Every honest father will admit that, their daughters are more close to them than the boy child. Unless if you don't have a daughter, hence you will not understand the difference. However, both mother's and father's still tend to prefer having a son to a daughter. It is high time, we think deep and hard. Daughters are the best friends to fathers than sons. So let us appreciate the kindnesses the girl child show to us as fathers and love them equally to our sons. Daughters are huge pillars, for me, my daughter demonstrate a lot of concern whether i travel, went to work or even whilst gone for shopping.
However, I have seen people getting unhappy with pregnancy news as soon the baby is confirmed to being a girl. Pray that, God bless your child abundantly and put strength in her to be successful, full of piety. A father cannot but notice the huge love the daughter has for him. God bless our daughters and sons. Ameen, never be unhappy because you have a daughter.
Friday, 17 May 2013
Saturday, 13 April 2013
Euro-American Life Styles by Gambians
We want to look like Buoyancy, Riyana, J-Z, and be free to do what one feels. The West defend the rights of others, we don't...Take the whole package not the convenient bit. Don't just live in the West without scrutinizing why things work, whilst in our territories it don't. Chose the life you want to live, but then understand that, it is a package. Just a thought.
Gambians As Citizens of America or Europe: Pride in Host Country More Than Birth Country
By Suntou Touray (comments by other Gambians on facebook)
Citizens of foreign lands. My Friday rant...It get on my nerves hearing Gambians boasting on radio and forums of being American citizens, Swedish citizen, French citizen, British citizen...Yes, we may hold foreign passports and have rights there.. But in the real sense of the word, you're first and foremost a Gambian Citizen. It is that land that defines you, where your umbilical cord is buried. The inferiority complex should end. Every Jews in America, France, Germany, England, Sweden are citizens of those countries, but they are more proud of being an Israel citizen than American or British. If we make our country progressive, we wouldn't be hiding our real Citizenship, by boasting with countries we only reside out of comfort. Let's be real. We are Gambian citizens residing in America and Europe. How can you fight for a country whilst boasting of being a Citizen of another country? Happy Friday, May Allah make it easy for us to pray.
"Yes, it's sickening but justified too. At this time, who would want to be boastful about our citizenry? If one looks at it from the context of national pride, sure you are right but when the nation eats its young, maim its elders and injustices everywhere, it's befitting to surmise that human instincts will guide people to where "freedom" is..
Nowadays is even prideful to declare citizen of Senegal than Gambia because of one man.. To even justify my point. What happened after people at death row where executed? Two American- Gambian citizens were freed by Jesse Jackson not because of anything but because they are "Americans".. Where are the rest of "patriotic" Gambians without any other geographical bearings? Languishing in jail by their own government... " Pa Modou Jobe
I remember going home during one of my school breaks and everywhere I go they keep saying "Yen wa America yii" this "Yen waa America yii" that. I was like, are you guys kidding me, I went to that country for further education and now all of a sudden I belong there.
Our collective lack of pride in anything Gambian is slowing our development as a country and people. There is nothing wrong with people taking up citizenship of other countries, just don't insult your origin." Abdoulie Barry
I remember going home during one of my school breaks and everywhere I go they keep saying "Yen wa America yii" this "Yen waa America yii" that. I was like, are you guys kidding me, I went to that country for further education and now all of a sudden I belong there.
Our collective lack of pride in anything Gambian is slowing our development as a country and people. There is nothing wrong with people taking up citizenship of other countries, just don't insult your origin." Abdoulie Barry
Our collective lack of pride in anything Gambian is slowing our development as a country and people. There is nothing wrong with people taking up citizenship of other countries, just don't insult your origin." Abdoulie Barry
I now believe that most of these Imams never believed a word they were preaching before. They never believed in what they stood for... Jammeh just ousted them for who they really are. And that goes for most in our society...You will only make sacrifices and stand/fight for something you truly believe in.....be it from a political; moral; cultural, religious etc standpoint..
Nothing pains me more than American born/ raised Gambian kids not being able to speak/understand our local dialects. It is the parents responsibility to ensure that these kids know who they are and where they're from...but if the parents themselves do not value certain aspects of themselves,, they are not going to impart that knowledge and ensure that it's instilled in their children and their grandkids ..Simple as that.
All these bits and pieces.. Suntou's examples...Abdoulie's examples speak to a lack of pride in ourselves and our culture/traditions...so it becomes very easy to assimilate into or adapt someone else's ..
So, it is absolutely no surprise that when a model poses semi-nude for all to see, some will deem that as "following one's dream" which in itself is a Western concept. Follow your dreams they say... Lol .... before the yama fye crew comes for the attack, I’m not saying I’m right...just my humble thoughts.....Maybe I’m the one who needs to get with the times ...
Anyway, Gambian bi dafa muna roy so as long as the West deems something as "normal" we jump on that bandwagon without giving it some thought ..
Nothing pains me more than American born/ raised Gambian kids not being able to speak/understand our local dialects. It is the parents responsibility to ensure that these kids know who they are and where they're from...but if the parents themselves do not value certain aspects of themselves,, they are not going to impart that knowledge and ensure that it's instilled in their children and their grandkids ..Simple as that.
