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I really will want to know your honest impressions about Africa. What first comes to your mind about my continent (Africa)? Is it poverty, undevelopment, war, African safari, African culture, corruption, natural beauty, a vast wilderness filled with black people who cannot solve their own problems or what? I really want to hear opinions please.

polycarp wrote: I really will want to know your honest impressions about Africa. What first comes to your mind about my continent (Africa)? Is it poverty, undevelopment, war, African safari, African culture, corruption, natural beauty, a vast wilderness filled with black people who cannot solve their own problems or what? I really want to hear opinions please.


All of the above. I would substitute "people who cannot solve their problems" in your penultimate sentence, though, as the people of Africa are neither exclusively "black", nor are their problems of their own making.

A Basket case.

North riven by civil wars with some of the most fundamental muslim groups.

West - Countries rich in natural resources riven by tribal war and corruption

Central See above

East - Devastated by natural disaster with assistance from a 30 year civil war in Eritrea, Sudan etc

South- Nutter called Mugabe in power in Zimbabwe, South africa struggling to fulfill the promises of a post apartheid era.

A hugely rich continent that is spiralling out of control.

Hello everyone, very interesting responses and none of your words are untrue. Bothwell, you seem to have a good knowledge of my continent. Have you been here or just damn current with news?

i think Africa has great natural beauty and resources, but i am concerned about emerging viruses that seem to originate in Africa.

Thanks for your input lady cop, but must say that you should not just absorb all that you hear about Africa in the news. For example, I've heard about the rare ebola and other viruses that are claimed to have originated from Africa, but have never seen anybody suffering from it. It is only the HIV (whose origin is still a subject of debate) that i can say is an serious issue here and it only poses a threat for those who are promiscuous. The western media is fond of exegerating negative issues about Africa sometimes. As a matter of fact, when I watch news about Africa on CNN and BBC, its like they are talking about a different Africa from the one I live in. Belive me, Africa is one of the safest places to live in with regards to natural or man man health hazards like earthquakes, Tsunamis, vulcanic eruption, acid rain, pollution of the environment etc.

Colonial football that didn't stand a chance against technologically superior peoples. pattern repeated throughout the world with race adding a new dimension, South Africa post apartheid fascinating outcome that black and white could live together in peace. Due to whom black or white?

to quote bothwell

A Basket case.

North riven by civil wars with some of the most fundamental muslim groups.

West - Countries rich in natural resources riven by tribal war and corruption

Central See above

East - Devastated by natural disaster with assistance from a 30 year civil war in Eritrea, Sudan etc

South- Nutter called Mugabe in power in Zimbabwe, South africa struggling to fulfill the promises of a post apartheid era.

A hugely rich continent that is spiralling out of control.


agree with most bit more optimistic about the eventual outcome you would think europe and the americas never had wars, with the way we all tut tut, but now we more or less have stopped trying to kill each other, built empires instead. Lot to be said for being amongst the most warlike people on earth.

polycarp wrote: Hello everyone, very interesting responses and none of your words are untrue. Bothwell, you seem to have a good knowledge of my continent. Have you been here or just damn current with news?


I have a friend who, as a youth, lived in Botswana. Loved the people. Their customs of revering the older folk was one of the things that he always reminded himself as being the big cultural divide between Africans and the West.

He talked about the Africans with a revered tone. It was hard to shut him up. He knew white people caused a lot of the problems in South Africa. He was a white Canadian boy but he tended towards the African's point of view about the world.

When he returned to Canada he spent years being friends with the Africans that he would find in Toronto. They got along great. He would help them when he could. Loved to drink with them. Remembered the good old days(80's). He was alway just too happy to invite them into his home, shared what he had with them. Was always eager to befriend the men and women from that African continent.

White people didn't know the Africans that he knew or the Africa that he knew. He would educate them about what wonderful people they were.

He married a beautiful black East Indian girl and was the happiest man in the world. His wife, however, was not a happy camper and she hated white men for having taken advantage of her. It came out and she used him as her whipping boy. Tormented him but he loved her and often were the times that he would show up at my place with tears literally falling from his eyes wondering why he could not prove to her that he loved her.

He decided t open a business and she did not want him to do it. He wanted to do it because he knew that the extra money would get them over their financial woes which would make the world shine again. She told him that if the business were opened then he would have to leave their home. He couldn't reason with her.

Because he chose to try to help himself and the woman he loved, in the way he knew how, she threw his clothes in a heap outside their home. Caused him to be imprisoned more than once by falsely using the laws of the land to claim that he physically abused her when it was she that had abused him. But he was strong with the knowledge that his friends would stand beside him and show that he was not that way.

