Does_My_Head_Look_Big_in_This

Determination and resilience will overcome adversity. Good morning to you all thank you for inviting me here today to talk you, the youth of 2009 on overcoming adversity. These ideas of overcoming adversity can be closely seen through the novel of ‘Does my head look big in this’ by Randa Abdel-Fattah which is linked to the song ‘Walking Away’ by Craig David. Through both of these texts, it predominantly focuses on the concept of overcoming adversity through strong religious and ethical backgrounds. The novel ‘Does my head look big in this’ Randa Fattah explores the barriers between religious and ethical backgrounds, this is particularly shown through the themes in the novel of Amal’s freedom to choose, in terms of wearing the hijab and her life as an outsider. Techniques that are explored include: the repetition of words and ideas, visual imageries and a sense of humour to create a deeper meaning. Through analysing Craig David’s lyrics of ‘Walking Away’, it explores the themes of hope and self identity in building up the confidence to break down the barriers and solve the obstacles he is faced with. In this context Craig David effectively shows this through the use of colloquial language, oral imagery and principally highlights a personal journey, the slow and repetitive melody helps create a softer and reflective mood to the audience. Through both of these texts the composer reveals to the responder a deeper understanding of overcoming adversity through determination and resilience. Randa Fattah closely analyses the racial and religious barriers that Amal experiences with her journey in making an imperative decision. The author highlights the journey of Amal and her freedom to choose in terms of wearing the hijab. This explores the relationships of family and friends, and how their opinions differ to those of Amal. She begins to realise the various barriers that she needs to overcome in order to eliminate the adversity that she experiences as a result of her cultural beliefs. These ideas are raised frequently with the repetition of words and phrases such as “To Wear or not to Wear” as she moves to “To be or Not to be”. This is particularly evident in chapter forty-five as she contemplates the barriers that are erased and the adversity she had been faced with. “I’ve done To Wear or Not To Wear. I’m going traditional now. To Be or Not To Be.” This idea on page 340 constructs a sense of self identity, and the reflective journey that Amal has experienced and overcome. Similarly, in the song “Walking Away” it explores a journey of hope and reflection, this is created using oral imagery such as “Whispers in the powder room baby”, the repetitive melody highlights the findings of self identity that Craig David experiences through this song. These are a way of adding to the mood of the song. As this song is a reflection of personal journey, it becomes effective with the use of first person throughout the duration of the song. Amal is continually facing barriers of racial and cultural discrimination, as a result of this she is often seen as an outsider. Although Amal fights to rise above and conquer her fears, she is often put down by racial comments. It is evident throughout the novel with the comments that Tia makes to Amal as she begins to question her own self-identity. “We do have shoes in this country you know…” Amal is put back by this comment and knows that she is classed as an outsider because of her appearance and beliefs. This creates a strong implication of a lack of self-acceptance by her peers and the people around her. Similarly, the lyrics in ‘Walking Away’ are a representation of discovering his own self identity; this involves a process in which he finds his acceptance into the relationship by breaking down the barriers that he is faced with. Partially, this is shown through a strong connection of words. “Sometimes some people get me wrong, when it’s something I’ve said or done, Sometimes you feel there is no fun, that’s why you turn and run”. This powerfully replicates a journey of hardships and rising above other people in order to find a sense of individuality. The use of descriptive language and a sense of morality provide the audience with a glimpse into a very reflective and emotive journey. To conclude, both texts are strong examples of overcoming adversity with determination and resilience. The themes presented to the audience throughout both texts are a reflection of both defeat and triumph. And in the words of Amal, “I’ve been kidding myself. Putting on the hijab isn’t the end of the journey. It’s just the beginning of it”.