Final Project Blog: Positve Change

As you can see by this photo to the left, I am still quite touched by the happenings in Africa involving the topic of Child Soldiers. When I did my previous blog I believed my normal guaranteed emotion was revealed in my writing, but in that case I felt a little more compelled to continue my thoughts, research, and ideas about this issue. (Click here to see some visual examples of the topic from a well known documentary.)

Before I continue on I'd like to thank Dr. Allen Webb for bringing these issues and concerns not only to my attention, but to the interest of my classmates and several more throughout his journey for a better Africa.

Now moving on with my topic, I've come across a few sites I found interesting and that I wanted to go deeper into detail with my research for. A list of those sites include the following...

• childsoldiers.net


• child-soldiers.org (Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers), and of coarse...


• invisiblechildren.com

I'm sure (or at least I hope) these are just a few places where information is being given as well as action being taken to rehabilitate what damage has been done to these innocent children, and to STOP any of the things being done to continue using these children. Hopefully by the end of my final project I will have come up with some ideas that can really give aid and take action to prevent the mental, emotional, and physical destruction of children in Africa or anywhere else.

Child Soldiers (Shooting from the Knee Caps Down!)

What do you see when you look at this picture? What many would guess is an adorable child whose eyes are full of promise and love, although from his looks physically that promise may not be fulfilled. You may see a child in great need of a better chance at life than what he has been given, or maybe a child who may just hasn't had his bath yet. Any thought that may come to your mind about this little boy has just as much as a chance of becoming a reality than the next.Yet what the sad part really is...is that there is one conclusion amongst all the ones you and I could think of that has an even greater probability as well as possibility for this young African child.

For this young child (as well as several others in Africa), his future has the greatest chance of being placed into a world of pain, hurt, destruction and chaos. For you see, this child like many others, will most likely become a CHILD SOLDIER for a rebellious army (or gang in most cases.) By the time this young boy reaches the age of seven, he will be taken in pure thievery away from his home and his family. By nine years old, he will be broken down mentally (brainwashed) into believing that his family is dead (rather it be truth or not) and that the only people that "care" for him are the soldiers he sees before him. By age eleven, he will be known for destroying an entire African village (city) bullet by bullet with each one aimed at what could be a loved one. At age thirteen, he most likely will have rape some one's mother, sister or cousin with out a second thought. Finally and most unfortunately, by the age of fourteen or fifteen he will be thrown to the wayside after he has done all that he was stolen to do. Left to dwindle away in his own insanity and agony.

This is what is happening at an continuous rate in places all over Africa. It is sad to say that this may not stop at the process this continent is in. Just think, this could be your younger brothers and sisters, or cousins. Maybe even your children. Or think, just a few years ago it could have been YOU. Now try to think what we as informed people can do to stop this from happening anymore. Let's try to find a way to give that child in the picture above a future full of that love and promise that fills his eyes. Other wise his future may look something like this...

Johnny Mad Dog

Emmanuel Dongala's Johnny Mad Dog is an extraordinary novel that displays truth in the most (To me) fantasized yet blunt way. The detail within each character's story throughout the novel completely intensifies every page in the book. Some situations were given so much detail and reality that it made me feel as though I were there in the midst of the action.

Tales of war, rape, power, greed, rebellion, just name off any scenario we've discussed in class that has a focus on Africa after colonialism and you will be sure to find an situation in this novel that can touch on it (from the lightest of modesty to the heaviest of heartache!) Even newer issues arise with the development of child soldiers' role in the occurrences that have taken place in Africa after colonialism.

Over all, this is a great read that has truly kept me captivated completely throughout my entire course of reading. I would highly recommend this novel to not only those who have concern about the issues in Africa, but to everyone who has the opportunity to explore this book.

Soil Fertility

Soil fertility has become an issue with continuous effects that will forever leave it's impression on the continent of Africa as a whole, as well as the individual members of each country within the land. With the ever growing and strengthening market of oil in Africa, the land has come to a breaking point. Several African businesses were based mainly on being able to live off the land. Yet with oil being in the picture, these market fields have become obsolete due to the lack of quality to produce.

With the land in chaos, farmers can't grow crops, fishers can't fish because the fish can't survive within the land, and everything in between is left to rot. Due to this discrepancy in the land, everything has been left in an irreversible state of destruction. Oil has done more than put money in the pockets of corrupt military and political officials, but it has further deepened the despair of the African people as a whole.

What can be done to save this land? Better yet, at this point would there be a point to attempt it? I have as many answers as you, yet just as many answers. Sorry!