They abandonned him and he was broken and confused.

I didn't because I knew that what he said was true. I was there. I too had witnessed the anguish she laid on his trusting heart. In the end he asked me why and I said that you were young and believed in their beliefs and culture but you forgot or didn't realize that it is not the colour of the skin that counts but what is inside the skin that makes a man a man. The culture shock came to visit and he stopped attributing grace and integrity to the colour of the skin. He stopped and grew.

He, at last, saw people for who they were. He's not happy that his dreams have been shredded but now he looks to the person and judges the depth of who they are and how they say who they are. He is a good person that led himself astray by believing that colour was the standard that gave people their insight and their mores.

He lives, grows stronger and his friends are well chosen from across the panoply of shades that make up the human race.

When I first hear the word "Africa", the first thing that pops into my head is animals. Lions, gazelle, water buffalo etc. Secondly, Mugabe, and how I wish he would vanish. Thirdly, Gary Player (the golfer). I spent some time in the late 50's in North Africa, Tripoli, Rabat, Casablanca & Sidi Slamane. Africa is one big continent with lots of different problems and lots of potential rewards.

I know very little about the political situation in Africa. What I think of is going on safari, but not your pre-packaged, brought-to-you-by-your-travel-agent, cushy safari. I'd give just about anything to see Africa's wildlife up close and personal. I read a book a few years ago "The cry of the Kalahari", written by a couple who went there to study lions and hyenas, and ended up staying for something like 7 years, getting funding for their research and becoming familiar with several prides of lions. THAT'S how I'd like to see Africa.

East Africa, not a very nice place. You tell me about East Africa, what do you know about it? :-1

People who, are better educated than you think, who don't live in huts and who are fun.

Hello Letha, cool opinion. That's probably the nicest thing anyone has said about my continent so far. Thanks

You're welcome Polycarp.

I have many friends from Zim, Nigeria, and other places in Africa, they kind of educate you to the fact that what you are taught in school about shanty towns and such like, and what we see on the news isn't all that Africa is

When I hear the word Africa I think of beauty, purity, tragedy, hope, anger, disappointment, deserts, palms, plagues, wildlife, war and untapped promise.

animals...yes...the first thing that comes back

2nd...friendship. i developed a friendships with someone from Africa. she is an amazing person!

I haven't read the other responses yet but my first thought was Nelson Mandela. Then gazelles and plains. Then huts. Then I see a bit from some movie I watched...The Power of One? Yes, I think that was it. It showed a dirty downtown area and a big separation between the blacks and whites. Very poor and very rich, in that order. Then I kinda finish with the sound of a beautiful African chant in the back of my mind.

Now I've read everything, Letha's comment about not everyone living in huts made me want to expand on why that popped to mind. I recall a previous life in Africa. At the time I lived in a tribe, in huts, and was the storyteller. It was a more important job than it sounds. I would tell stories to help people survive the droughts and hard times and I told the myths and legends that gave people a sense of history and connection to the world. I made them laugh when they were sad. It was the best life I can imagine. We were very happy, in comparison to the modern world, despite the hardships.

What I know about Africa comes from the same news programs you see and from a friend of mine who was a missionary in the Ivory Coast for 8 years. He had many friends there and speaks highly of them. The most damning thing he says is that he thinks some of the cultural traditions are detrimental to Africa's emergence onto the world stage.

He says that even after colonialism ended some of the people still can't let go of ancient hatreds.

Only ever met a couple of people from Africa myself seemed like any other people I've ever met.

February_Stormz wrote: What comes to my mind is animals in the wild; elephants, tigers, gazelles, chimpanzees. I also hear alot about the AIDS/HIV problem and the struggle to get this problem under control.

I also think of a very special friend of mine who I have come to know. He has given me insight on many urgent issues in his country. In fact, he has explained many issues such as polygamy, socioeconomic issues, religions in Africa and poverty issues which has given me a far better unstanding of this country.

He is well educated and brilliant. I feel sad that his country has so many problems because he truly deserves the best that life has to offer.

Hopefully, Africa will conquer its problems one day.


Nice comment February Stormz. If only all Americans know as much (about Africa) as you, I guess the dark continent would have been a better place. Thanks and have fun!

I have had the good fortune of traveling in Africa and visited many of that continent's countries.

I found a wide divergence between east, south, west and north.

Countries in the east and south were more 'developed' due to colonialists having settled there in greater numbers. This was, I think, due to the more congenial weather patterns in those parts of the continent.

I made many friends in Africa - both balck and white - and found people in all parts to be generally outgoing and friendly.