All these bits and pieces.. Suntou's examples...Abdoulie's examples speak to a lack of pride in ourselves and our culture/traditions...so it becomes very easy to assimilate into or adapt someone else's ..
So, it is absolutely no surprise that when a model poses semi-nude for all to see, some will deem that as "following one's dream" which in itself is a Western concept. Follow your dreams they say... Lol .... before the yama fye crew comes for the attack, I’m not saying I’m right...just my humble thoughts.....Maybe I’m the one who needs to get with the times ...
Anyway, Gambian bi dafa muna roy so as long as the West deems something as "normal" we jump on that bandwagon without giving it some thought ..
So, it is absolutely no surprise that when a model poses semi-nude for all to see, some will deem that as "following one's dream" which in itself is a Western concept. Follow your dreams they say... Lol .... before the yama fye crew comes for the attack, I’m not saying I’m right...just my humble thoughts.....Maybe I’m the one who needs to get with the times ...
Anyway, Gambian bi dafa muna roy so as long as the West deems something as "normal" we jump on that bandwagon without giving it some thought ..
Anyway, Gambian bi dafa muna roy so as long as the West deems something as "normal" we jump on that bandwagon without giving it some thought ..
There are things/values that make one distinctively what one is..i.e being Wollof/ Mandinka ..Koring..Quewel..Gambian, American etc..
For me, some of those values were instilled/imparted by my grandmothers, aunts, uncles, parents, as did their ancestors before them. These are some of the things that give me a sense of self/ identity that everything is filtered through. I have friends who were born and bred in the West and thus their sense of selves are different because their very value system imparted to them by family or society/media is different.
It is thus of importance to me that I retain some of those values that were passed down from generation to generation no matter where in the world I maybe and impart them to any children that i may have in the future, god willing. ..This includes but is not limited to my native language.
Like those in the west, you may have a different viewpoint or a different sense of self/value but that doesn't nullify mine or make it "off." I'm not imposing my values on anyone but I am allowed to make a point as I see fit. And I made the assertion that if one doesn't have a strong sense of who one is, you're bound to easily adopt:/adapt /assimilate into somebody else's sense of self. For instance, Jewish communities do not easily assimilate into dominant cultures, but the same cannot be said of most other communities...Of course, we say all this with the understanding that nothing is ever 100% absolute.; sense of self, value system..etc
To use a point as an example, not having the right to talk about someone's kids is a western concept/.. My American friends will node in agreement because it is their value system that shaped that notion but from what I've been taught/passed down from my Mothers/Aunts/ grandmothers, I not only have the right to talk about other people's kids in this scenario, I can go as far as giving them a piece of my mind.
On that same token, when I was a little kid and would unknowingly spread my legs during some kind of activity.. some adult would make me close my legs and adjust myself properly saying "jegane du toge née ." Etc... These and many others have come to shape my value system.
As i mentioned earlier, some people in the West are guided by different values hence the reason why nudity may not a big deal to them...and some others have adapted this mode of thinking (assimilation ) and have come to accept this as ok. I'm not one of those people.
There are things/values that make one distinctively what one is..i.e being Wollof/ Mandinka ..Koring..Quewel..Gambian, American etc..
For me, some of those values were instilled/imparted by my grandmothers, aunts, uncles, parents, as did their ancestors before them. These are some of the things that give me a sense of self/ identity that everything is filtered through. I have friends who were born and bred in the West and thus their sense of selves are different because their very value system imparted to them by family or society/media is different.
It is thus of importance to me that I retain some of those values that were passed down from generation to generation no matter where in the world I maybe and impart them to any children that i may have in the future, god willing. ..This includes but is not limited to my native language.
Like those in the west, you may have a different viewpoint or a different sense of self/value but that doesn't nullify mine or make it "off." I'm not imposing my values on anyone but I am allowed to make a point as I see fit. And I made the assertion that if one doesn't have a strong sense of who one is, you're bound to easily adopt:/adapt /assimilate into somebody else's sense of self. For instance, Jewish communities do not easily assimilate into dominant cultures, but the same cannot be said of most other communities...Of course, we say all this with the understanding that nothing is ever 100% absolute.; sense of self, value system..etc
To use a point as an example, not having the right to talk about someone's kids is a western concept/.. My American friends will node in agreement because it is their value system that shaped that notion but from what I've been taught/passed down from my Mothers/Aunts/ grandmothers, I not only have the right to talk about other people's kids in this scenario, I can go as far as giving them a piece of my mind.
On that same token, when I was a little kid and would unknowingly spread my legs during some kind of activity.. some adult would make me close my legs and adjust myself properly saying "jegane du toge née ." Etc... These and many others have come to shape my value system.
As i mentioned earlier, some people in the West are guided by different values hence the reason why nudity may not a big deal to them...and some others have adapted this mode of thinking (assimilation ) and have come to accept this as ok. I'm not one of those people.
