Angela Medearis' The Singing Man and Dancing with the Indians will be the primary area of concentration for this paper. Each tale contains a unique cultural focus, and this paper will explore significant cultural aspects contained in both stories.
The Singing Man
In The Singing Man, Banzar not only becomes a musician, he becomes the King's personal musician, however, his rise to fame is not without costs. During a manhood ceremony in his West African village, the elders inform Banzar his career choice to be a musician is not acceptable. After refusing to settle for a career as a farmer or blacksmith like his brothers, Banzar is forced to leave the village and his family. A chance meeting with a blind praise singer changes Banzar's life and inspires his music. He returns to his village a successful musician many years later.
The rhythmic beat of this story can not be ignored. Readers hear the instruments throughout the story (PUM PUM BA LUM BO PUM PUM BA LUM BO). This tale contains the universal folklore theme of overcoming obstacles. It is a wonderful story to read aloud to children and communicate the personal feelings of satisfication that result from following your dreams. The ending offers a quote that complements this inspirational story.
"Yams fill the belly and trade fills the pockets, but music fills the heart."
Shaffer's rich textured illustrations offer vibrant visuals capturing the natural beauty of the city of Lagos. Characters are presented in beautifully patterned African garments. Each page allows readers to experience extraordinary glimpses of the country and its people through artistic elegance.
Dancing with the Indians
While traveling to visit the Oklahoma Seminoles, a boy and girl proudly share their family history. Their grandfather, an escaped slave was adopted by the Seminoles as a blood brother. In rhythmic verse, readers are immersed in a night of dancing. From the ribbon dance, to a war dance, to the Indian Stomp dance, Medearis truly succeeds at entertaining. Readers are informed Dancing with the Indians is based on her family history at the end of the story.
Medearis' text includes intense rhythmic patterns. Her language is extremely descriptive and complements the illustrations providing a high level of thoroughness to the story.
Warrior's' moccasined feet
make rumbling, thundering sounds,
wheeling, whooping, whirling,
stomping on the ground.
Byrd's illustrations are filled with lively movement to complement the rhythmic text. The vibrant colorful costumes and powwow scenes give the story an authentic twist. Readers will be mesmerized by these powerful images.
Style and Approach
Medearis' writing style has a unique cultural focus. She approaches each story with extreme intensity and detail taking care to authenticate each culture through illustrations and usage of specific language and customs.
In The Singing Man, the three brothers, Swanga, Taki, and Banzar are each required to participate in a manhood ceremony. Many African cultures have similar ceremonies. Readers learn this West African custom consists of elders sharing their wisdom with the young men, dancing, and a feast. Afterwards, the young men are expected to choose a career. Throughout the story Medearis goes to great detail to authenticate the cultural focus of the story. Culture specific vocabulary such as omele drum and gongs is used throughout story. Names common to the culture such as Swanga, Taki, Banzar, and Sholo can also be found in the story. One of the major focuses of this story is music and its significance to the culture. Praise singers were considered the keepers of the past, and they had high status in West African culture.
Each page includes illustrations that complement the cultural emphasis of the text. From richly textured African patterned garments worn by the characters to the status identifying necklace worn by the praise singer, Medearis effectively introduces readers to significant aspects of West African culture in this tale.
In Dancing with the Indians, Medearis explores the culture of the Oklahoma Seminole Indians. Readers catch glimpses of the ribbon dance, war dance, and the Indian stomp dance. Through rhythmic text, Medearis explains how the dances are performed. Readers learn the long night of dancing takes place at a powwow---a cultural gathering held by indians.
In this Medearis tale, the illustrations primarily authenticate the cultural focus of the story. The images of deep bronzed toned characters with rhythmic movements prevail throughout the story. Staying true to traditional Indian culture, Byrd uses vibrant bold patterned garments on each character complete with moccasins and headbands. More importantly, the story effectively communicates the true spirit of Indian culture. Their willingness to share and embrace differences with kindness and humility.
Comparison/Analysis
A Booklist review noted The Singing Man has the universal folklore elements of the nonconformist outsider son who leaves home, overcomes failure, and makes his way in the world. In addition, the book celebrates the infinite realities of believing in your dreams. In an extremely effective and eloquent manner, Medearis communicates to readers that Banzar was successful in life, because he believed in himself and his dream.
Publisher's Weekly proclaims Dancing with the Indians is a fine addition to the multicultural scene. In my opinion, the true gem of this story is its contribution to the "intercultural" scene. The images of the African-American and Indian characters sharing a night of dancing and cultural celebration is a sight to behold!
In both books, Medearis successfully combines tales rich in cultural attributes with significant themes for young audiences. These tales encourages young people to embrace other cultures, stay true to themselves, and their dreams. From the young man who returns home a success to the African-American and Seminoles joining together to dance, readers are presented with two tales that are enhanced by aspects of cultural contributions.