The Bleeding of the Stone

Ibrahim Al-Koni's novel The Bleeding of the Stone was some what odd to me. I enjoyed the book due to it's "mystical"(for lack of a better term right now) story line. There were several moments in the book that seemed captivating, yet those moments were competing against the times during my reading where I was truly confused. Yet, the novel had it's "bright spots" to me. An example of such positive outlooks in the reading to me seems ironic considering I found it from a "negative" character.

The character Cain (which many would consider an "antagonist" in terms of stories) peaked my interest greatly throughout the novel. His actions and thoughts were so strong and somewhat uncalled for (although they were in order for the plot to play out.) His constant greed and lust to take from a land that he felt had done nothing for him, and what he did to take it was to me the very definition of evil (as describe in class.)

We took some time out in our discussion of his character, and we came across Cain's similarities to characters in novels we have previously read. The most potent one was the comparison of Cain's role in The Bleeding of the Stone and El Hadji's role in the novel Xala. We find that both of their character's attributes were derived from elements of greed, deception, in being inconsiderate. Their roles are further related du

e to them both having curses (although they weren't the same.)

All around the novel has its ups and downs but I can't complain. It was actually more of an interesting read than I had originally gave it credit for. Yet, it all revolves around the main topic we've been discussing somehow.

       

Pushed to the Limit!!!

I am SO tired of talking about this now! Don't get me wrong here, these past few months in class has opened my eyes to many things I couldn't even begin to imagine was true, and it has made me feel as though with the knowledge I've gained also came with the responsibility of spreading it for the better. I actually believe that each book we read and every discussion we have, being it the same topic or not, I learn a whole new concept of just what injustice is. But I'm like COME ON...is anybody else in this class getting tired of hearing new degrees of B.S. by the same immoral bastards (I know I'm not alone here, even if it's just me and Dr. Webb). So, excuse my French (because I'm clearly speaking English) but I WISH PEOPLE WOULD LEAVE AFRICA THE F*** ALONE!!!

(Oh and by the way...I started with this picture of me because I wanted a more visual way to imagine me STOMPING A MUD-HOLE in a corrupt jerk)

I'm sorry to seem so much like the typical "angry black man," but The happenings concerning African history as well as the wrong doings that continue to plague them today. I mean with all that occurred during colonization in African should be enough, but it gets worse even after colonization with the development of bigger business. So it's gone from slavery in exchange for natural resources such as rubber and diamonds, to the essence of imprisonment (being held captive in your own home which has been destroyed agriculturally, economically, politically, and culturally) for the natural resource of the 21st century...OIL! (This still leaves out the things that go on within the native cities due to what others have done/ i.e. poverty, rebels, child soldiers, etc.)

Maybe this was a waste of a blog, or maybe I'm just thinking too much with my heart instead of my brain. Yet I feel as though my anger is justified due to the fact that these injustices have happened, and continue to happen to this very day for SOME ONE ELSE'S PROFIT. These native people have been held hostage as slaves and prison mates for centuries now, and I for one am tired of it being that way. After this course, I hope to find out information of what's gone wrong in Africa, and even more information on what do do to help.

Waiting For an Angel

Helon Habila's award winning fiction novel Waiting For an Angel to me was a fairly nice reading. I'm pretty sure a few people would question or complain about the structure of the reading, but I agree with the way Habila has it ordered. By starting everything with a scene of a main character Lomba in prison, it almost gives the reader a sense of catching up with a story that just started. With that as a factor in mind, it gives the story as well as the reader a boost in the plot as far as how the general structure or stories go (you know, the story starts by placing a setting where the main characters are introduced in order to formulate a plot. As those characters interact amongst themselves as well as others i.e. antagonist or extras, they lead into a climax, resolution, and then it's over.)

Yet Habila makes it so you enter just a fraction of the climax, then takes you back and forth throughout the story to explain each event. Just as I previously stated, the story begins with Lomba in prison, then as it continues on it goes back (chronologically based from the characters) which introduces other characters, and even describes the plot openly (basically when they saw the fortuneteller and they were given their fate.) Now all that was left was for these assumptions to fall in place (which they did,) which to me brings forth another twist to the plot in itself, creating more story for the reader. Smart move in my opinion.

All in all, I 'm somewhat enjoying this reading. It's starting to dull up some, but I really can't complain too much considering how I feel about how much work Habila did to create a twisted yet structured storyline which seems difficult in my eyes. I could understand why it might start to seem that way based on the pure energy and climax the novel begins with. He couldn't keep the book that in depth the entire time simply because then I don't think there would be a real storyline besides a bunch of mess happening at one point in time that's exciting. Yet I'm enjoying it so far one way or another.