Like those in the west, you may have a different viewpoint or a different sense of self/value but that doesn't nullify mine or make it "off." I'm not imposing my values on anyone but I am allowed to make a point as I see fit. And I made the assertion that if one doesn't have a strong sense of who one is, you're bound to easily adopt:/adapt /assimilate into somebody else's sense of self. For instance, Jewish communities do not easily assimilate into dominant cultures, but the same cannot be said of most other communities...Of course, we say all this with the understanding that nothing is ever 100% absolute.; sense of self, value system..etc
To use a point as an example, not having the right to talk about someone's kids is a western concept/.. My American friends will node in agreement because it is their value system that shaped that notion but from what I've been taught/passed down from my Mothers/Aunts/ grandmothers, I not only have the right to talk about other people's kids in this scenario, I can go as far as giving them a piece of my mind.
On that same token, when I was a little kid and would unknowingly spread my legs during some kind of activity.. some adult would make me close my legs and adjust myself properly saying "jegane du toge née ." Etc... These and many others have come to shape my value system.
As i mentioned earlier, some people in the West are guided by different values hence the reason why nudity may not a big deal to them...and some others have adapted this mode of thinking (assimilation ) and have come to accept this as ok. I'm not one of those people.
To use a point as an example, not having the right to talk about someone's kids is a western concept/.. My American friends will node in agreement because it is their value system that shaped that notion but from what I've been taught/passed down from my Mothers/Aunts/ grandmothers, I not only have the right to talk about other people's kids in this scenario, I can go as far as giving them a piece of my mind.
On that same token, when I was a little kid and would unknowingly spread my legs during some kind of activity.. some adult would make me close my legs and adjust myself properly saying "jegane du toge née ." Etc... These and many others have come to shape my value system.
As i mentioned earlier, some people in the West are guided by different values hence the reason why nudity may not a big deal to them...and some others have adapted this mode of thinking (assimilation ) and have come to accept this as ok. I'm not one of those people.
On that same token, when I was a little kid and would unknowingly spread my legs during some kind of activity.. some adult would make me close my legs and adjust myself properly saying "jegane du toge née ." Etc... These and many others have come to shape my value system.
As i mentioned earlier, some people in the West are guided by different values hence the reason why nudity may not a big deal to them...and some others have adapted this mode of thinking (assimilation ) and have come to accept this as ok. I'm not one of those people.
Thanks for the topic Suntou Touray" Fatou Sagnia
"True Pa Modou, however defending the rights of others start from pride in what one is and how much it means to you. Americans started to love themselves and what they are collectively when they realise freedom for all is the key to making people wanting to die for the country. Let us start by being proud of who we and where we are from. It is a long road, but we will get there. Thanks" Suntou
"I beg to differ on this one. Gambians lack of pride in anything Gambian has been ongoing forever. Gambians love everything else but their own. How did the phrases "kii daffa local" (used when trying to show how unsophisticated a person is), "yoww dor wa fii" (used to refer to a person that is considered classy/sophisticated/better) come into existence? Why is it that when one visits the Gambia now one thinks they are in a foreign country because our social/family values are so eroded it don't feel the same? Prostitution, drug & alcohol abuse is so rampant because everybody wants to "westernize".
Suntou's final remarks
Fatou Sagnia and Mprez made lots of sense. The global village is now a battle as one Black American scholar puts it, but not that of guns and knives. The battle of the minds. The Gambian mindset is not immune to influence and/or subliminal cajoling. What is relevant is, nothing stays the same. However, throwing the baby with bath water is catastrophic. What we understood as culture and traditions changes, but it shouldn't be for the worst...After acquiring knowledge one is bound to lean towards improving things as they are. Are we as Gambian educated men and women attempting to move our cultures and heritage forward or have we succumbed. America and Europe cultivated their identities, we came smoothly use it and go to sleep. After some time, we will forget who we are and shall never be what they are. Where do we stand? Analyse the problem of U.K black on black killing, not to talk, the menace that is black on black mass murder in U.S....When we are neither here nor there, we lose self-respect and will never value each other.
Few years ago, Gambians were so wicked to each other in parts of England, some will run away from certain Cities because fellow Gambians are reporting each other to U.K immigration. I thought this menace is over, only a week ago, A Gambian confide in me that, the town is he's living, he hide away from Gambians because some are reporting others for not having papers....Imagine that. without self-respect and pride in one's community of people, you will not hesitate to cause havoc...Let us see the subject as self-analysis. Now take a second look at the Asian community, they open doors and allow more in. And they largely remain true to themselves, leading to settling more comfortably than Gambians (Africans).
Finally, to acquire U.K citizenship now, you must pass a U.K British citizenship test. If you don't pass that test, you don't become a British citizen, This test entails you learn British culture and history. Because they want people to assimilate and understand the host country. In Germany, in as much as they give you there national passport, you're always reminded by immigration officers that, "we can take this passport away from you at time you commit certain crimes"...The U.K actually nullify citizenship after involvement in serious crimes. In U.S the case of the preacher who was killed in Yemen, a U.S citizen, Anuwa Al-awlacki is perfect example. Let us not get carried away with U.S, British, French or Swedish passports. We are Gambians first.
