Dreams From My Father

1. Obama writes, “I learned to slip back and forth between my black and white worlds, understanding that each possessed its own language and customs and structures of meaning, convinced that with a bit of translation on my part the two worlds would eventu

Obama writes, “I learned to slip back and forth between my black and white worlds, understanding that each possessed its own language and customs and structures of meaning, convinced that with a bit of translation on my part the two worlds would eventually cohere” (p.82). How does he “slip back and forth” between his worlds, and is he ever successful at making them cohere

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Obama slips backs and forth simply by using what he'd learn to adapt and fit into to each of his worlds. It was difficult for him to find his place, especially when he was moving around. He encountered racism in both blacks and whites, and for a long time, he didn't feel at home in either world.

Obama later came to the realization that in making connections across the boundaries of geography and culture was essential in finding his own identity. Today, he feels at home wherever he goes in the world.

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Dreams From My Father