The Poverty of Wealth

Oil! One of today's most sought after natural resources in the world. It would be believed that whom ever had control or access to such a rich resource would gain immense wealth through it's many pathways to "success."Yet Nigeria, being not only one of Africa's but one of the world's most oil rich countries suffers greatly from this most profitable resource. Tom O'Neill says it best in his essay Curse of the Black Gold: Hope and Betrayal on the Niger Delta, stating that "Everything looked possible--but everything went wrong."

Once all the oil companies, factories, rigs, pipelines, and businesses had built up, everything else seem to have fallen apart. The gap between wealth and poverty extended to a level that couldn't be bridged. Due to this new way of making money, other jobs and business in Nigeria became obsolete either because it was no longer need, or the effects from the oil mining destroyed any means of continuing such business. Jobs were lost, other natural resources were destroyed, and the desperation of poverty had began to take effect.

Throughout the reading of Tom O'Neill's essay, I discovered several heartbreaking things that have gone on, and continue even to this day because of this "rich" natural resource. I barely made it past the first page without reading shocking yet valid truths about Nigeria's situation. One statement goes as follows...

"Dense, garbage-heaped slums stretch for miles. Choking black smoke from open-air slaughterhouse rolls over housetops. Vicious gangs roam school grounds. Peddlers and beggars rush up to vehicles stalled in the gas lines....Port Harcourt should gleam; instead, it rots....There is no electricity, no clean water, no medicine, no schools. Fishing nets hang dry...Decades of oil spills, acid rain from gas flares, and the stripping away of mangroves for pipelines have killed of fish."

It deepens into worse things as it continues, talking about armed rebels and the steady depletion of a nation.

Everything that was expected to go good for Nigeria once receiving such wealth in such a short amount of time went completely wrong. Now there is no true gain from these actions besides the ones of greed which bring no profit to a nation in severe need. So what "wealth" was really earned from these occurrences? More importantly, what lies ahead for these people in the midst of greedy hands, covered in the residue of "black gold?"

Religion in Africa (Whose "GOD" won!?)

Religion in Africa has been a true struggle which gives an immense attribution to the test and hardships suffered by Africa as a whole. During the period of European Colonization, as well as after that period has left the natives of this continent in a state I'd like to believe to be pure confusion. Three main topics arrive from this thought.

• To start, religion in Africa before European colonization was (for fear of saying "is") based on the traditional beliefs of the African natives. African traditional religion was derived from several different aspects, making each one compatible to the village it was practiced in. Yet many of them shared similarities such as...


• A distant "all god" with intermediaries acting between us and it


• Spirit or god possession


• The gift of offering and sacrifices to the gods


• The use of altars


• Ancestor veneration/worship


• Community leadership by a devine or semi-devine king or queen


• (All cited from wikipedia)

Once European colonization took place, Christianity was set as a "main" religion throughout Africa. Yet, Christianity in Africa wasn't really installed by the Europeans considering the fact that this religion was originated from Egypt at the end of the first century by Mark the Evangelist with the Orthodox Church of Alexandria. Still, the arrival of European Christianity caused several issues not only between Africans and Europeans, but between the natives of Africa as well. Now the struggle of those who wanted to maintain their traditional beliefs was evident, but Little could be done to keep it alive as strong as it once was.

After the "depletion" (for lack of a better term) of European colonization, Africa was still in battle within itself concerning this topic of religion. Christianity had taken a strong position, and traditional African religion was basically left to wither away. Although there was still a tight grip on these actions, the Europeans had eventually left, making it believable that these traditional religions had a chance to recover, but that was most certainly not the case. In order to fight what last bit of true authority Europeans still had in Africa concerning religion, natives did not turn back to their customary ways, but instead adopted a new culture and belief system...Islam.

Islam in African swept the continent at an alarming rate, soon taking over the entire northern countries of Africa, including Egypt which was previously stated as the "birth place" of Christianity from the African heritage. It was almost as if African natives tried so hard to return to their traditional customs, that when they felt they were too far gone from it, they created another culture for themselves with a clean slate based on restoring African pride, and resisting any European authority.

So in the midst of all these things occurring, whose religion really came out on top? Should Africa be proud of the fact that they were able to find something to resist European culture, or should they be somewhat dismayed at the fact that their true heritage is far behind them? Whose "GOD" really won!?

Ancestor Stones pt. 3

Aminatta Forna's novel Ancestor Stones is an excellent display of numerous serious topics revolving around the status of Africa through the eyes of strong African women.

Topics such as politics, military use, education (rather it be African or European), neo-colonialism (as well as revolt and resistance against colonialism as a whole in Africa), religion, natural resources (mainly gold and diamonds), and sexuality (through sterilization and mutilation of women) all play a crucial part in the theme of Forna's novel.

