As someone of European descent, it’s hard to walk around
Africa without being aware of the slave trade, colonialism and the economic
power outsiders continue to exert over her countries and her people. Memories from my childhood about Africa are
about slavery as described in Social Studies books, seeing “Roots” on TV,
public and not-so-public discussions about race relations in America.
Given the history, sometimes I wonder why people are still
nice to me here. Is it that these were
the folks that were left behind – not traumatically uprooted from their
families and communities? Is it that
East Africa was not the home of most slaves who went to the U.S.? Is it that these things would never be
spoken about in my presence? Is it that
many are happy to just have my money so they can eat?
And yet, I can’t quite believe that the incredible warmth and welcome I
receive so often does not have some authenticity to it. People are more sophisticated – more aware of
the complexities of human behavior and history than one might expect.
Still, the traumatic past of so many parts of Africa leaves
its scars. It’s easy to sit back and
wonder why various leaders have been corrupt dictators, ruling with an iron
fist and brutality in Sudan, DRC, Uganda, etc. or why “those” tribes are
killing each other. But, societies are
like people. They can’t wake up from
torture and abuse and magically do things differently. Rip apart the fabric of communities, traumatize its people, exploit its natural resources until only crumbs are left to fight over – what do you expect? People learn what they live.
I know this all might sound quite naive or oversimplified.
What does amaze me is how much Africa has overcome in so
many areas. Also, how vast and diverse
it is: Over 50 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa alone. While some troubled countries make the
headlines, there are many at peace.
Here in Zambia (where I've traveled for work) the roads are smooth as silk and the current government
is making an effort to get electricity to every part of the country – even the
rural towns which might typically be marginalized. Unlike the stereotypical images from my past,
the straw huts coexist with power lines, contemporary office buildings and business
meetings held in suits. Ok, maybe
cheesey polyester suits, but suits.
In the big picture it’s only about 50 years since most
countries have gained independence from European colonialism. This chapter in Africa's history really is
just beginning. Pole pole (slowly, slowly).
