No matter what, during some point of a persons life, he / she is going to face a hardship, and they will have to overcome it. We have to stand up for ourselves to become strong. Life is full of abuse, both physical and mental. “You keep pushing me nowhere” from the song I Dont Wanna refers to Celies domestic abuse with her father. When Celie was young, she was rapped several times by her father. He even threatened to kill her if she told her mother. Since Celie is young, she doesnt know why she had a baby, and that is why she doesnt know who she is yet.
Mental abuse could also play a big role in a persons growing up. When Celie was young, and her mother died, Celie had to become a mother to Nettie. Celie was still young, but she had to take care of her younger sister. Celie was not ready to become a parent, and that was a big hardship in her life. “I dont know who I am” refers to Celie not knowing how to take care of Nettie. Celie is confused because she doesnt know why she is pregnant, and she is also worried about how Nettie grows up.
Celie wants to protect Nettie from their father, so Celie took all of the physical, and mental abuse from him. But later on in the book, Celie meets Shug Avery. Shug Avery took care of Celie, and she also taught her things like masturbation. This took some hardship away from Celie, because in a way, Celie now has a mother again, which is Shug. Also, in a way, Shug replaces Nettie. Celie love for Shug is different from Nettie though. Celie loves Nettie because she is her sister, and she wants to take care of her. Celie loves Shug for who she is, because she is strong, and was never abused.
Although Celie has no proof that Nettie was dead, she still keeps Nettie in her mind. When you know who you are, you can accomplish your goals. You have to stand up for yourself, and overcome your fears. When Celie was strong, she felt like she could do anything that she wanted to do. If Celie would put her mind to what she wants, she would accomplish it. When Celie learned how to masturbate with Shug, she learned about herself, and she was happy. “Just let me do what I can” refers to Celie being strong, and standing up for herself.