• I dream of the day when these, the African mathematicians and computer specialists in Washington and New York, the African physicists, engineers, doctors, business managers and economists, will return from London and Manchester and Paris and Brussels to add to the African pool of brain power, to enquire into and find solutions to Africa's problems and challenges, to open the African door to the world of knowledge, to elevate Africa's place within the universe of research the information of new knowledge, education and information -Thambo Mbeki, former South African President
  • They therefore concluded that “the findings of this (and other) surveys indicate that coverage of Africa, by the leading sources of American media is, at best, dismissive of the continent’s progress and potential, and thus leading to continued ‘exotification’ and marginalization of the African continent. At worst, coverage disregards recent trends toward democratization, thus betraying an almost contemptuous lack of interest in the potential and progress being achieved on the continent.”

Above excerpt is from a writer: Gbemisola Olujobi

  • By Gbemisola Olujobi - The Africa You Need to Know - Posted on Nov 28, 2006 See Full Article above

Why is the African image so negative?

  • Tell the Truth
  • What is your image of Africa?

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Why are many Africans so terrified of going back home?

It's funny how I've spent so much of my time in the recent weeks trying to convince folks how I can't shake off the natural part of me that's African, and neither can i just ignore it. Being patriotic is a natural thing for me....Some would beg to differ though...but i choose to just ignore, or just hear them out, since i have no choice, - telling me and asking me 'aren't you happy in America kinda questions... to why don't you just leave America then? with a sneer from the corner of their mouth..

Now, i don't wanna just leave America. I have other plans. To carry everyone with me. At least anyone who would go with me. That brings me to my question..

Why are many Africans so terrified of going back home?

A few questions I've asked my fellow Africans:

Why are you still here after all these years? - waiting to save enough money to retire in my country.

How come you've never been home to visit all these years? - well, there is nothing there for me, if i leave now, i can't come back, and that will be it for me.

Do you think if you went home your family will be proud of you after all these years? - Not really, I've not been able to finish school and I've not been able to make enough money to help them.

DO you think you'll ever go back home - aaaiiii, no, it's so insecure bana, there are like carjackers everywhere, you can't walk at night, you can't even talk on your cell phone, you can't wear earrings....bluh, bluh, bluh....

and on and on and on it goes....

and I'm thinking, dude, if we all run away, who will take care of our generation? If we all settle for less in far away countries, minimizing our potential, and having to worry constantly, wondering, and stressing over loved ones....who will help build the land that our forefathers fought for?
Posted by at

2 comments:

  1. Building Tomorrow's FamiliesJanuary 2, 2010 at 11:32 AM

    hey c,

    i hear you...and i can truly say that i am on both ends. i mean for me, i have different reasons why i have not gone back...and on the other hand, i have different reason why i would rather not.... i think it all depends on each person. although, the answers that folks (africans) will give you will depend on their own perspective, journey and experience in africa. or also, it will depend on the idea of the future for them. some people confidently find their future here and others cannot wait to go home and live the rest of their lives... so i think its all perspective and depending on which end you are...you have to choose to accept the other opinion as it is... :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. PositiveAfricaJanuary 2, 2010 at 12:11 PM

    I do honestly know and respect the other opinion, because i know for sure every individual has a different reason, perspective and opinion on where, how and what their lives mean and the best place to be more effective. My message or rather passion is to see those who are able to, go back and become a part of building their country, bringing with them the expertise gained in the developed world. I'm calling on all who still believe in Africa, it's potential and most importantly those who can contribute physically - by being there, especially those trained to be doctors, engineers, scientists, professors and even those who don't have titles, but have a flexibility to be there - and be apart.

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)