Why Positive Africa?
The reason why i call this blog Positive Africa is simple. Two true stories will make it clear.
One: In 1999 i was in Botswana where I met this guy from one of the Scandnavian Countries. He had come to Africa as an Occassional Student to borrow Ethan’s terminology (he got from Ghana). The guy knew very littlle about Africa and all negative. We stayed together for three months or so. A night before his depature back to his country we had a dinner together with a number of other friends as well. Little to know that the young man will tell us what he knew about Africa. He starts: “My friends, i have been here with you for about three months, tomorrow i have to go back home, but allow me to thank you for everything we have been sharing together. Before I came to Africa, i was thinking a lot of things; one where will I sleep, I knew in Africa people are still sleeping in the forest so I had prepared myself for that. Indeed I did not expect to get a nice place to sleep like this”. We were all so shocked and no body commented.
Two: In 2004 -South Africa, I made another friend but this time from one of the Poorest Asian country. He had come to Africa for the first time. He tells me the story similar to the above, that when coming he was told by the member of his families to carry food, ports and almost everything for the simple reason that Africa is still dark, no food, nothing interesting. He was shocked when he landed here and compare with his country.
Africa has been potrayed negatively. Yes Africa has a lot of problems but there are some positive remarks one should not forget to mention.
I agree - too much negative writing about Africa - mostly because the media are more concerned with wars and disasters and travel writers generally find it easier to be superior and disdainful. Everyone gets lyrical about the animals - but few people notice the kindness and hospitality, the trust and friendliness, and the joy in life they manifest though they have very difficult lives.
Comment by Benjamin Madison — February 17, 2006 @ 7:05 pm
fsuy
fyuyxee
Trackback by nemtfaun — March 13, 2006 @ 9:51 pm
I could not agree more. I have had similar experience with visitors. There is not a day that goes by that I am not thankful, that I am African, that I have the priviledge to live in this wonderful continent. We have been called the dark continent only because of the lack of knowledge concerning us, an unknown spot in the outside world’s understanding. It is not just in resources that we are rich in, but also in our experience of a very different perspective on life.
Comment by sophia — March 29, 2006 @ 8:48 am