In the past, my blog has hosted names of Harry Potter, JK Rowling, Michael Jackson even.
And now I would like to mention two more names, Nwankwo Kanu and Dikembe Mutombo. Why? Because they’re heroes that’s why.
An article was published in the Washington Post by Vzodinmaa Iweala, the title being “Stop trying to save Africa.”
Don’t you think the title itself is so catchy? I was drawn to read it further because it sounded catchy.
Qoute:
“Why do the Media frequently refer to African countries as having been “granted independence from their colonial matters” as opposed to having fought and shed blood for their freedom? Why do Angelina Jolie and Bono recieve overwhelming attention for their work in Africa while Nwankwo Kanu or Dikembe Mutombo Africans both, are hardly ever mentioned? How is it that a former mid-level US diplomat recieves more attention for his cowboy antics in Sudan than do the numerous African Union countries that have sent food and troops and spent countless hours trying to negotiate a settlement among all parties in that crisis?”
Well……I was amazed by the writing. I can’t tell if the writer is a female or a male. But either way, I love that piece of thought provoking journalism.
It really did get me thinking.
I can’t tell for sure what my stand is. Because while its good that celebrities/the economically richer countries are helping poorer nations, natives of those countries are almost never given praise for their efforts. And even if they were given credit, people miles away wouldn’t know of it. I have only heard of Nelson Mandela from that region. Need I say more? Or maybe I am ignorant and too naive with the world’s politics. But see, that’s my point, why don’t I know more people from Africa? But I can tell you all about hollywood and bollywood actors.
The world is interested in celebrities. What they wear, what they eat what car they drive…..the list is never ending. And I guess they could virtually do anything and people will find interest to read about them. Which is good, for the most part. Especially when it comes to promote a cause. Having Richard Gere talk about AIDS in India has been a huge success in driving the message home.
But I guess people rarely remember the others who helped. When you don’t have a famous name, people don’t remember you. But you see, wasn’t Mother Teresa too a nobody before she became famous? She didn’t expect the fame. Even if she did, I still think she’s one of the most humble human beings ever to live on earth. But wait a minute, Mother Teresa isn’t technically an Indian though vast majority of India considers her to be one. She, I believe was one of those people who wanted to genuinely help the poor and it didn’t matter that she was of a different skin tone. She stayed in India, ate like an Indian, dressed like an India….. so she became an icon of that country and nobody argued.
When you do good, you should never expect a return price for it. What then is the point of doing good? I feel bad that while the celebrities are usually acknowledged for their efforts the rest who do their bit to save humanity are casted aside.
But think about it, I remember the people who have helped me. And trust me, they are no celebrity. What I’m trying to say is, if you have helped to fight for a cause, someone would remember it, especially the people who benefitted from it.
I guess, the issue isn’t about whether one does good. Its more of, why are the people of Africa not recognised for their efforts? I bet there are so many more people out there who have helped out is so many ways and yet instead of writing about them, the western celebrities are often praised for their efforts in ink. Sad isn’t it? But true.
I think dwelling on it wouldn’t help the starving people. For now, every help is needed, every help is required. Beggars can’t be choosers can we?
I apologise for my naiveness on the topic, I donot think I am qualified in anyway to comment on the issue at hand.