Thanks to all who shared their ideas. Thanks
Citizens of foreign lands. My Friday rant...It get on my nerves hearing Gambians boasting on radio and forums of being American citizens, Swedish citizen, French citizen, British citizen...Yes, we may hold foreign passports and have rights there.. But in the real sense of the word, you're first and foremost a Gambian Citizen. It is that land that defines you, where your umbilical cord is buried. The inferiority complex should end. Every Jews in America, France, Germany, England, Sweden are citizens of those countries, but they are more proud of being an Israel citizen than American or British. If we make our country progressive, we wouldn't be hiding our real Citizenship, by boasting with countries we only reside out of comfort. Let's be real. We are Gambian citizens residing in America and Europe. How can you fight for a country whilst boasting of being a Citizen of another country? Happy Friday, May Allah make it easy for us to pray.
"Yes, it's sickening but justified too. At this time, who would want to be boastful about our citizenry? If one looks at it from the context of national pride, sure you are right but when the nation eats its young, maim its elders and injustices everywhere, it's befitting to surmise that human instincts will guide people to where "freedom" is..
Nowadays is even prideful to declare citizen of Senegal than Gambia because of one man.. To even justify my point. What happened after people at death row where executed? Two American- Gambian citizens were freed by Jesse Jackson not because of anything but because they are "Americans".. Where are the rest of "patriotic" Gambians without any other geographical bearings? Languishing in jail by their own government... " Pa Modou Jobe
I remember going home during one of my school breaks and everywhere I go they keep saying "Yen wa America yii" this "Yen waa America yii" that. I was like, are you guys kidding me, I went to that country for further education and now all of a sudden I belong there.
Our collective lack of pride in anything Gambian is slowing our development as a country and people. There is nothing wrong with people taking up citizenship of other countries, just don't insult your origin." Abdoulie Barry
I remember going home during one of my school breaks and everywhere I go they keep saying "Yen wa America yii" this "Yen waa America yii" that. I was like, are you guys kidding me, I went to that country for further education and now all of a sudden I belong there.
Our collective lack of pride in anything Gambian is slowing our development as a country and people. There is nothing wrong with people taking up citizenship of other countries, just don't insult your origin." Abdoulie Barry
Our collective lack of pride in anything Gambian is slowing our development as a country and people. There is nothing wrong with people taking up citizenship of other countries, just don't insult your origin." Abdoulie Barry
I now believe that most of these Imams never believed a word they were preaching before. They never believed in what they stood for... Jammeh just ousted them for who they really are. And that goes for most in our society...You will only make sacrifices and stand/fight for something you truly believe in.....be it from a political; moral; cultural, religious etc standpoint..
Nothing pains me more than American born/ raised Gambian kids not being able to speak/understand our local dialects. It is the parents responsibility to ensure that these kids know who they are and where they're from...but if the parents themselves do not value certain aspects of themselves,, they are not going to impart that knowledge and ensure that it's instilled in their children and their grandkids ..Simple as that.
All these bits and pieces.. Suntou's examples...Abdoulie's examples speak to a lack of pride in ourselves and our culture/traditions...so it becomes very easy to assimilate into or adapt someone else's ..
So, it is absolutely no surprise that when a model poses semi-nude for all to see, some will deem that as "following one's dream" which in itself is a Western concept. Follow your dreams they say... Lol .... before the yama fye crew comes for the attack, I’m not saying I’m right...just my humble thoughts.....Maybe I’m the one who needs to get with the times ...
Anyway, Gambian bi dafa muna roy so as long as the West deems something as "normal" we jump on that bandwagon without giving it some thought ..
Nothing pains me more than American born/ raised Gambian kids not being able to speak/understand our local dialects. It is the parents responsibility to ensure that these kids know who they are and where they're from...but if the parents themselves do not value certain aspects of themselves,, they are not going to impart that knowledge and ensure that it's instilled in their children and their grandkids ..Simple as that.
All these bits and pieces.. Suntou's examples...Abdoulie's examples speak to a lack of pride in ourselves and our culture/traditions...so it becomes very easy to assimilate into or adapt someone else's ..
So, it is absolutely no surprise that when a model poses semi-nude for all to see, some will deem that as "following one's dream" which in itself is a Western concept. Follow your dreams they say... Lol .... before the yama fye crew comes for the attack, I’m not saying I’m right...just my humble thoughts.....Maybe I’m the one who needs to get with the times ...
Anyway, Gambian bi dafa muna roy so as long as the West deems something as "normal" we jump on that bandwagon without giving it some thought ..
So, it is absolutely no surprise that when a model poses semi-nude for all to see, some will deem that as "following one's dream" which in itself is a Western concept. Follow your dreams they say... Lol .... before the yama fye crew comes for the attack, I’m not saying I’m right...just my humble thoughts.....Maybe I’m the one who needs to get with the times ...
