4.29.2008
Cooperation is the Only Option
The opposition parties in Zimbabwe have realized that the only way to successfully oust Mugabe out of power is to cooperate and unite as one for the time being. Tsvangirai and Mutambara, Zimbabwe's opposition party leaders, have united to declare control over parliament and demand that Mugabe concede. Mugabe has relegated to imprisoning the opposition in an effort to maintain power for another 28 years, but I feel as though with the support of the international community and unification of the opposition parties, he will not succeed without bloodshed. Hopefully, he will not take it that far. In the past we've seen the need to virtually drive out other dictators who wouldn't give up their throne and this still led to bloodshed. Mugabe, please spare the lives of innocent citizens and step down!
African Idol
I was recently made aware of the existence of "African Idol" through an article questioning why contestants had to sing Western songs to gain legitimacy on the song. I supported the authors critique, especially because I am a fan of various genres of African music and also find it nonsensical for Africans to not use the show as a platform to showcase their own talents.
Because I had never seen an episode of African Idol, I decided to youtube it, take a look at how the show was produced, and better understand the author's critique. I was more than surprised by what I saw. Take a look at the video!
As Simon would say, it was absolutely HORRID! I think we do better when we stick to our own songs. It sounds so sweet!
But I'll give props when it's due, this was a damn good rendition of "Faith"!
Because I had never seen an episode of African Idol, I decided to youtube it, take a look at how the show was produced, and better understand the author's critique. I was more than surprised by what I saw. Take a look at the video!
As Simon would say, it was absolutely HORRID! I think we do better when we stick to our own songs. It sounds so sweet!
But I'll give props when it's due, this was a damn good rendition of "Faith"!
4.28.2008
Respecting Your Roots- Rest in Peace Aimé Fernand David Césaire
I can not claim to have created the intellect behind my quest to "Reinvent Africa" in the eyes of those who don't know her.
Aimé Fernand David Césaire was a writer and influential leader in the movement to "reinvent"the perception of Negroes throughout the world. At a time when colonialist and imperialist powers were still lauded for their control and exploitation over southern nations and people, Aimé Césaire used his words to denounce such beliefs.
I remember reading "Discourse on Colonialism" during my freshman year of college in my Introduction to African American history course. And though I did not immediately understand its significance, as I have grown and traveled, I have come to understand the impact on colonialism on the colonizers and colonized, as well as the need for Black people to free themselves from mental slavery. The quest of this blog is to facilitate and open and honest discourse about Africans and the Diaspora because as we've realized through the work of Césaire and other revolutionaries, colonialism did not only exist politically. Africans around the world were trapped mentally and came to believe that they were inferior to the colonizers. It is only through an open and honest examination of ourselves that we can strive to and achieve greatness, through what we experience in our communities.
Aimé Fernand David Césaire was a writer and influential leader in the movement to "reinvent"the perception of Negroes throughout the world. At a time when colonialist and imperialist powers were still lauded for their control and exploitation over southern nations and people, Aimé Césaire used his words to denounce such beliefs.
I remember reading "Discourse on Colonialism" during my freshman year of college in my Introduction to African American history course. And though I did not immediately understand its significance, as I have grown and traveled, I have come to understand the impact on colonialism on the colonizers and colonized, as well as the need for Black people to free themselves from mental slavery. The quest of this blog is to facilitate and open and honest discourse about Africans and the Diaspora because as we've realized through the work of Césaire and other revolutionaries, colonialism did not only exist politically. Africans around the world were trapped mentally and came to believe that they were inferior to the colonizers. It is only through an open and honest examination of ourselves that we can strive to and achieve greatness, through what we experience in our communities.
Malaria, Still a Mighty Killer
Is there a way to eradicate mosquitos? Because the wrath that they bring with the transmission of malaria is unmeasurable. Though malaria is virtually nonexistent in the US, it kills an African child every second. Can you believe that??? By the time you finish reading this post, hundreds of children will have died, due to malaria. The worst aspect of it all, is that this can all be prevented if people sleep under insecticide treated bed nets. They cost less than a dollar, but can't be afforded by those living in extreme poverty. For those of you who can afford to donate a net or the time to play a game and get a sponsor to donate one, please go to www.NothingButNets.net
Note: The game is kind of boring, so you can just click the link to "Deliver the Net"
Note: The game is kind of boring, so you can just click the link to "Deliver the Net"
Africans Do More Than Play Futbol
As surprised as I am to see Africans participate in sports other than soccer, I was even more suprised to see them playing hockey! Especially since it's hard to find a Black person playing that sport, period. I guess I have even more reason, besides the Washington Capitals playoff run, to jump on the hockey bandwagon. After watching their final game, I realized it's a pretty fun sport; very fast and physical. Though, I still don't understand the fact that they're allowed to fight each other, I do appreciate the physicality. Sometimes I get frustrated with basketball when petty fouls are called. Sometimes you should just let the athletes play!