I also found many people to be disappointed and frustrated with their political leaders whom they felt were not representing nor serving the best interests of the general population.

I like to think that if I were blindfolded and taken to Africa I would know which continent I was in due to the unique African sounds and smells.

I agree with many of the posters who feel Africa to be a 'lost cause' but having been there and met with people from different backgrounds I believe that a considerable amount of blame for that lies with the ploitical leaders and not the average population.

An African friend summed it up recently when he said - "We don't deserve the disservice which we receive from our political masters".

Philadelphia Eagle wrote: I have had the good fortune of traveling in Africa and visited many of that continent's countries.

I found a wide divergence between east, south, west and north.

Countries in the east and south were more 'developed' due to colonialists having settled there in greater numbers. This was, I think, due to the more congenial weather patterns in those parts of the continent.

I made many friends in Africa - both balck and white - and found people in all parts to be generally outgoing and friendly.

I also found many people to be disappointed and frustrated with their political leaders whom they felt were not representing nor serving the best interests of the general population.

I like to think that if I were blindfolded and taken to Africa I would know which continent I was in due to the unique African sounds and smells.

I agree with many of the posters who feel Africa to be a 'lost cause' but having been there and met with people from different backgrounds I believe that a considerable amount of blame for that lies with the ploitical leaders and not the average population.

An African friend summed it up recently when he said - "We don't deserve the disservice which we receive from our political masters".


Well put and I must say that your knowledge about Africa is damn good. So any hope of you visiting Africa again?

Thanks Poly for your response. I would love to visit Africa again but any international travel nowdays is a little difficult for me. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis a few years ago and am confined to a wheelchair.

I do have very fond memories, however, of the 'mysterious continent'.

My last visit was 8 years ago when I went to the Ashanti Goldfields in Ghana.

The drive up from Accra reminded me of the journeys I used to take from my home in Ibadan down to Lagos. It was an entire geography lesson to see the many diverse ways of life, flora and fauna on that trip.

Wow! - just remembering and writing this piece makes me long to return!

What is it about Africa that, once having visited, you always want to go back?

It's a very true saying that it acts like a magnet and once experienced you will always want to return!

Philadelphia Eagle wrote: Thanks Poly for your response. I would love to visit Africa again but any international travel nowdays is a little difficult for me. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis a few years ago and am confined to a wheelchair.

I do have very fond memories, however, of the 'mysterious continent'.

My last visit was 8 years ago when I went to the Ashanti Goldfields in Ghana.

The drive up from Accra reminded me of the journeys I used to take from my home in Ibadan down to Lagos. It was an entire geography lesson to see the many diverse ways of life, flora and fauna on that trip.

Wow! - just remembering and writing this piece makes me long to return!

What is it about Africa that, once having visited, you always want to go back?

It's a very true saying that it acts like a magnet and once experienced you will always want to return!


Sorry to hear about your illness. I'm so happy you think so highly of Africa. The land is sure very beautiful as well as full of people with different and unique cultures. If only Africa had good government, then it would have been one of the greatest places to visit or even live in. We sure see a handful of Americans here especially employees of Chevron.

When i think of africa i think of babys dying needlessly because of no birth control and the threat of AIDS. .SJXX

pantsonfire321@aol.com wrote: When i think of africa i think of babys dying needlessly because of no birth control and the threat of AIDS. .SJXX


You are not completely wrong but there's more to Africa than that. PE had been there and can give you an eye-witness account of how Africa truly is.

lions 1st

totally fantastic hairstyles & clothes next

Chinua Achebe

(And I'm a white guy from the USA!)



I learned about Achebe in a Humanities course I took while a student at a historically black college in my area. In that course we read, "Things Fall Apart," and its sequel, "No Longer At Ease." (Great name!) Also read, "Diary Of An African Boy," by Camara Laye. Learned how many African tribes have, "secret societies," and how ancestor worship is revered.

Oh, yes, I almost forgot! The Oba. In Benin. One day, I'm gonna pay that guy a visit, but I want to go to Malawi first, and then to Gambia to see my old schoolmates!

I'm teaching a 3 month unit on Africa! That is what comes to mind. A wonderful subject for students to explore-we will study everything from geography to African history, and read a modern novel on Africa. It is one of my favorite units!

kumininexile wrote: Chinua Achebe

(And I'm a white guy from the USA!)



I learned about Achebe in a Humanities course I took while a student at a historically black college in my area. In that course we read, "Things Fall Apart," and its sequel, "No Longer At Ease." (Great name!) Also read, "Diary Of An African Boy," by Camara Laye. Learned how many African tribes have, "secret societies," and how ancestor worship is revered.

