hi brother changes changes
i'm still reading over ur thoughts & email (thanks). not all of the following addresses issues u've raised n this thread, but it does comprise the bulk of my general thoughts about pan-africanism. i am enjoying the dialogue thus far. i only wish 2 participate n the discussion & i hope no 1 feels any personal villification by any comments made, as that was not my intent.
some ppl hv suggested that there should b a united states of africa, modeled on the u.s., or perhaps a conglomeration of nations similar 2 what the u.s.s.r. attemped.
1. comparisons w the u.s. & (former)u.s.s.r, or other asian models may b inappropriate examples as possible solutions 4 our homeland. the union of states n amerikkka, 4 example, evolved concomittantly w its aggressive conquest of an inhabited territory & virtual genocide of the indiginous people, as is the way of the european everywhere they set shore. their unification was less grand plan 4 future major player & more crucial necessity 4 survival & victory n their war against both the land & its native inhabitants. developing states were dependant on assistance from & directly related by blood 2, occupants of the more established areas. even w those ever present incentives, they still found it necessary 2 settle the issue of wheather or not 2 remain as 1 thru a long & bloodletting revolutionary war. my point is that most large 'powerful' national development occurred n a unique set of circumstances during a crucial developmental stage n that countrys development, frequently at the xpense of an indiginous, vulnerable population, and is hardly exemplary or a model 4 others.
it may sound rediculous 2 say, but i believe neocolonialism spared africans the fate of native americans. it was the europeans decision 2 carve up africa amoungst themselves & exploit the land & its peoples while remaining largely n the comfort of their (the europeans) homelands, 4 the most part (south africa being a noteworthy exception) that left the majority of the african population at least standing, albeit n destitution, poverty, disease & decay, on their own land.
this was largely an economic decision & had nothing 2 do w morals or humanity. it was deemed more profitable & efficient 2 exploit people n their own land, where they already were, instead of shipping them around the world & exploiting/enslaving them there. it would also b much easier 2 disguise the scheme under the cloak of 'helping' or 'enlightening' the savages (us) that way. this became a platform 4 surruptitious unconcionable exploitation on a level unkown or even imagined previously while avoiding the unpopular appearance of being a slave trader, but it was slavery just the same. i also believe that these precedent setting levels of avarace & insaitiable greed from those n positions of power left indelible imprints on the african leaders that followed 4 decades 2 come, & continue 2 this day.
2. africa has been a world leader & can b again. africa remains a source of inspiration, wonderment, beauty & encouragement not only 4 what she has been n the past, but by her very survival. i believe n gurvey s position, africa 4 the africans, those at home & those abroad. our motherland does not need 2 ape any euroamerikkkan models of unity. she is unique n all the globe &, as n the past, must find her own unique solutions & manner of association/cooperation/unification that specifically suit her needs & those of her people.
there is the concern, expressed by some, that africa is comprised of too many different nations & is comprised of too large a diversity of peoples, tribes & cultures 4 it 2 ever behave as a unified continent. that point about the vast & almost overwhelming diversity of the continent is well taken & accurate. diversity, however, can b an invaluable asset, not just a barrier. it is the mental disposition of both, those n positions of power & the populus n general that is determinant. amerikkka, 4 example, has chosen 2 slaughter & castigate (blacks), ignore(hispanics & orientals), & exterminate (native americans) those who hv a culture, skin hue, orientation, or lifestyle divergent from what they consider appropriate. the prevailing order is not so much a melting pot but anglo conformity, a collective 'my way or hit the (global) highway' mentality. there is a positive contribution 2 b gained from every african culture f only the vision & humility exist 2 accept & encourage their development.
b4 there can b any hope of any real change, great sacrifices will need 2 b made. we cannot afford 2 ape the european s hedonistic lifestyle. repeatedly labelling leaders as stupid or corrupt solves nothing, even f they r. there is an african proverb the jist of which is: f u cannot defeat a mans argument by logic all is not lost, u can always call him vile names. more constructive 2 start small & speak of communitys & what changes local neighborhoods can make 2 become organized 2 effect change, specificly, the ones they deem most urgent n their community. all africans who sincerely desire the motherlands prosperity or even continued survival must do some serious introspective soul searching & ask themselves, what creature comforts am i willing 2 sacrifice 4 what i believe.
we can all write great theoretical positions & perform mental gymnastics defining & defending our personal pet beliefs about whats best 4 this vast treasurehouse supported by this or that 'great' 'well known' authority, but it is of no moment. f we stand, or sit, idley by & do nothing, it will not matter whether we blame the leaders, the yt man or whomever, it will b us, ourselves, that will hv 2 hang our heads n shame knowing that we lacked the moral courage, intestinal fortitude & selflessness required 2 keep our collective 'mother' alive 4 her sons & daughters of future generations. we will hv failed both them & ourselves.
unless our writing, discussions, seminars & conferences lead 2 an organized implementable plan of action, that is actually acted on at some point, its basically just so much mental masturbation. some of us hv even managed 2 trick ourselves n2 thinking that we re making a 'contribution' merely by discussion or dialogue. africa needs our deeds more than our words & she always will.
this is just 1 black man s opinion. whats urs?