Okay, now I'm deviating from the point of this post. I think it's great that Africans are branching out to playing other sports. And hockey, especially, is a sport that children in all locales and socioeconomic conditions, can participate in through makeshift rinks, pucks, and sticks. I only see good wholesome fun coming out of this.
Okay, now I'm deviating from the point of this post. I think it's great that Africans are branching out to playing other sports. And hockey, especially, is a sport that children in all locales and socioeconomic conditions, can participate in through makeshift rinks, pucks, and sticks. I only see good wholesome fun coming out of this.
4.19.2008
419ers
My friends laugh when I rail on 419ers, but, honestly, this is not a good look.
I know a few people who have been fooled by some of these scams and though I sympathize with their naiveté, I am amazed by the cunningness of their perpetrators. They are netting millions of dollars and I wish that more Africans would use their intelligence to mastermind projects that benefit the development of their people as a whole. Though, I don't doubt most of these people are sending remittance back to their families in Nigeria, I can't help but imagine the type of world power Nigeria could be if these well thought out and calculated plans were directed towards national development. But now, the international community will probably be more skeptical about forming partnerships with Nigerians and other Africans since these scams have garnered the attention of the FBI and international law enforcement.
I know a few people who have been fooled by some of these scams and though I sympathize with their naiveté, I am amazed by the cunningness of their perpetrators. They are netting millions of dollars and I wish that more Africans would use their intelligence to mastermind projects that benefit the development of their people as a whole. Though, I don't doubt most of these people are sending remittance back to their families in Nigeria, I can't help but imagine the type of world power Nigeria could be if these well thought out and calculated plans were directed towards national development. But now, the international community will probably be more skeptical about forming partnerships with Nigerians and other Africans since these scams have garnered the attention of the FBI and international law enforcement.
4.18.2008
Do Not Shun the Oyibo
I came across a very interesting article that gave the authors point of view on Cameroonians and other Africans who seek to establish relationships with "Oyibos" (white people). After the article, there reader comments published that made it even more interesting to read.
What I think needs to be pointed out is, besides relationships that some Africans seek to establish with Oyibos because they believe they will help them establish a better life, many Africans seek to establish relationships within Westerners in general.
I am stating this based on my own experiences in Africa as a Black woman. My Blackness did not deter some people from attempting to establish very superficial relationships with me on the basis of my Westernization. Almost everyday, a stranger would exchange email and other contact information with me after learning that I resided in the US. We shared nothing else in common and often, they did not even pay much attention to me during initial introductions, but once they heard my accent and learned that I lived in the US, they were suddenly interested in maintaining contact with me.
I dont doubt that some people were generally interested in learning about my culture, as I was traveling to learn more about there's. However, some were more forthright and honest with their approach and told me that they were interested in finding someone abroad to sponsor their education or their application for a visa to travel to the US. I never rejected the opportunity to exchange contact information with strangers because though there were some people who were not necessarily interested in establishing a friendship with me, there were many that were. And as a result, I have made quite a few friends abroad who were more than hospitable to me during return trips.
I say this all to say that I think it is unfair for the author to discourage Africans to pursue relationships with foreigners simply because they are white or Western. Relationships are usually mutual and those that are not are due to one parties, naiveté or exploitative nature, rather than their race. In the US, people are constantly giving their business cards to strangers in an effort to network and establish relationships that may be beneficial in the future. How is this any different?
What I think needs to be pointed out is, besides relationships that some Africans seek to establish with Oyibos because they believe they will help them establish a better life, many Africans seek to establish relationships within Westerners in general.
