One of the first questions often asked between strangers is ‘Where do you come from?’ Considering this makes me wonder: what does your place of birth mean to you?
Most people grow up in the land of their birth, accustomed to its culture and way of life,
and this makes a serious impression on them. In my own experience I’ve discovered that many
people feel emotionally attached to their homeland, irrespective of anything else.
But I also come across some people who profess love for the continent of Africa when they
are not being wholly truthful. I’ve noted how politicians, socialites and even social
crusaders have developed the notion that professing their ‘love’ for Africa is the cool
thing to do, whether they believe it or not. From Washington to Westminster, the closeness
of Africa to their hearts is recited like a rehearsed mantra at every opportunity.
I remember a particular speech made by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair in which he
said that for him, Africa is a passion. While this statement was made at the height of
Westminster’s opposition to Robert Mugabe, I doubt if there was any genuine love for the
growth of the continent behind those words.
This lip-service ‘love’ for Africa even extends to the rush to adopt African babies, led by
superstars whose intentions are at best hazy. Certainly there are famous people who would
love to have many children, but I do believe that many are just going in for a publicity
stunt.
Does it really require granting interviews and gallivanting to Africa with a retinue of
aides just to adopt a baby? I believe that children are a blessing for any family, so there
should be some dignity to the process. Besides, there are so many other ways to help Africa
and its people.
Situations like this only highlight the sad fact that many people in Europe do not know
anything about Africa, except that it was once colonised by their forefathers. They have no
conception of Africa as a continent of 53 independent countries.
When I was at college here, one of my classmates was even under the impression that Africa
is just one enormous jungle. When I asked him where Africans might live in the jungle, he
replied with the humblest thought: “Trees.” I couldn’t help myself from bursting into tears
of laughter.
But at the same time, I could not really blame my friend’s ignorance because he has not
ventured into that part of the world, and his opinion leaders have never highlighted the
civility of life there.
How will the children of this globalising world learn to integrate with their new siblings
when the western view of Africa, not to mention other developing parts of the world, is
progressing at such a slow speed? The prevalent world view is so myopic that it could
actually deny a new generation the knowledge of other cultures and people. I ask again:
what does Africa really mean to you?
I appreciate charity organisations and volunteers for their humanitarian work in conflict
areas in Africa. But this good work is being undermined by the emergence of shady operators
whose only goal is to make money out of hardship. Africa is the name that makes western
givers donate, so all it takes is a few adverts featuring impoverished and starving
children to get the money rolling in. But what does Africa mean to you when you paint the
continent in a bad light just to raise funds?
If Africa is truly a passion for you, then it does not need your sympathy. What it does
need is truth, mutual understanding and partnership in this new age.
Ukachukwu Okorie is originally from Nigeria. Visit his web-site at www.olumouka.com
