Politics and Society: An Anecdote on Culture and Environmental Determinism

by E. Ike Udogu

Politics and An Anecdote on Culture and Environmental Determinism is a narrative about an ordinary political and social family. The village of Adaso and the city of Del in Biagara are the settings of the plot. Jindo and Chika were the parents of two sons—Koyenum and Kadibia. Kadibia, the major dramatis personae, attended a Roman Catholic elementary school where he baptized and adopted the name Simon. He gained admission to an Anglican High School, Christ the King High School. Simon strained to graduate after five years and moved to Gosla, the nation’s capital for a job. He shared an apartment with his High School pal, Zack. Simon met young doctors, lawyers, and successful businesspersons some of whom he played tennis and socialized with. He experienced an epiphany following this vivacious and physical environment of successful young citizens. Accordingly, Simon, a hitherto struggling student in high school, dedicated himself to his development and intellectual growth that positively shaped his worldview. Woven into this brief and distinct narrative are Simon’s religious experiences and the power of transcendental meditation. This novel has fascinating allegorical storylines. Lion, Tiger and Leopard are metaphors for three titanic ethnic groupings in Biagaran politics. The activity of a Bear, a pseudonym for a Communist, that delivered a blistering speech deploring freedom of expression at a fictitious Democracy Square in Minster, Gritica, is refreshing. This episode illustrates the tolerance of liberal democracy in the Occident widely regarded as one of the most successful governance genres.

200 pages, Paperback

Published July 18, 2021