African Reality Discussions.
Some examples of discussions on various subjects in Africa:
on origin and language:
x: "Where do you come from?"
Riikka: "I come from Finland."
x: "Holland?"
Riikka: "No, Finland."
x: "Aaa, Ferland...so is it an anglophone or a francophone country?"
Riikka: "We speak Finnish."
x: "But you speak a bit of French there, as well?"
Riikka: "No, we just speak Finnish."
x: "!?"
It is quite understandable that people assume the situation being similar as in their countries: official language is always French or English, you can't do much official business in your own language...having your own, national language is also a bit difficult in countries with dozens or hundreds of different local languages.
on politics:
Rasta-Victor: "So what side are you on politics in your country?"
Riikka: "On the left."
Victor: "Is the left in the opposition or for the regime?"
Riikka: "It's a bit complicated in Finland, normally they are both in the opposition and in the government..."
Victor: "But are you in the opposition or not?"
Riikka: "..."
Most people say, when talking about politics that they don't like politics; that politics is bad; or that politicians are evil, that they only want to stay in power "for eating" (pour manger), for the money, that is.
on dance:
Yattara (a Rasta "artist"/guide): "In your country, you have powerful people who master dance very well, don't you?"
Riikka: "Well yes, we have some very professional teachers, but what do you mean by powerful?"
Yattara: "People who use magic, to make them dance better."
Riikka: "Eeh, nope, our teachers are just trained professionals."
Yattara: "What, no gri-gri? What's the point of learning dance without any spiritual dimension?"
Well, magic is everywhere...
on Islam:
Yaya (a Muslim #1): "We'll go buy some pork. Do you eat pork?"
Riikka (a Christian): "Yes, but do YOU eat pork?"
Yaya: "Yes, we"ll you know, I can eat it here, since they are Christians, but in front of my Muslim family I can't..."
Riikka: "Oh, it is the time for prayer now. You don't pray?"
Goumis (a Muslim # 2): "No, you know...I'll begin it when I'm married."
Riikka: "Eh?"
Goumis: "I quit drinking alcohol this year, next I'll quit smoking, and when I get married, I'll start praying."
I watched a documentary on Senegalese Muslim women in FESPACO, and remember one line very clearly: "Senegal is full of bad Muslims." That would probably apply for most of African Muslims, if being a good Muslim means following the rules. If being a good Muslim means sincere belief and trust in God, I'd say that Africa is full of good Muslims.
on origin and language:
x: "Where do you come from?"
Riikka: "I come from Finland."
x: "Holland?"
Riikka: "No, Finland."
x: "Aaa, Ferland...so is it an anglophone or a francophone country?"
Riikka: "We speak Finnish."
x: "But you speak a bit of French there, as well?"
Riikka: "No, we just speak Finnish."
x: "!?"
It is quite understandable that people assume the situation being similar as in their countries: official language is always French or English, you can't do much official business in your own language...having your own, national language is also a bit difficult in countries with dozens or hundreds of different local languages.
on politics:
Rasta-Victor: "So what side are you on politics in your country?"
Riikka: "On the left."
Victor: "Is the left in the opposition or for the regime?"
Riikka: "It's a bit complicated in Finland, normally they are both in the opposition and in the government..."
Victor: "But are you in the opposition or not?"
Riikka: "..."
Most people say, when talking about politics that they don't like politics; that politics is bad; or that politicians are evil, that they only want to stay in power "for eating" (pour manger), for the money, that is.
on dance:
Yattara (a Rasta "artist"/guide): "In your country, you have powerful people who master dance very well, don't you?"
Riikka: "Well yes, we have some very professional teachers, but what do you mean by powerful?"
Yattara: "People who use magic, to make them dance better."
Riikka: "Eeh, nope, our teachers are just trained professionals."
Yattara: "What, no gri-gri? What's the point of learning dance without any spiritual dimension?"
Well, magic is everywhere...
on Islam:
Yaya (a Muslim #1): "We'll go buy some pork. Do you eat pork?"
Riikka (a Christian): "Yes, but do YOU eat pork?"
Yaya: "Yes, we"ll you know, I can eat it here, since they are Christians, but in front of my Muslim family I can't..."
Riikka: "Oh, it is the time for prayer now. You don't pray?"
Goumis (a Muslim # 2): "No, you know...I'll begin it when I'm married."
Riikka: "Eh?"
Goumis: "I quit drinking alcohol this year, next I'll quit smoking, and when I get married, I'll start praying."
I watched a documentary on Senegalese Muslim women in FESPACO, and remember one line very clearly: "Senegal is full of bad Muslims." That would probably apply for most of African Muslims, if being a good Muslim means following the rules. If being a good Muslim means sincere belief and trust in God, I'd say that Africa is full of good Muslims.
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