“Men of integrity, by their very existence, rekindle the belief that as a people we can live above the level of moral squalor. We need that belief; a cynical community is a corrupt community.”
- John W. Gardner, American writer & Secretary of Health
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It's hailing in Uganda right now.
No kidding.
The picture of things here in Uganda is begins to come to light and believe me when I say that it is truly ridiculous. Every day shines light upon another shade of bedlam that defines modern Africa. The root of all this tomfoolery is hard to put a finger on, but I'ma gonna try my best.
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Uganda is flat out backwards. Driving to school in the morning captures a beautiful picture of how things work here. They don't work. Traffic lights actually work but their only purpose is decoration, since no one pays any attention at all to them. Policemen stand at the rim of traffic circles and furiously blow their whistles at cars, showing drivers to putter This way! around the circle, acting like their job has some sort of a purpose at all. Since not many folks can afford a car, most people walk but its not really walking. They seem to walk as slowely as possible, as if they have nowhere to go. This slow canter pace perfectly complements the Ugandian tendency to completely disregard social cues, like "Hey, I can stroll with ease across street since those cars are absolutely going to stop for me." So many accidents happen every single day from simple minds thinking like so. On average, 12 to 20 people die weekly on Entebbe Road, my road traveled on the way to school.
The picture of things here in Uganda is begins to come to light and believe me when I say that it is truly ridiculous. Every day shines light upon another shade of bedlam that defines modern Africa. The root of all this tomfoolery is hard to put a finger on, but I'ma gonna try my best.
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Uganda is flat out backwards. Driving to school in the morning captures a beautiful picture of how things work here. They don't work. Traffic lights actually work but their only purpose is decoration, since no one pays any attention at all to them. Policemen stand at the rim of traffic circles and furiously blow their whistles at cars, showing drivers to putter This way! around the circle, acting like their job has some sort of a purpose at all. Since not many folks can afford a car, most people walk but its not really walking. They seem to walk as slowely as possible, as if they have nowhere to go. This slow canter pace perfectly complements the Ugandian tendency to completely disregard social cues, like "Hey, I can stroll with ease across street since those cars are absolutely going to stop for me." So many accidents happen every single day from simple minds thinking like so. On average, 12 to 20 people die weekly on Entebbe Road, my road traveled on the way to school.
Outrageous.
It all seems to string back to this notion I've noticed ever since Day One.
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African, specifically Ugandians, have this off way of seeing life. The gift of life is without a doubt everywhere in Africa, but is taken for granted at the very same time. I believe this to be true because of the African tendency to act only in accordance to the primative inclination of human nature. With the influence of other social variables like tribalism, one big furious mess rises to the surface. Ugandian men here work maybe four hours a day, no kidding, which is a number halfed by the number kids they end up having. No lie. Women in Uganda bless the world with an average amount of 5.8 kids in urban areas and a gross 7.1 kids in rural areas. No worries though, right? The killer is that the Mom & Pop Mgabe end up denying any responsibility for raisin the raisins because they have faith in the "tribe". Communial living will take care of it all, no doubt. The rudeness is that it obviously never happens. Life is everywhere but completely disregarded. USAID estimates that 1.1 million children are orphaned by HIV alone in Uganda, let alone negligence. These children grow up and again it begins.
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I'm not meaning to harp or gloat over all this plight in Africa, god forbid make fun of the struggle here. I'm just being honest. What I call out is just fingerfood in the menu of follies here. The same goes for every issue. Something always lies beneath the surface.
It all seems to string back to this notion I've noticed ever since Day One.
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African, specifically Ugandians, have this off way of seeing life. The gift of life is without a doubt everywhere in Africa, but is taken for granted at the very same time. I believe this to be true because of the African tendency to act only in accordance to the primative inclination of human nature. With the influence of other social variables like tribalism, one big furious mess rises to the surface. Ugandian men here work maybe four hours a day, no kidding, which is a number halfed by the number kids they end up having. No lie. Women in Uganda bless the world with an average amount of 5.8 kids in urban areas and a gross 7.1 kids in rural areas. No worries though, right? The killer is that the Mom & Pop Mgabe end up denying any responsibility for raisin the raisins because they have faith in the "tribe". Communial living will take care of it all, no doubt. The rudeness is that it obviously never happens. Life is everywhere but completely disregarded. USAID estimates that 1.1 million children are orphaned by HIV alone in Uganda, let alone negligence. These children grow up and again it begins.
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I'm not meaning to harp or gloat over all this plight in Africa, god forbid make fun of the struggle here. I'm just being honest. What I call out is just fingerfood in the menu of follies here. The same goes for every issue. Something always lies beneath the surface.
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Yesterday, a giant gas tanker steered sharply to miss a motorcycle zipping through traffic and surged into two bustaxis, both of which were carrying 18 passengers, four past the maximum limit. 37 people died in total and 60 people were injured. Eyewitnesses rushed to the scene but not to aid the injured. Instead, they looted the dead and the alive, and filled up their pots and pans up to the brim with the leaking gasoline.
That has nothing to do with poverty and squalor. That's a host of character flaws and an overall moral indifference that very much has to do with poverty and squalor. Africa would be best to stop pointing fingers and adopt a Pro Active approach toward fixing their profilthy dillema. Morality is the cornerstone to cultural sustainment, not just some custom snatched up in passing.
That has nothing to do with poverty and squalor. That's a host of character flaws and an overall moral indifference that very much has to do with poverty and squalor. Africa would be best to stop pointing fingers and adopt a Pro Active approach toward fixing their profilthy dillema. Morality is the cornerstone to cultural sustainment, not just some custom snatched up in passing.
1 comment:
The last sentence in this post is one of the best i have ever read. Ever.
Where are you applying to college?
Oh Trent, when will you return?
Nashville dies on the inside without you!
Ill buy you a Miles Davis album if you come back! Promise!
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