Examine how white people and black people regard each other in "No Witchcraft for Sale," "The Moment Before the Gun Went Off," and "The Prisoner Who Wore Glasses." in 1 paragraph How do they help to both teach and support each other, and how do they fail? Think about what each group is trying to protect and when it withholds something from the other.
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In "No Witchcraft for Sale," "The Moment Before the Gun Went Off," and "The Prisoner Who Wore Glasses," the dynamics between white and black individuals are explored with varying degrees of empathy and mutual understanding. While these stories portray instances of both successful teaching and support, they also highlight moments of failure and the subsequent withholding of knowledge. In "No Witchcraft for Sale," the Farquars demonstrate respect and appreciation for the Gideon's tribe's knowledge of medicinal plants, fostering a sense of mutual support. However, the Farquars' refusal to share the recipe for the plant extract ultimately reflects their desire to protect their privileged access to power and maintain a sense of superiority. Similarly, "The Moment Before the Gun Went Off" exposes the deeply ingrained prejudices within white South African society, as Lucas's father shields his son from the harsh reality of race relations. By concealing the truth behind the accidental shooting, he attempts to protect his own reputation and the façade of white superiority. In "The Prisoner Who Wore Glasses," the prisoner's intellectual prowess becomes a platform for both teaching and support, as he seeks to educate his fellow inmates and empower them through knowledge. However, the prison officials' denial of access to literature accentuates the power imbalance and perpetuates the oppressive system, hindering the prisoners' ability to grow and develop. Overall, these stories highlight the delicate nature of intergroup relationships, showing moments of progress and growth alongside instances where self-interest and power dynamics lead to failure and the withholding of knowledge.
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