Over all I really enjoyed this novel because it gave a new light to the events that took place, and continue to happen within the countries of Africa. From our past readings, we have either read items that a loosely based non fiction or somewhat of a historical read, but Ancestor Stones brought new ideas and understandings to the journeys of Africa.

Super Women (Ancestor Stones pt. 2)

Before I have to catch myself staring at this lovely picture of the Ethiopian Hip Hop model Angel Melaku (better known as "Angel Lola Luv"), I have to point out the "pure"(fellas, please don't let your mind wonder from reading what I have to say!) beauty and description given to define the work and power of women not only in Aminatta Fonra's novel Ancestor Stones, but the strength and beauty of women everywhere.

I can honestly admit (though it may seem hard to do) that women pretty much RULE the universe. It's even been said that behind every great man...stands a very great woman. In addition, who can say it better than James Brown when he sung It's A Man's World, going as..."This is a man's world, this is a man's world. But it wouldn't be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl."

The women displayed throughout Forna's novel show a collage of grace, intelligence, strength, courage, power, diligence. Yet at they very same time within the limits at which a man "thought" he gave her, they were in the midst of nothing short of humility, obedience, and honor. They work tirelessly to do what they have to in order to uphold their household which even today can be found within many homes today (being as the statistics for fatherless households are at an alarming rate, which concerns me as a young man considering these are our fathers, uncles, and brothers who have created this world.) It's amazing to see that while being the head of things even a controlling as money, they were still in line with everything their husband instilled.

So far through out my reading, these women have had their share of truly captivating stories which exhibit their every attribute which describes their very beauty as women. I can only hope that their work does not go unnoticed, nor untraditionalized into the acts of women today.

What's In A Name!? (Ancestor Stones pt 1)

What's in a name some would ask. many would reply with a definition formatted to best describe it. A noun, something used to distinguish it from other things. The discussion would even go as far as a world famous quote written by William Shakespeare in his classic play, Romeo and Juliet, which follows as..."'Tis but thy name that is my enemy;Thou art thyself, though not a Montague.What's Montague? it is nor hand, nor foot,Nor arm, nor face, nor any other part Belonging to a man. O, be some other name!What's in a name? that which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet;"

Well, according to the character Asana in Aminatta Forna's 2006 novel Ancestor Stones, it means the difference between the just and unjust. Being born as a twin, which pertaining to Achebe's Things Fall Apart would be considered an abomination and evil in all aspects, was actually accepted and thought of as great luck in Ancestor Stones. Yet Asana runs into the complete opposite of what being a twin is supposed to bring once her rights as a first born child (which clearly can't be reversed) was given away to her slightly younger brother, Alusani.

This section of the novel amazes me in the aspect of a family believing they can simply change the actual order of things as plan as birth. Given that the mother had some what of a just reasoning for doing so, considering she thought Alusani was going to die, but lying to yourself and everyone else saying that he is the first born is a little ridiculous to me. As far as terms between Asana and her brother go, that's NOT how you get things off to a good start. From that moment on her brother as been given the best of everything, while she is forced to accept sloppy seconds that were handed to her from scorning hands.

So, what's really in a name!? Clearly a lot more than what I, and I'm sure you as well would have imagined. I feel kind of sorry for Asana, to be placed in such a shadow while she shines without notice. Wow, and I thought my name was bad...oh well!

XALA

I believe that Sembène Ousmane made a distinct connection to the ever active decay of European culture amongst places such as Africa in his novel, Xala (meaning "The Curse"). I give such a statement so surely because I feel as though African culture has been deprived of itself due to the ironic savage mindset inflicted by the Europeans. The greatest example of this would be none other than the main character within the novel, El Hadji.

El Hadji's thoughts and actions give a shocking truth to what European society (or what they deem to be civilization) has done and continues to do to African culture. Through actions of greed, deceit, self hatred, and cruelty, European culture has left it's imprint on Africa in a way unimaginable. Examples throughout Xala would be El Hadji's greed and sense of self hatred (in my eyes) towards the beggar. Greed that he wouldn't give to the less fortunate, and that sense of self hatred that he wouldn't give to his own people.

If you take a few minutes to yourself and think of what the Europeans did to bring down a once vast and rich culture, and think further into how it lives on in Africa even without their presence. Every thought or action that El Hadji took part in, I feel as though any European (such as the French in which El Hadji learned from) would have done just as he did, if not worse to any degree.

In any case Xala, to me, was a nice read that kept my attention. Ousmane displays some great use of allusions (thanks Peter) throughout the novel that catch my eye in a way I'm not even sure he had intended. I still wonder if the Xala still has a hold on any of us today.