Anyway, Gambian bi dafa muna roy so as long as the West deems something as "normal" we jump on that bandwagon without giving it some thought ..
Anyway, Gambian bi dafa muna roy so as long as the West deems something as "normal" we jump on that bandwagon without giving it some thought ..
There are things/values that make one distinctively what one is..i.e being Wollof/ Mandinka ..Koring..Quewel..Gambian, American etc..
For me, some of those values were instilled/imparted by my grandmothers, aunts, uncles, parents, as did their ancestors before them. These are some of the things that give me a sense of self/ identity that everything is filtered through. I have friends who were born and bred in the West and thus their sense of selves are different because their very value system imparted to them by family or society/media is different.
It is thus of importance to me that I retain some of those values that were passed down from generation to generation no matter where in the world I maybe and impart them to any children that i may have in the future, god willing. ..This includes but is not limited to my native language.
Like those in the west, you may have a different viewpoint or a different sense of self/value but that doesn't nullify mine or make it "off." I'm not imposing my values on anyone but I am allowed to make a point as I see fit. And I made the assertion that if one doesn't have a strong sense of who one is, you're bound to easily adopt:/adapt /assimilate into somebody else's sense of self. For instance, Jewish communities do not easily assimilate into dominant cultures, but the same cannot be said of most other communities...Of course, we say all this with the understanding that nothing is ever 100% absolute.; sense of self, value system..etc
To use a point as an example, not having the right to talk about someone's kids is a western concept/.. My American friends will node in agreement because it is their value system that shaped that notion but from what I've been taught/passed down from my Mothers/Aunts/ grandmothers, I not only have the right to talk about other people's kids in this scenario, I can go as far as giving them a piece of my mind.
On that same token, when I was a little kid and would unknowingly spread my legs during some kind of activity.. some adult would make me close my legs and adjust myself properly saying "jegane du toge née ." Etc... These and many others have come to shape my value system.
As i mentioned earlier, some people in the West are guided by different values hence the reason why nudity may not a big deal to them...and some others have adapted this mode of thinking (assimilation ) and have come to accept this as ok. I'm not one of those people.
There are things/values that make one distinctively what one is..i.e being Wollof/ Mandinka ..Koring..Quewel..Gambian, American etc..
For me, some of those values were instilled/imparted by my grandmothers, aunts, uncles, parents, as did their ancestors before them. These are some of the things that give me a sense of self/ identity that everything is filtered through. I have friends who were born and bred in the West and thus their sense of selves are different because their very value system imparted to them by family or society/media is different.
It is thus of importance to me that I retain some of those values that were passed down from generation to generation no matter where in the world I maybe and impart them to any children that i may have in the future, god willing. ..This includes but is not limited to my native language.
Like those in the west, you may have a different viewpoint or a different sense of self/value but that doesn't nullify mine or make it "off." I'm not imposing my values on anyone but I am allowed to make a point as I see fit. And I made the assertion that if one doesn't have a strong sense of who one is, you're bound to easily adopt:/adapt /assimilate into somebody else's sense of self. For instance, Jewish communities do not easily assimilate into dominant cultures, but the same cannot be said of most other communities...Of course, we say all this with the understanding that nothing is ever 100% absolute.; sense of self, value system..etc
To use a point as an example, not having the right to talk about someone's kids is a western concept/.. My American friends will node in agreement because it is their value system that shaped that notion but from what I've been taught/passed down from my Mothers/Aunts/ grandmothers, I not only have the right to talk about other people's kids in this scenario, I can go as far as giving them a piece of my mind.
On that same token, when I was a little kid and would unknowingly spread my legs during some kind of activity.. some adult would make me close my legs and adjust myself properly saying "jegane du toge née ." Etc... These and many others have come to shape my value system.
As i mentioned earlier, some people in the West are guided by different values hence the reason why nudity may not a big deal to them...and some others have adapted this mode of thinking (assimilation ) and have come to accept this as ok. I'm not one of those people.
Like those in the west, you may have a different viewpoint or a different sense of self/value but that doesn't nullify mine or make it "off." I'm not imposing my values on anyone but I am allowed to make a point as I see fit. And I made the assertion that if one doesn't have a strong sense of who one is, you're bound to easily adopt:/adapt /assimilate into somebody else's sense of self. For instance, Jewish communities do not easily assimilate into dominant cultures, but the same cannot be said of most other communities...Of course, we say all this with the understanding that nothing is ever 100% absolute.; sense of self, value system..etc
To use a point as an example, not having the right to talk about someone's kids is a western concept/.. My American friends will node in agreement because it is their value system that shaped that notion but from what I've been taught/passed down from my Mothers/Aunts/ grandmothers, I not only have the right to talk about other people's kids in this scenario, I can go as far as giving them a piece of my mind.
On that same token, when I was a little kid and would unknowingly spread my legs during some kind of activity.. some adult would make me close my legs and adjust myself properly saying "jegane du toge née ." Etc... These and many others have come to shape my value system.
