Okonkwo cannot deal with conflict in an effective manner, despite his military prowess and level-headedness regarding his economic affairs. Instead of protesting the murder of his adopted son, he goes along with the crowd to avoid looking weak. This action permanently alienates Nwoye from his father's influence. Okonkwo can only relate to his children with violent words and actions. He cannot see the value of an alternative point-of-view or way of life, like the gentler ways of his wife's tribe. Ironically, because of his assumption of singular, masculine patriarchal domination over all of his family members, another totally enclosed system of violence and intellectual domination takes hold of the heart of his son -- British Christianity. Christianity seems weak on the surface, but because of Okonkwo's unbalanced persona and view of his own culture, it triumphs. Okonkwo cannot deal with conflicting values, and admit that all elements of African culture, masculine and feminine alike have their merits, so he loses everything.
Response 2
To continue the debate as to what is more dangerously persuasive -- reflect upon this fact in our own society. What types of pharmaceutical ads have proven to be more persuasive to the public? Traditional, in-your-face advertising for routine over-the-counter pills, or the new, more subtle ads for prescription drugs that masquerade as information? What the new technique of fast food companies, of subtly giving money to school teams in exchange for exclusive rights to sell their product, instead of using loud and catchy jingles? Some corporations even make educational materials using their product, like learning to count with Cheerios or M&Ms. All of these are examples of the more dangerous and insidious effects of subtle, hidden persuasion. Yes, the Brown approach is to merely offer his product, but the product has many hidden side effects, such as the need to give up one's native gods. These effects are not immediately obvious to the unwitting consumer. At least Smith is honest about the lack of respect shown by Christian society to native faiths.
This poses a question of my own: are missionaries ever ethical, if they require a society to give up its native gods? Is missionary behavior unethical only when it is used as a tool of colonialism? Should persuasive advertising or missionary behavior in a free market or free society always be permissible?
