How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
He said that three groups of people lived in every village. First were those you could see [...] Second were the ancestors [...] "The third people," said Omoro, "are those waiting to be born." (6.16)
This is an important moment of insight not just about Mandinka culture, but also Kunta as a character. From a young age, he was taught that his community includes everyone who has ever been a part of it and ever will be a part of it. That's a really different way to look at things than how we do in the modern world, isn't it? And doesn't it make an awful lot of sense?
Quote #2
[T]hey said that village's chief had kept on doing things his people disliked until one night not long ago, as he slept, everyone had quietly gone away. (19.14)
One thing we learn about Mandinka villages is that they're extremely egalitarian. While each village has its own internal power structure, it seems that the people have ways to fight back if their leaders are acting inappropriately. Sounds like a good system to us.
Quote #3
Finally the boys began to understand that the welfare of the group depended on each other—just as the welfare of their tribe would depend on each of them one day. (23.24)
Kunta's manhood training is hugely important to his growing sense of community. For the first time, he realizes that he has duties and responsibilities, and that a failure to live up to them will have a negative impact on those people closest to him.