As i mentioned earlier, some people in the West are guided by different values hence the reason why nudity may not a big deal to them...and some others have adapted this mode of thinking (assimilation ) and have come to accept this as ok. I'm not one of those people.
To use a point as an example, not having the right to talk about someone's kids is a western concept/.. My American friends will node in agreement because it is their value system that shaped that notion but from what I've been taught/passed down from my Mothers/Aunts/ grandmothers, I not only have the right to talk about other people's kids in this scenario, I can go as far as giving them a piece of my mind.
On that same token, when I was a little kid and would unknowingly spread my legs during some kind of activity.. some adult would make me close my legs and adjust myself properly saying "jegane du toge née ." Etc... These and many others have come to shape my value system.
As i mentioned earlier, some people in the West are guided by different values hence the reason why nudity may not a big deal to them...and some others have adapted this mode of thinking (assimilation ) and have come to accept this as ok. I'm not one of those people.
On that same token, when I was a little kid and would unknowingly spread my legs during some kind of activity.. some adult would make me close my legs and adjust myself properly saying "jegane du toge née ." Etc... These and many others have come to shape my value system.
As i mentioned earlier, some people in the West are guided by different values hence the reason why nudity may not a big deal to them...and some others have adapted this mode of thinking (assimilation ) and have come to accept this as ok. I'm not one of those people.
Thanks for the topic Suntou Touray" Fatou Sagnia
"True Pa Modou, however defending the rights of others start from pride in what one is and how much it means to you. Americans started to love themselves and what they are collectively when they realise freedom for all is the key to making people wanting to die for the country. Let us start by being proud of who we and where we are from. It is a long road, but we will get there. Thanks" Suntou
"I beg to differ on this one. Gambians lack of pride in anything Gambian has been ongoing forever. Gambians love everything else but their own. How did the phrases "kii daffa local" (used when trying to show how unsophisticated a person is), "yoww dor wa fii" (used to refer to a person that is considered classy/sophisticated/better) come into existence? Why is it that when one visits the Gambia now one thinks they are in a foreign country because our social/family values are so eroded it don't feel the same? Prostitution, drug & alcohol abuse is so rampant because everybody wants to "westernize".
As a people, I don't think
we've ever been really prideful of who we are and what we stand for as a
country/culture. We sure are quick to put our traditions by the wayside when
something new/shiny comes along. Most of
our customs and traditions are dying a slow and painful death as a result.
I’ll stand by my argument
that it PAINS me to see Gambian kids not speaking/understanding their language
as it pertains to the broader topic of being prideful. i think having a sense
of identity goes way beyond just wearing a waramba; etc which is too simplistic
a view for such complexities.
Actually, I can't resist sharing this random fact; I learnt during an Arabic course in college that "bint" meant son/ daughter of... So, Fatima bint Rasululah as most may know means Fatima, daughter of the prophet. It just made me wonder why some Imam/religious elder didn't speak up when they noticed the name trend of Binta/bintu's in the community ..like listen up peeps..lets think/talk abt this for a second..?? I
could write a whole book on this topic but let me stop before I put you all to
sleep." Fatou Sagnia
"When its all said and done whether you like it or not being here after sometime, whether you notice it or not... you are not 100% Gambia mentally and will never be 100% American.. Only God knows what we are. All we can do is try. No culture is perfect, lets take the best in both worlds and life goes on. let me add this is something Abdoulie Barry told me about 4 years ago." Mprez Jaa
Suntou's final remarks
Fatou Sagnia and Mprez made lots of sense. The global village is now a battle as one Black American scholar puts it, but not that of guns and knives. The battle of the minds. The Gambian mindset is not immune to influence and/or subliminal cajoling. What is relevant is, nothing stays the same. However, throwing the baby with bath water is catastrophic. What we understood as culture and traditions changes, but it shouldn't be for the worst...After acquiring knowledge one is bound to lean towards improving things as they are. Are we as Gambian educated men and women attempting to move our cultures and heritage forward or have we succumbed. America and Europe cultivated their identities, we came smoothly use it and go to sleep. After some time, we will forget who we are and shall never be what they are. Where do we stand? Analyse the problem of U.K black on black killing, not to talk, the menace that is black on black mass murder in U.S....When we are neither here nor there, we lose self-respect and will never value each other.
Few years ago, Gambians were so wicked to each other in parts of England, some will run away from certain Cities because fellow Gambians are reporting each other to U.K immigration. I thought this menace is over, only a week ago, A Gambian confide in me that, the town is he's living, he hide away from Gambians because some are reporting others for not having papers....Imagine that. without self-respect and pride in one's community of people, you will not hesitate to cause havoc...Let us see the subject as self-analysis. Now take a second look at the Asian community, they open doors and allow more in. And they largely remain true to themselves, leading to settling more comfortably than Gambians (Africans).