Leopold Senghor

Leopold Senghor will forever be known and regarded as one of the most important African intellectuals of the 20th century for his strides in poetry, politics, cultural theorems, and his attributions to his homeland of Senegal. Not only serving as the first president of Senegal from 1960 to 1980, Senghor was the first African to sit as a member of the Académie française (French Academy). He was also the founder of the political party called the Senegalese Democratic Bloc to name just a few of his major accomplishments.

Throughout his successful and full career within Africa and France, Senghor has made quite a name for himself.(Wikipedia further explains.) He was made Grand-Croix of the Légion d'honneur, Grand-Croix of the l'Ordre national du Mérite, commander of arts and letters. He also received academic palms and the Grand-Croix of the l'Ordre du lion du Sénégal. His war exploits earned him the medal of Reconnaissance franco-alliée 1939-1945 and the combattant cross 1939-1945. He was named honorary doctor of thirty-seven universities.

What stuck with me most about his career was his passion for creative writing in poetry. Although it's in french here's a snippet of his work (luckily I have the translated version aswell.)

(French) - "Quand je serai mort, mes amis, couchez-moi sous Joal-l'Ombreuse.
Sur la colline au bord du Mamanguedy, près l'oreille du sanctuaire des Serpents.
Mais entre le Lion couchez-moi et l'aïeule Tening-Ndyae.
Quand je serai mort mes amis, couchez-moi sous Joal-la-Portugaise.
Des pierres du Fort vous ferez ma tombe, et les canons garderont le silence.
Deux lauriers roses-blanc et rose-embaumeront la Signare."

(English) - "When I'm dead, my friends, place me below Shadowy Joal,
On the hill, by the bank of the Mamanguedy, near the ear of Serpents' Sanctuary.
But place me between the Lion and ancestral Tening-Ndyae.
When I'm dead, my friends, place me beneath Portuguese Joal.
Of stones from the Fort build my tomb, and cannons will keep quiet.
Two laurier roses -- white and pink -- will perfume the Signare."

Underdeveloped Africa (The Rape of the Motherland)

It has been said that Africa is the motherland of all nations, giving birth to every race and creed that walks the earth today. It was so rich and full of life, culture, and promise. That is until the untimely colonization (or what I would like to call the rape of the motherland.) Throughout Walter Rodney's book, How Europe Underdeveloped Africa the term rape is all that came to mind as an idea of what really happened to Africa's history (and more importantly her future.)

Generally those who are the victims of rape, abuse, or any sort of harassment become oppressed, depressed, and lose the fertility of their normal attributes. That description alone sounds like Africa in a summary. As European colonist continued to come in unexpected and take what they wanted, Africa began to diminish and lose her fertility. African lost its natural resources used to feed her children, the strength to prosper, and once bright future she held.

Now after suffering centuries of abuse and anguish, Africa is left hurt and depleted of her power and fertility to recover from such events. It is truly sad to see how much pain and mistreatment that was given by her own children, the product of her own labor. This is what I took from Rodney's book, that the motherland was ravaged by her own seed.

A Light in the Heart of Darkness

Although it still seems to me to be an unnecessarily difficult reading, I've come towards an understanding behind Joseph Conrad's methods in writing the Heart of Darkness. After an enlightening discussion amongst my peers it made me think deeper into the meanings in the book. The storyline, although still difficult to interpret, becomes more acceptable and makes an effort to value the detail of the author.

Yet again, the character of Marlow was highlighted in my mind throughout the reading. His thoughts and actions made a possible distinguishable personification of how Conrad may have really felt. There are moments in the story where it seems as if his talking in a way that feels harsh and inhumane, but after a second glance of the situation and rereading his thoughts, the true meanings in his words become a bit more apparent.

My most recognizable quote thoughout the book goes as follows.

"...but these men could by no stretch of imagination be called enemies. They were called criminals, and the outraged law, like the bursting shells, had come to them, an insoluble mystery from the sea....This was simple prudence, white men being so much alike at a distance that he could not tell who I might be. He was speedily reassured, and with a large, white, rascally grin, and a glance at his charge, seemed to take me into partnership in his exalted trust. After all, I also was a part of the great cause of these high and just proceedings."

The Heart of Darkness

Although I am still still intrigued by the topics we have discussed through our readings, The Heart of Darkness by far has been my least favorite. I can't completely understand the full concept of what Joseph Conrad was trying to portray. It's as though he's telling his story in so much detail that I often miss the main points made throughout the reading. What I simply mean is what I basically just said (as far as use of words), SIMPLE. There is a phrase that says "less is more," and I believe Conrad didn't receive that message.

