so insulting and hurtful.

The isolation felt by Diouana, living in a foreign land and coupled with the way she was treated, forced her to the act of suicide. This piece illustrates the author's ideas on racism in a very unique way by confining a global problem as well as an ugly part of history to the small group dynamics of a family who has employed one individual. One is almost given the impression in parts of the story that the couple who moved Diouana away from her home in Africa to their home in France, are appreciative of Diouana's culture.

Madame enjoys having Diouana prepare food that is native to Africa when guests are coming. This seems strange to Diouana as she does not recall the Monsieur and Madame ever enjoying African food while in Africa. To continue on with the unique way in whic. The Europeans obviously had nothing but contempt for Africans during this period, as shown by the naval officer who found Diouana: "Oh! The natives don't know when they are born" (768). As the story progresses, we notice that Madame feels an enormous sense of power when she was the wealthy, white woman in Africa; however, when she and her husband returned to France with their new "employee," Madame notices she is not as important or respected as she was in Africa.

Clearly, Madame and Monsieur were opportunists taking advantage of cheap labor in a situation where money and employment were so needed. Unfortunately, Diouana was viewing the trip to France and her employment as a wonderful chance to make money and even have nice things. The fact that none of this was true only propelled her depression and impending suicide. Another important aspect that the author wants us to grasp is the attitudes of the Pouchet children toward Diouana. They refer to her as a "savage" and treat her in a dreadful manner.

This is often ignored or unnoticed by the Pouchets because it is a learned behavior. This is often where racism begins is in the home. It is something that individuals learn at home and then continue in a cycle of prejudice and hatred. This is a key part of the take home message of this story. Just as Diouana believed that her move to France would advance her situation in life, she was treated by Madame and Monsieur like she was being given some wonderful privilege and one that she should be eternally grateful for.

The opposite was in fact true. Diouana was essentially a slave and like those imprisoned and