Judging a book by its cover

The major similarity I have been seeing throughout the book and today’s politics are people’s connections with their roots. In the book the whole coming in terms with your original roots is a theme repeatedly used for the characters of the novel to not only distinguish who they are but also to convey who other people are, whether that is a truth or a deception. Obviously the book’s title can reveal a lot after only the beginning of the novel (the symbolism of teeth), but the truth behind the “root canal” I felt is the greatest reflection on the book so far. It is said in the book that “the first sign of tooth decay is something rotten, something degenerate, deep within the gums. Roots were what saved, the ropes one throws out to rescue drowning me, to Save their Souls”. No matter what happens in one’s life, teeth are always left behind. These teeth cannot be disguised as anything else than what they are. Sometimes people (especially in this book) want to try to mask their past or the character they are. Ethnic background is a major concern in this book as it is with the presidential election this year. Without having to state the obvious, Obama likes to play both sides of his ethnic background. He tends to use his white background when trying to collect the attention of white Americans and vice versa when trying to gain black American votes. I feel like coming from two different ethnic backgrounds, it could either hurt him or he could use it to his advantage. I believe he has been trying to be as general and normal as possible when trying to convey himself as a candidate. He has been smart to use his roots as a tool to help people view him as “one of their own”. I believe a major influence over people when choosing who to vote for, is the relativity of the two major candidates to one’s self. The more one can affiliate with a candidate and relate their own personal way of life with that candidate the better that candidate has to win their vote. Our history, background, and roots may provide possible insight on the people we are by simple prejudgments, but it might also just give more of a deception to the image of who people appear to be or how we want people to view ourselves.