Yet, with all jokes aside, this reading does stand to be proven a novel of sorts. I had questionable feelings for each of the characters, Marlow being the first to come to mind. His role was a very important one in terms of personifying the ignorance and hatred possessed by many of the European colonialist that refers back to the happenings throughout King Leopold's Ghost. While in the same reference, somehow pure consciousness arrives as Marlow begins to make his own questions about what exactly is taking place which leads to my doubt of his true character. Being as it may, irony strikes my mind as I considered the new thought of these European explorers describing the Africans as inhumane savages, yet the thoughtless actions they committed were far from what they deemed to be "civilized."

All around this, to me, is considered a novel Worthy of attention due to it's meaning and symbolism. Yet, I fear to make it too great of a mention due to it's what one might call "over intelligence" as far as things like word play and tone are concerned. Still, who am I to judge? Maybe it's just me being too far behind instead of Conrad being too far ahead. Yet I think people will agree with my opinion.

The Horror of What Was, and The Nightmare of What Is

Though this picture seems to be forged together from the scattered horrors in the back one's already altered and disturbed mind, it is the very reality of this image that brought it to life. I know many of you as the readers will most likely think this picture may be too graphic and over the edge as far as getting the point across goes, but this (to me) is a physical description of what was given in Adam Hochschild's "King Leopold's Ghost."

This is what was done for the greed of wealth and power. THIS was done for the gain of something such as rubber, a once valuable resource that today is rarely even used. THIS was done ignorantly and involuntarily (loose choice of word) by those who committed it's work. THIS was done purposely and mercilessly by those who commanded those working hands (Allen Webb uses a prime example in his latest blog). THIS, which was genocide in its purest form (or what Hochschild calls a 50% decrease as though death was a pay cut) was the result of what horror really is.

Sure heroic names such as George Washington Williams and Roger Casement should have honorable mention for what they had done to inform and reform from such a harsh reality, but such atrocities (though seemingly not as severe) continue throughout the world to this very day. Sure they took a chance at saving the face of Africa's history, but how well did they really do!? Then what comes to mind is "Why has this monstrosity gone unwritten from the history books!?" If that's the case, who's to say that other places that have endured these hardships have had their mention or concern? It hurt that even I myself knew nothing of these events until now.

The horror of this is that it happened, but the nightmare of it all is that it has gone unheard and that it could happen again (in multiple ways on multiple levels) if continued to stay as such. The horror of the atrocities that struck the Congo and Africa as a whole is that man has a disturbed enough mind to imagine and create such an environment willingly. The nightmare is that that same man who exist only in today's time has the ability to imagine farther with new resources at his disposal to create a much more vivid reality of it willingly or not (an example might be what this war in the Middle East has done, yet not on the level of what was written in the novel). I once heard that we are taught history in order to keep mankind from making the same mistakes. With countless information such as this going untold, what can keep nightmares like this from becoming reality once more!?

King Leopold's Ghost (and where I hope it may be!)

Throughout the reading of "King Leopold's Ghost," several emotions manifested within me. Anger, disgust, hatred, but most of all sorrow. I know I am supposed to elaborate on what I've read exactly within the first hundred pages of the book, yet with me being of African decent and of a sound mind tempered with a heavy heart, can only think of how sad this story is.

Leopold II of Belgium, being just one of a number of attributing factors to the depletion of a rich and beautiful land, struck me as a cold and heartless man. Blinded so much by his own greed and ambition, that he can't see the very injustices he has orchestrated. To me, he is simply a thief, taking what he as no right to possess in order to better himself. Leopold will forever be known as a tyrant, at least in my eyes.

Not to get to far off subject concerning the novel, I was amazed within the first few pages. The actual ideas these men had of what abides in Africa astounded me. Giant elephant-eating birds (Roc), one legged, three faced, lion headed humans, or being capable of covering their heads with their feet.

Many would find that humorous that men could have such wild imaginations, but I just found it demeaning and ignorant. As the book goes on my thoughts begin to take a true form, and my assumptions become more than just a shell of my own ignorance. Maybe they still are, but whose foolishness is more tolerable? Hopefully those who choose to judge my calculations search themselves and come to their own conclusion. Maybe then you could known what I mean.

The Effects of Slavery on Africa

Though many have heard the tails of slavery's origin concerning the European slave trade, few have heard exactly how slavery in Africa began. Little do people know that slavery was actually known as punishment for criminal acts throughout African tribes. Although they were treated somewhat fair, criminals worked as slaves to repay the debt they owed to their society. The terms of African slavery would soon change once the information of European demand for human labor was spread.

