Cultural Conflict In Ama Ata Aidoo's Dilemma Of A Ghost

Culture Shock The conflict within Dilemma of a Ghost by Ama Ata Aidoo seems to arise from the Eulalie’s foreignness, however; it arises from both party’s lack of knowledge of the others culture and Ato’s new Americanized beliefs. The world is comprised of diverse cultures and beliefs. Ideals of one’s culture can be tested when influences from the outside changed a person’s ideals. In Dilemma of a Ghost, not only does culture conflict arise between Ato’s wife Eulalie and Esi but also from Ato himself and how his ideals have changed since going to school in America. The culture conflict between Eulalie and Esi seemed to be conveyed through many mediums. It is conveyed through roles of the family, differences in food choices, difference in language.

In western society, it is okay to want to plan when to have a baby. It is portrayed as responsible and is a sign of maturity. This is what Eulalie has grown up on and knows. In Ato’s family controlling when to have children is an absurd notion to them. In the African traditions, being a mother and being able to carry a baby is glorified and what every woman aspired to have. Ato’s family does not understand why Eulalie would want to do this to herself. They conclude that she is baron thanks to Ato. According to Wikipedia.com, “Women in Ghanaian society were bearers of children, farmers and retailers of produce. Within the traditional sphere, the childbearing ability of women was explained as the means by which lineage ancestors were allowed to be reborn. Barrenness was considered the greatest misfortune.” Being baron as an explanation of her not having kids is not the best excuse for Eulalie. She is not conforming to what a wife in African culture and the excuse that Ato gave for not conceiving is not helping her case either. She is doing everything opposite of that. In African culture women are certain roles and demeanors that are supposed to portray and Eulalie is not doing that. Eulalie also does other things like smoke and drink which are taboo in African culture. What also causes conflict is the lack of cooking from her. Esi states, “I had thought I would do as other women do spend one or two days with my daughter in law, teacher her how to cook….” (34). This shows how frustrated Esi is getting with Eulalie. In American culture drinking smoking and lack of cooking is not look down upon for