What is the What: The Autobiography of Valentino Achak Deng By Dave Eggers

Background: Sudan 1989: Omar al-Bashir seizes power 1990’s: Bashir supports al-Qaeda/bin Laden/terrorism 1996: Sudan expels bin Laden (after US pressure) Post Sept. 11, 2001: Sudan cooperates with the U.S. campaigns against al-Qaida

Sudan’s Civil War between the North and South: 1983-2005 2 ½ million killed; 4 million refugees/flee homes Valentino a refugee/ “Lost Boy” from Sudan North: Arab-dominated Islamic government South: Black, Christian and animist South marginalized and exploited for decades; North desire to control oil and water in South

1983—Khartoum declares its intention to transform Sudan into a Muslim state and institute Shari 'a law. 1983—Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) founded in south to fight exploitation and establish an independent Southern Sudan 1989—Bashir and the NIF engage in brutal campaigns of mass murder and genocide.

2005 Peace Accord A referendum on secession for the South in 6 years (January 2011); If secession fails; both sides will merge their armed forces; Income from the oil fields is to be shared 50/50; Islamic law remains in the north; continued use of the sharia in the south is to be decided by the elected assembly.

Darfur: a new war in Sudan In the first decade of the 21st Century, Bashir unleashed his murderous Janjaweed forces against unrest in Darfur. (Separate war from the North-South Civil War.) No religious overtones: Muslim against Muslim. Historical causes; Environmental causes; Racial causes—targeting the elimination of several non-Arab, African tribes, Zaghawa, Fur, and Masalit.

Eggers’ Perspective Valentino’s “autobiography” written by Eggers; Blending fiction and non-fiction; Attempt to accurately recreate Valentino’s voice; Goal—present a more human viewpoint rather than a political one. Does he succeed?

Tone: subjective and objective Valentino never takes a political stance; events viewed in terms of human tragedy; Events in Sudan presented in more objective tone; Valentino too young to have a clear, balanced political opinion about what he’s experiencing. Eggers’ America, in contrast, is subjective—American culture is seen in a negative light; the American dream a fabrication.

War and Poverty The Sudanese government retaliate against the rebel army (SPLA) and civil war begins. Many Southern Sudanese walk to Ethiopia and away from the trouble; trying to avoid capture, hunger, disease. Valentino’s Dinka tribe is affiliated with the SPLA—people fear retaliation for helping him. What would you do in this situation? Many “lost boys” join the SPLA, but find their promises are lies. Is there a “moral equivalence” between Bashir’s forces and the SPLA?

Cultural Differences Islamic region of Northern Sudan tries to implement Shari 'a law for the country. The south refuses to give up their own cultural beliefs and attacks Arab businesses. Ethiopia: conflicts with the Sudanese over food and customs; leads to killings. Kenya: Valentino finds it easier to bribe Kenyan guards; Kenyans seem to lack the nationalist fervor of other African states; more liberal and modern atmosphere. America: differences re. gender and sexuality.

Dave Eggers: Zeitoun—A Muslim American Hero Both the Arab Cultural and Community Center in California and the National Council on American-Islamic Relations have honored Dave Eggers with awards that officially recognize his work in helping to transform perceptions of Muslims and Arabs in America.