Finally, to acquire U.K citizenship now, you must pass a U.K British citizenship test. If you don't pass that test, you don't become a British citizen, This test entails you learn British culture and history. Because they want people to assimilate and understand the host country. In Germany, in as much as they give you there national passport, you're always reminded by immigration officers that, "we can take this passport away from you at time you commit certain crimes"...The U.K actually nullify citizenship after involvement in serious crimes. In U.S the case of the preacher who was killed in Yemen, a U.S citizen, Anuwa Al-awlacki is perfect example. Let us not get carried away with U.S, British, French or Swedish passports. We are Gambians first.
Thanks to all who shared their ideas. Thanks
Monday, 1 April 2013
Bala Gaye Saho and Yakini (Yaya Jobe)
This wrestling was nail biting all over Senegal. The tirades and back and forth comments was never seen In Senegal.
I was meant to interview Dubalese Saho, Bala Gaye's dad but time was an issue.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgjymhKaVZo
A good wrestling dance.
I was meant to interview Dubalese Saho, Bala Gaye's dad but time was an issue.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgjymhKaVZo
A good wrestling dance.
Jaliba Kuyateh Tribute Concert to the late Soundjulu Suso
Jaliba Kuyateh, paid homage to the kora great, Alhagie Soundjulu Suso in Dakar, the year 2000. Jaliba Kuyateh, the most famous living Kora player in the Senegambia and Bissau region, perform all his unique Kora acrobat in honor a master, the late Soundjulu Suso.
The memorial was full of high dignitaries and respected guest. Here are some photos of Jaliba Kuyateh's Kora acrobatic performance:
For any young Kora player to outshine Jaliba Kuyateh, you have to be constant in practice and be capable of capturing the attention of the audiences. Jaliba has done all that his mentors have and gone beyond the usual. He is indeed a great maestro. May the soul of Soundulu rest in peace. We at Kibaaro radio will be interviewing Mahawa Kuyateh very soon, the wife of the late Soundulu Suso. .http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVcv0HNsIFg
The memorial was full of high dignitaries and respected guest. Here are some photos of Jaliba Kuyateh's Kora acrobatic performance:
For any young Kora player to outshine Jaliba Kuyateh, you have to be constant in practice and be capable of capturing the attention of the audiences. Jaliba has done all that his mentors have and gone beyond the usual. He is indeed a great maestro. May the soul of Soundulu rest in peace. We at Kibaaro radio will be interviewing Mahawa Kuyateh very soon, the wife of the late Soundulu Suso. .http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVcv0HNsIFg
Sunday, 10 February 2013
Senegal: Religiosity versus Superstition and Travel experience
One thing that struck you when you arrived in Senegal is the open and public display of religiosity and Godliness. Islamic identity in the Africanised adaptation is the inherent identity of the middle to older men in Senegal. Islam is a universal religion which is practiced by over 1.5billion people in the world.
The Senegalese takes their Sufi Islam seriously and they are public about it. It is very attractive overall the way the Mourids Africanise Islam. They take pride in being Muslim and Black.
The powers vested in the Sufi Tariqas is enormous. The different sects of the religious houses has their own domain of control. There are problematic angst to the religious brotherhood, the fact that, some of them allow very young children to beg for them. This was a sight i detest very much. Upon enquiringly as to why, such thing is allowed amidst the smooth running of the state, it is mention, the powerful 'Serign' revolted and the ban on 'Almudous' didn't last long.
What troubled me as a Muslim was the fact that, pictures of Saints acts as decorations and reminders everywhere. In shops, in offices, in taxis, private cars, in Taylor workshops, carpentry workshop, in gardens, hanging on people's necks, just everywhere. Amean, vast amount of people know more about the 'Serigns' Saints than, about Muhammad' the prophet of Islam.
My observation on the photos of holy men is that, these 'Serigns' saints provide very photogenic postures for the photographers who sell this images to the ardent followers.
The Mourids are said to be very powerful in Senegal, so powerful that, some attribute them to be having a union that boast of having very influential Senegalese as members. This 'Mourid' club is said to be behind many big businesses, powerful politicians and successful people in Senegal. I visited Professor Khadim Mbacke on the dominance and influence of the Mourids, but sadly he wasn't keen on discussing them. I sensed, the fear of offending the powerful brotherhood could be the reason. I attempted to create conversation about them, but not many want to talk about them realistically.
I happen to record some backgrounds on the brotherhood, which will serve my research interest. Man selling Chicken
The followers of Malick Sey, Bai Nyassi, Buu Kunta, Amadou Taal etc all belong the wider club of Talibes who follow them diligently.
The competition in the call to morning prayers is fascinating experience. Even though Fajr (early morning) Muslim prayers happen round about 06:45am, the Muashim (callers to prayer) commence the call at 04.30am. I learnt that, this is all because some people give offering to those who make the call to prayer sooner that the others.
The superstition seen in Senegal is extra-ordinary. There're birds held in cages, young men travel around selling this birds to people who frees them. If you free a bird from a cage, you release it but not before mention your wishes on the bird. I have never seen such superstition anywhere.
The believe in Marabouts ( spiritual doctors) is at higher level in Senegal than the Gambia. And Senegalese are willing to pay huge amounts for the work of the marabouts. The wrestling tradition is very rich, but also filled with superstition at an unprecedented level. This trend doesn't show any sign diminishing.