Dated around 1510, slavery had became "Big Business" among European societies. With Africans already using slavery plus the threat of the European's advanced weapons, it was easy to do as well. As the demand for slaves grew, so did the demand for slaves by Europeans. African chiefs even began to trade their "criminal slaves" in exchange for the European's weapons, which those African chiefs later used to sell to their tribe making crime which was punishable by slavery more likely to occur.

Considering Europeans were also making their move to what is now the United States, coastal African tribes had an easier time exchanging slaves for profit. they even began invading inland villages to capture and trade "criminal slaves." All those who resisted were killed being as their means of weaponry was no match for the coastal African's European artillery. This embarked an era in African history which will live in infamy. Those actions lead to centuries of violence, war, fear and famine which subconsciously affects the world today. Look closely, and you to can still see the effects of slavery now!

"Jim Carey's Got Nothing On Me!!!"

I was very intrigued by all of what I saw once I had finished my "rebirth", and awakened in a virtual world as a completely different person, but this picture in particular caught my eye. The first thought (Though it may have been wrong to do so) was "Wow, how is he holding up that heavy looking mask with such a feeble looking body!?" It was a thought that made me laugh to myself for a minute, but shortly after I thought "I wonder how much better I could even hold that up on my head, if at all!?"

You see, the point I"m trying to make is that although we exist as one species, we live as many different people. What would give me the right to even comment on a culture I know virtually nothing about. What I thought was funny to see, may be the very thing that defines manhood, pride, accomplishment, or celebration in this man's world.

So as I came across all of these thoughts it made me more focused to learn of not only this culture, but as many cultures as I can because I feel for someone to build their world, they must first understand the worlds around them. So I plan to learn from these worlds, because I may never know whose learning from mine!

Things Fall Apart (When Your Trying Hardest to Keep Them Together)

If you've read the novel "Things Fall Apart"(1959) by Chinua Achebe (this being a photo of Achebe), then the photo you see here seems, at least to me, to be a clear visualization of the stern, fierce, grimacing face of the Umuofia clan's most wealthy and respected warrior (as well as one of the most profound characters in the novel), Okonkwo. No offense to Achebe in any way, but this photo in particular gives the image of threat, discipline, and punishment. It also gives the image of honor, pride, respect, and accomplishment. All of which was sought after and greatly achieved by Okonkwo.

A main focus point I zoned in on was the sense of what makes a man in the Umuofia clan as well as the neighboring clans nearby. In the story, this topic seemed to be heavily emphasized when mentioning anything pertaining to Okonkwo. Not so much of him proving his manhood, because he had done that long ago according to the storyline (such stories of him defeating Amalinze the cat in a wrestling match come to mind), but the fear of him not displaying it. Although it be silently, Okonkwo was afraid of being, or even portraying a description of what any man claimed to be "weak".

This fear may have been instilled in him growing up around his father, Unoka, who was without titles or wealth. In fact, Unoka was known mainly for his constant and ever growing debt and outstanding laziness. Umuofia considered him a complete failure and abomination to the earth. With that in mind, Okonkwo didn't have much to look up to or anything to inherit, making him hungry for success and titles. It is even noted that Okonkwo declared to hate everything his father may have stood for, and he planned to live in the exact opposite footsteps his father walked. This desire Okonkwo had he wanted also his family to have, and hated everything they may have done against his will. I guess he may have felt as though even if a man's family shows weakness, it is a reflection of his own.

There was much more emphasized throughout the course of the novel, but Okonkwo's desire to show no weakness and be considered a man in all aspects astounded me. For those who have read this novel, you can most likely picture the great lengths he went to in order to train and discipline (which was often along the lines of threatening and beating) his family. that alone made me feel as though his approach on "manhood" was a bit blurred, but I take it that may have been acceptable at that time.

Overall, that interpretation of what was considered manhood made me take a look at myself. I thought of what work have I done towards gaining titles and success. It made me think more on how far am I willing to go to gain these things, and keep them upon achievement. Will I be capable of gaining as much as Okonkwo? If so, can I do it without the actions he took, or the conflicts he had (many of which seemed to be brought upon himself). So for the young men reading this (of coarse having first read and gained an understanding of the novel), I hope this pierces your mind with similar questions.

Coptic Christianity

Coptic Christianity is a religion used in the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, the largest Christian church in Egypt. Established by Saint Mark the apostle and evangelist in the middle of the first century (approximately AD: 42). their congregation is being currently lead by Pope Shenouda III. He leads and ministers to more than 95% of Egypt's Christians. This church has been alive for more than nineteen centuries.

The Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria is known considerably for its teachings and academic prowess. The most well known institution it works from is The Catechetical School of Alexandria, founded by St. Mark himself, which is the oldest catechetical school in the world. Students their were graced with the brilliance of scholars such as Athenagoras, Clement, Didymus, and the native Egyptian Origen, who was considered the father of theology and who was also active in the field of commentary and comparative Biblical studies. he wrote over 6,000 commentaries on the Bible in addition to his famous Hexapla. Expanding pass the theological aspect of its teachings, the School of Alexandria also taught mathematics, science, and humanities. Wood carving was used as well to help engage the minds of the blind. Though not to stray to far, The Theological college of the catechetical school of Alexandria was re-established in 1893. This campus stretches to areas such as Cairo, New Jersey, ans Los Angeles. Missionary work was also apart of the church's growth and movement.

With such a large congregation base and with several brilliant minds working together, theological disputes were not to be factored out of the constant building to becoming a stronger church. as a result of these disputes, councils were made to oversee and advise certain aspects of the Coptic religion, as well as the different mindsets of each scholar. So throughout the course of expansion the Council of Nicea (AD 325), Constantinople (AD 381), Ephesus (AD 431), and Chalcedon (AD 451) was created to give a variant perspective of what was believed upon by each scholar who lead it. unfortunately, these changes wouldn't be the only ones.

By AD 639, there was a Muslim Conquest of Egypt, which lead to a large conversion amongst the Coptic Christians. By the 12th century, most Egyptians were indeed apart of the Islamic religion. However, The position of the Copts began to improve early in the 19th century under the stability and tolerance of Muhammad Ali's dynasty. The Coptic community ceased to be regarded by the state as an administrative unit and, by 1855, the main mark of Copts' inferiority, the Jizya tax, was lifted. Shortly thereafter, Christians started to serve in the Egyptian army. The 1919 revolution in Egypt, the first grassroots display of Egyptian identity in centuries, stands as a witness to the homogeneity of Egypt's modern society with both its Muslim and Christian components.

Today, there are about 15 million Coptic Orthodox Christians in the world. 11 million in which abide in Egypt, other countries such as the U.S., Canada, Australia, Germany, and Sudan (known as the Diaspora make up roughly 4 million Coptic Orthodox Christians. There is also the 350,000 to 400,000 native Africans who live on the East side of the Continent, yet the are not considered Copts due to their ethnic background being other than Egyptian. There are also other churches such as the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (roughly 45 million), and the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church (roughly 2.5 million) who are treated as members of the Coptic Orthodox Church.

Catch me on campus with a Spider-Man backpack... You know me, just your friendly neighborhood rhyme-slinger!!!

The young man you see here is none other than Brady L. Bennett (or as you can see from the picture, Brady Backpackin' Bennett in accordance to the almighty Facebook.com), a second year journalism major from Detroit MI. Most people who make formal introductions normally follow with the basic cute, cuddly description of themselves. You know..."I enjoy long walks on the beach and watching the sunset," things like that! Well, that's exactly what your NOT going to get from me! Lets be real! I'm not trying to waist my time on coming up with a bunch of lies for people to think I'm such a great person, and you as the readers aren't trying to hear it! So as you can see now that I'm not the conventional person, we can get to the facts.

I'm your typical 19 year old college guy. You know, hard headed and sometimes reckless with his decisions. Don't get me wrong, I'm as nice as the male leads in your favorite chick flicks that make the guys envious, and the girls dream up fairy tale lives of riding off in the sunset with their knight in shinning armor. The question is, who can be that way 24-7!? So from time to time I'm a hot head who makes it his way or no way at all, but overall I'm a gentleman. As you can see both through my major in which I stated previously, and by the length of this blog that I love to talk (and listen as well.) I enjoy sports such as basketball, and the latest activities I've deemed sports which I'm sure you'll agree with, eating and sleeping! (maybe not eating because that one guy who you catch on your daily tabloid shows with highlights of him destroying hot dogs has made due.)

I also love to listen, write, and produce music. I'm actually in the process of completing my first professionally made Hip Hop album which I'm very excited about (hence the title of this little banter.) It's a project I've been working on for about 2 years now with my friend Kyle Clifford (A music producer who goes by the name Mr. Vinyl),who attends Wayne State University. He's making great strides because not too long ago he signed with a independent record company as part of its production team, which really helps our progress. The name of the album will be "A Mic Unplugged" under our group name "The Mute." (there's a picture from our latest photo shoot!) Hopefully we can get everything done soon, so keep your ears open for us. Yet, to keep this description of me as short as possible, you'll have to ask me for the rest. I'm sure you can find me to ask what you want to know. Just be sure to check for a Spider-Man backpack!