I am stating this based on my own experiences in Africa as a Black woman. My Blackness did not deter some people from attempting to establish very superficial relationships with me on the basis of my Westernization. Almost everyday, a stranger would exchange email and other contact information with me after learning that I resided in the US. We shared nothing else in common and often, they did not even pay much attention to me during initial introductions, but once they heard my accent and learned that I lived in the US, they were suddenly interested in maintaining contact with me.
I dont doubt that some people were generally interested in learning about my culture, as I was traveling to learn more about there's. However, some were more forthright and honest with their approach and told me that they were interested in finding someone abroad to sponsor their education or their application for a visa to travel to the US. I never rejected the opportunity to exchange contact information with strangers because though there were some people who were not necessarily interested in establishing a friendship with me, there were many that were. And as a result, I have made quite a few friends abroad who were more than hospitable to me during return trips.
I say this all to say that I think it is unfair for the author to discourage Africans to pursue relationships with foreigners simply because they are white or Western. Relationships are usually mutual and those that are not are due to one parties, naiveté or exploitative nature, rather than their race. In the US, people are constantly giving their business cards to strangers in an effort to network and establish relationships that may be beneficial in the future. How is this any different?
4.17.2008
Happy (Belated) Emancipation Proclamation!
Apparently yesterday was a national holiday in observance of the Emancipation Proclamation. I didn’t get the day off, but many charter schools in DC were closed and a friend of mine who works for an African based organization said she had the option of taking the day off and many of her co-workers didn’t come in. I have never been and was not extended that option…I wonder why…
I mean, if you think about it, the Emancipation Proclamation should be a widely observed holiday, Veterans and Memorial Days are, so why not the day the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.
Unarguably, enslaved Africans did more for the US than any soldier could claim. Not to minimize the importance of those who have served this country in anyway, but I think enslaved Africans served a more important cause. Not only did many of them fight in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, as well, but the built the country on their backs! Setting aside a day in remembrance is the least they could do!
So next year, I’ve resolved to take off on the Emancipation Proclamation. And somehow, I doubt my employer will challenge me on this one…
I mean, if you think about it, the Emancipation Proclamation should be a widely observed holiday, Veterans and Memorial Days are, so why not the day the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.
Unarguably, enslaved Africans did more for the US than any soldier could claim. Not to minimize the importance of those who have served this country in anyway, but I think enslaved Africans served a more important cause. Not only did many of them fight in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, as well, but the built the country on their backs! Setting aside a day in remembrance is the least they could do!
So next year, I’ve resolved to take off on the Emancipation Proclamation. And somehow, I doubt my employer will challenge me on this one…
4.15.2008
Hewa Bora Plane Crash in Goma
Today, there was a plan crash in Goma, that has left almost eighty people dead, and counting.
It caused even more of a worry in my immediate life because two of my colleagues are currently on a humanitarian mission there. Luckily, they were on a day trip outside of Goma and returned in the evening to the chaos of people looking for their relatives lost in the crash.
Several of my other colleagues where not at all surprised by the situation because of the condition and location of the airport and drunken manner in which most of the pilots operate, when they themselves had flown Hewa Bora. When I suggested that we seek other methods of transport to and from Goma, they notified me that other than UN aircrafts this is the only available option.
It caused even more of a worry in my immediate life because two of my colleagues are currently on a humanitarian mission there. Luckily, they were on a day trip outside of Goma and returned in the evening to the chaos of people looking for their relatives lost in the crash.
Several of my other colleagues where not at all surprised by the situation because of the condition and location of the airport and drunken manner in which most of the pilots operate, when they themselves had flown Hewa Bora. When I suggested that we seek other methods of transport to and from Goma, they notified me that other than UN aircrafts this is the only available option.
Horses More Important Than People
The recent displacement of tens of thousands of Chadians is completely despicable and unimaginable. After a failed coup attempt, residents were given 30 days to evacuate and over 2000 homes were destroyed.
The government stands by its word that the residents inhabited the land, unlawfully and it was needed to build a massive horse-racing track…
The government has not provided shelter for those it has made homeless and many are leaving next to their demolished property or have traveled to Northern Cameroon to join other refugees who fled during fighting in early February.
The government stands by its word that the residents inhabited the land, unlawfully and it was needed to build a massive horse-racing track…
The government has not provided shelter for those it has made homeless and many are leaving next to their demolished property or have traveled to Northern Cameroon to join other refugees who fled during fighting in early February.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