Oh, yes, I almost forgot! The Oba. In Benin. One day, I'm gonna pay that guy a visit, but I want to go to Malawi first, and then to Gambia to see my old schoolmates!


I'm impressed by your knowledge of African litreature. If you ever make it to Nigeria (to see the Oba) let me know please!

Large continent

Diverse landscapes

Sahara desert

Victoria falls

Drought

Famine

Multitude of cultures

Rich resources

Poor people

Wonderful fauna

Terrible injustice

Corrupt goverments

Unique music

Aparteid

Nelson MandelaThese are just a few of my random thoughts about Africa

untaimed

beautifull

safarri

aids

war

fammen

genocide

Come Join me and steph as we talk bout it all

http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/showt ... hp?t=10546

baskets... the ones made out of straw, i dont know why :yh_blush :guitarist

polycarp wrote: I really will want to know your honest impressions about Africa. What first comes to your mind about my continent (Africa)? Is it poverty, undevelopment, war, African safari, African culture, corruption, natural beauty, a vast wilderness filled with black people who cannot solve their own problems or what? I really want to hear opinions please.






The "Circle of Life"

I saw the "Lion King" on stage a few months back, It was pretty awe inspiring.......

What do I think when I hear Africa.

Well,

David Attenborough and a multitude of natural history programs

The Serengetti

The Pyramids

The ANC

The Sahara

Cassablanca

Heart of Darkness

Mugabe, Idi Amin, white supremacists, black nationalists.

Rwanda and Burundi

Kofi Anan

Roger Miller and the Cameroon in Italia 90!

The great rift valley (the cradle of humanity, we are all originally africans)

Diamonds

Haile Selassie

Algeria and the civil war there

Colonialism, tribalism, post-colonialism.

The Ethopian Famine of 84 and Band Aid

The Nile

Islam and Christianity in conflict

Bob Marley (he was jamacian, but it was all about africa really)

Temi from Nigeria (one of the most beautiful girls i've ever met!)

Ben Okri

Cecil Rhodes

Dr. Livingston I presume!

That song by Toto.

The African Union

Slavery.

The Ivory Coast.

Europe's common agricultural policy

Aids, and a failure by the South African Government to accept it.

Witchcraft

Kenya

The British Empire

Faliure, hope, diaster, the resiliance of human beings, the future.



I could go on for hours with this.

I have a very romantic view of Africa. My brother lived in Zimbabwe (Harare) until Mugabe started his antics. I collect African art and artefacts. I always think of Africa in terms of colour; makes England seem very drab.

I have friends from Kenya, Cote Ivoire, Nigeria (a best friend), Sierra Leone, and other (to me) exotic places. My brother brought his best friend with him from Zimbabwe so our family get togethers are very colourful! Lovely people.

I'm sorry that rampant Imperialism has left some of Africa devastated. The idea of being proud to give aid to countries we stole everything from apalls me. I hope that the whole of Africa finds its feet eventually.

What comes to my mind when I think about Africa? Pain and immense poverty in the midst of beauty. I belong to an organization called women for women. I sponsor a lady in Rwanda. She is raising two children of her own and three relatives who were orphaned by the war:( . I believe that the world is capable of saving the African people. In Canada we probably waste enough food on a daily basis to feed a few thousand. When I throw out something now I think of who that could have fed somehwere else that wouldn't turn their nose up at it just cause they didn't feel like eating leftovers. Africa has been a troubled continent since I can remember but governments dealing with governments is like:-5 I hope that someday soon a solution can be found.

When I hear the word Africa, I think of all of the above and then AIDS.

I have family in South Africa, I worry for their safety. And,mostly, I am sad that so many suffer because of a few.

Elphaba

When I think of Africa, I think of the sunrise over the Masai Mara or the Okovongo Delta. When I think of Africa, I think of the many lovely people I've met there. I've been seven times, to eight countries and will always be planning my next visit.

Yes, there are dreadful social problems and it's not easy to live in many areas. But I have hope that diseases will be conquered, children will be educated, women will achieve equality and the vervet monkeys will always play in the trees and the grass.

What Comes To Your Mind When You Hear The Word Africa







flies

flies and man eating tigers

(ummmm...Nomad, dear.....there are no man-eating tigers in Africa. There aren't ANY tigers in Africa. Flies, yes. Tigers, no. So--want to go on my next trip?)

My first thought is vast open land, with strange trees and wild animals everywhere. Elephants!! I think of a true wilderness. Maybe this is from having watched too much "Wild Kingdom" as a kid but that's what I think of.