 |
| Pic: harisingh.com |
Pre-colonial experiences
For thousands of years, Africans have lived in relative harmony. Our forefathers' lives were dictated by African customs and rituals. As I mentioned in my book, Life is Unfair But Everything else is a Gift which will be published later this year--the ancient African society was made up of "Intellectuals." These intellectuals were well versed in the indigenous knowledge of the complex African community.
In essence, the people had a sophisticated system that existed to serve the aspirations of the millions of Africans. It can be argued that African continent was self-sufficient ,and capable of providing for its population.
Colonisation of Africa and the aftermath
However, the invasion of Africa by the Europeans set a dangerous, racist and illusive model based on the European superiority, which systematically undermined Africa and its contributions to the development of humanity.
Besides, the forceful looting of the wealth of Africa, a more destructive form of psychological weapon was unleashed: Africans were told to hate themselves and their culture(even today, media still promotes the feeling that white culture and skin is superior than Black culture and skin). African against African (xenophobia) was greatly encouraged. Africans were made to believe they are "useless" and less "developed" than other human races. It really worked in convincing Africans of their supposed "inferiority". Its no wonder African people suffer from inferiority complex, we don't believe in ourselves. Also, religion was used to brainwash the people to retreat than to fight. While some of the inventions brought by the Europeans greatly benefitted Africa, but it was done at great human cost. As I've said earlier, African had all the resources to support its people but the problem began at the colonisation and enslavement of our continent--it wasn't a peaceful one.
Wars were fought for the control of the mineral wealth (with wealth comes power and influence to determine the outcome). Basically, the Europeans were winners and walked away with enormous plunder to build their own countries.
Post-colonial Africa
The road to freedom was not a bed of roses. It wasn't easy. Stories that breaks one self's heart and brings one to tears. Millions of people laid their lives. Many were tortured, maimed, burnt alive, imprisoned and denied their basic human rights. The ultimate sacrifices made by countless heroes serve as inspiration for millions of people around the world. Africa was basically stripped of its dignity and right to freedom. We were like naked people walking around bearing their shame and guilt.
But I believe that African has the strength to rise again as a global leader. We have proven ourselves many a times that we are capable of doing what needs to be done. However, the problems facing Africa is a continental issue that needs our collective efforts.
5 Keys to African revival:
1. Electing competent leadership that governs with a conscience
The benefits of good leadership are many that I could write a book about it. Africa like many regions around the world is plagued by the issue of corrupt, incompetent, greedy, selfish and heartless leadership. During the struggle for independence, a leadership position was a commitment and an ultimate sacrifice. In the post-colonial Africa, it is a golden ticket to power and wealth. There is nothing more disgusting like leaders who masquerades as the "servants" of the people, while enriching themselves at the expense of their people. These con-artists use the public office to gain access to state resources to amass more money. People need to wake up from their deep sleep and realise that everything is at stake. You just can't elect criminals to run government institutions. It makes me sick in my heart, during election time when these fake leaders promise their followers the moon, as means to secure votes. Remove the badge (liberation party) there are shameless thieves hiding behind the badge.
2. Promote high quality education and health care systems
Africa is slowly catching up with the rest of the world. However, a lot needs to be done. Centuries of colonisation and enslavement can't be undone in a few years. The effects of bigotry, racism , slavery, low self
esteem; economic circumstances, class structure and cultural differences need time and effort from us, Africans. The solution to the chaos in our African society lies with us. People should be encouraged to use their brains to solve the problems facing Africa rather than fighting. Through education, people will come up with innovative ideas that have the potential to change our region. Life-changing ideas like starting businesses, advance the frontier of human knowledge through being a scientist, finding the treatment of diseases such as malaria, cholera, and Aids. This will create opportunities for jobs, investments that will unlock the potential and add value to the African society. We need to create and promote an environment that is condusive to creativity and innovation. Intellectuals are needed to contribute their skills and knowledge to the transformation of Africa.
3. Set up democratic governments along African lines
Africans need governments that are runned within the context of African culture, values and beliefs. The Western form of government is fairly good, but we need to be honest with ourselves as Africans. It has not worked for us. Much of it, is Western in nature. It has caused many frictions. Instead, it has led to severe political and economic instability as factions use anything possible to secure a firm grip onto power and its benefits. The Ubuntu philosophy was once a powerful force within the African community. A close assessment of the continent bears testimony to the fact that we have departed from the oral traditions of wisdom which were once an integral part of ourselves. There is what I can refer to as The Afro-complex. Africans seeing themselves according to their own identities. Africans concerned about the problems of Africa, such as gender inequality, racism, poverty, wars, corruption, diseases, with the importance of African culture and traditions, people who are dedicated to the development of the African society and who greatly value liberty, human life and justice according to the African value system.
4. Create equal opportunities for all
The mineral wealth of Africa is vast enough to all the extreme hunger and poverty in the continent. But foreign landowners and political sell-outs continue to plunder our rich and beautiful continent. Just like the pre-historic world. It has become a daily struggle to survive for many black people. Many people don't have basic necessities. However, the task of rebuild the nations of Africa, is everyone's business. Not just the responsibility of the rich and powerful. Creating equal opportunities for all should be a national and individual priority. We can't rely on foreign aid to bail us every time. Africans must help themselves!
5. Return to our roots
I already know that many religious fundamentalists won't agree with this statement, particularly the Christian Church. These fundamentalists reason that a return to African roots directly promotes "paganism. " As odd as this may seem to be. The gap between Christianity and African culture may be too big. But that doesn't mean Africans can't practice traditional customs and rituals as our culture demands. The serious implications for ignoring our culture results in cultural confusion and identify crisis that is widespread in the African community. While there are negatives traits in every culture--be it Western or Eastern cultures. But there are many beautiful aspects in African culture that are
indeed worthy of admiring, such as art, literature, proverbs and wisdom
humour, intuition, sexual purity, romance, bravery, hospitality, humility and loyalty.
The time has come for Africans to decide what is meaningful to themselves and set their own path. For too long, we have been held bondage by invisible standards set by insecure people. Its time to break those chains of stereotypes, inferiority complex, racism, slavery, bigotry, homophobia and re-define who we are. We deserve to be heard and taken seriously. But to achieve that it begins with us.
No comments:
Post a Comment