|
Viewing 1 - 6 out of 6 Blogs.
WHO ARE YOU? If someone could care asking you the question “Who are you” what would be your response? I am a “Sierra Leonean” would be the only important answer, and not by any other characteristic or attributes! It really does not matter who you are categorized as - as a person; if only any other would be accidental, ascribed, or achieved (e.g., name, tribe, affiliation, gender, status, religion, etc.). May be I am a Mende man, but could not even speak, read or write the Mende very well or properly. To be a Sierra Leonean means a lot to who I am as a person and all to do with my special responsibilities to the country, which may not mean a lot apart from that and any other added capabilities and possibilities. Who are you?
I like revisiting some of the blogs to determine our current trend of things. Or do we forget these conversations as we sleep? May be some of them but we shouldn’t put the important topics in our dream bags. Returning to our historical traditions, Africans were considered noble and wise – in having special roles for women, whom they valued and honored so much. Those ideas were eroding (in the name of modernization?) but women should and still do have some special places in our African societies. The good old golden day’s roles somehow seem to change nowadays. The behavior of “economics” portrays the platform where women are no more only mothers, home-makers, care-takers, teachers, but are joining the men in going out to hunt / fend and return with bread for the entire home. The situation is a complicated model. We are building on sandy soil in laying the foundations only by depending on the market economy along with its risks of short-term management, and not cognizant of the long-term effects. We ought not be angry but learn by going back to our roots. I speculate reconnecting to both social and economic life, in order to be more effective in our changing needs of societies in understanding the reasons why selling our food and blood makes no real sense - BECAUSE WE (not “I”) NEED TO BE DISCRIT, FED AND TO SLEEP TILL THE NEXT DAY DAWNS.
Sierra Leone is a wealthy country compared to many others; but yet underdeveloped. What I am hearing is to blame it alone, on good governance in the midst of the global economic crisis. On the contrary, there are many pull and push factors that are robbing and draining our country of its wealth and resources (including manpower) to other places around the world. Even though the same greed and nepotism (who knows you) are happening in other places, there are many square pegs in round holes that are keeping our development stagnant. Sierra Leoneans are not stupid people; not wanting to effect change for the better - like others have, in their own countries. Tell me if there are not Sierra Leoneans from all works of life who are enlightened or educated enough as – authors, entertainers, doctors, administrators, educators, religious, scientists, engineers, policy-makers, lawyers, agriculturists, drivers, information technologists, bankers, accountants, production-line workers, tailors, carpenters, artisans, nannies, care workers, business men and women (only to name a few), and even millionaires who are qualified with the credentials, competence, responsible and able enough to sacrifice by contributing in returning Sierra Leone to its glorious past. We have these professionals and intellectuals who are slaving but prefer the guarantee to be safe in every other place but our own country, instilled with the fear of returning to suffer in where we all call home. Should some of these factors and conditions change, Sierra Leone would be one of the best places to live on earth.
Some proponents call it “Religious Terrorism” in view of its varied forms – but current trends makes me wonder (or may be overhyped) beyond imagination to posit my thinking that the next World War (which is gradually taking its strides), would be a religious war - different from the previous in having political and cultural meaning; thus suggesting to what extends beyond mere acts of violence by people with extremist views in their religious teachings that others refer to as crazy jihad. We need to be rethinking of ways in preparedness, for the unforeseen outcomes because it is getting too far as a challenge to be left unprepared, for likely outcomes. I do not know what you think in referring to me as a coward or crazy-headed person but clearly in my mind, these are my fears and I wish to share them with nervousness like never before these times of spectacular violence in places around the world. What do you think?
WHAT IS LIFE? The search for meaning: Despite the search for meaning, human life in general is the mystery that we hardly understand; as nobody has gone and returned to tell the story. But whatever the cause may be, we pray for the repose of 36 year young Lawyer Mustapha Santigie Turay, who passed away on Saturday 7th November 2009. As an adage: The Lord gives and the Lord takes …. May his soul rest in perfect peace! Amen.
|
FGM
Posted On 10/13/2009 10:18:19
|
I am following the stories (pros and cons) as they develop, regarding FGM as a traditional practice -versus- modern trends. Furthermore, FGM is not only practiced in one, but a number of countries. Nonetheless, what is more than being patriotic - for our country Sierra Leone! It will not hurt if we try to redirect our arguments on the health hazards of FGM rather than the bare sentimental reasons. This topic is not new to some of us – but insulting or casting curse on our foregone ancestors for institutionalizing the practice of female genital mutilation (I think) might not take us beyond the present acrimony regarding the argument. There are very educated women (I do not mean girls) who preferred the reverse; testifying to be performing well and, enjoying it better than when the genitals were there. To tell which of the two I would prefer is a personal issue. For me, it really does not matter if not for the health hazards the practice pose as a problem to the many who suffer and even to death. Some of us are actually threatened when we dare to bring-up such topics on the table for discussion.
|