My passionate journey to Senegal also involves getting to comprehend the legacy of the Mbaay Faals...A subject I will deal with later.
As a cultural enthusiast and commentator, Senegal is a fertile ground for studying the contrasting existence of traditional values and modernity.
I have been to Senegal in the past, but mostly to the Cassamance region. Dakar as a capital is dominated with French style of building and habitat. The developments and advancement happening in Senegal is rapid for those living there. The tenure of Abdoulie Wade is said to have witness many infrastructural development.
However, what generates the growth of foreign industries in Senegal is the mature level of democracy. Dakar can boast of having a high concentration of NGO's, foreign embassies, head quarters of private companies, the U.N agencies etc.
The modern side to Senegals advancement is also the growth of private Senegalese own medical institutions. Health is big business in Africa. Since I'm making simple observations, I will not attached any figures to the opinions here.
Gambians are arriving in Dakar in droves for private medical treatment. The Gambia, it is said lack modern medical equipment needed for vigorous testing for illnesses. I came across very rich Gambians attending rehabilitation and therapy after strokes and other serious illnesses.
This Gambians complain that, they don't trust the Doctors in the Gambia. They claim that, the clinics and private health centres are very far behind in modern treatment. On the other hand, if you can afford the expensive medical bill, Senegal can provide facilities and expertise to cure the ailments.
The ordinary man and woman in Senegal is mostly engaged in some form of petty trade. The vehicles for commercial passenger commerce are usually very old, dilapidated, but effective in taking people from one place to the other. Corree
.JPG)
I visited Coree, a former slave Island and was struck with intense feeling of anger at what has happen there by the European slave traders. The suffering those people encountered cannot be describe. It most have been horrendous The dungeon created for keeping captives who refuse to be enslaved is beyond description. The inhumane minds of those Europeans is beyond animalistic. Even today, the memory of Corree will live with me forever.
Travelling across Senegal was also enjoyable..Some roads are bad, but far better than the Gambia. i find people very helpful in general although the tendency to attempt to cheat is high.
Senegal in short is a paradise for Tourist. Very rich in culture, the people are friendly and open and the food is delicious as well.
There are great views, music and cultural heritage highly unexplored by the wider world. Senegal is a cocktail of many cultures inter-woven producing a hybrid of something beautiful. I will in future relay my Senegal experience. I will go back again for more research and enjoyment.
The Senegalese takes their Sufi Islam seriously and they are public about it. It is very attractive overall the way the Mourids Africanise Islam. They take pride in being Muslim and Black.
The powers vested in the Sufi Tariqas is enormous. The different sects of the religious houses has their own domain of control. There are problematic angst to the religious brotherhood, the fact that, some of them allow very young children to beg for them. This was a sight i detest very much. Upon enquiringly as to why, such thing is allowed amidst the smooth running of the state, it is mention, the powerful 'Serign' revolted and the ban on 'Almudous' didn't last long.
What troubled me as a Muslim was the fact that, pictures of Saints acts as decorations and reminders everywhere. In shops, in offices, in taxis, private cars, in Taylor workshops, carpentry workshop, in gardens, hanging on people's necks, just everywhere. Amean, vast amount of people know more about the 'Serigns' Saints than, about Muhammad' the prophet of Islam.
My observation on the photos of holy men is that, these 'Serigns' saints provide very photogenic postures for the photographers who sell this images to the ardent followers.
The Mourids are said to be very powerful in Senegal, so powerful that, some attribute them to be having a union that boast of having very influential Senegalese as members. This 'Mourid' club is said to be behind many big businesses, powerful politicians and successful people in Senegal. I visited Professor Khadim Mbacke on the dominance and influence of the Mourids, but sadly he wasn't keen on discussing them. I sensed, the fear of offending the powerful brotherhood could be the reason. I attempted to create conversation about them, but not many want to talk about them realistically.
I happen to record some backgrounds on the brotherhood, which will serve my research interest. Man selling Chicken
The competition in the call to morning prayers is fascinating experience. Even though Fajr (early morning) Muslim prayers happen round about 06:45am, the Muashim (callers to prayer) commence the call at 04.30am. I learnt that, this is all because some people give offering to those who make the call to prayer sooner that the others.
The superstition seen in Senegal is extra-ordinary. There're birds held in cages, young men travel around selling this birds to people who frees them. If you free a bird from a cage, you release it but not before mention your wishes on the bird. I have never seen such superstition anywhere.
The believe in Marabouts ( spiritual doctors) is at higher level in Senegal than the Gambia. And Senegalese are willing to pay huge amounts for the work of the marabouts. The wrestling tradition is very rich, but also filled with superstition at an unprecedented level. This trend doesn't show any sign diminishing.
My passionate journey to Senegal also involves getting to comprehend the legacy of the Mbaay Faals...A subject I will deal with later.
As a cultural enthusiast and commentator, Senegal is a fertile ground for studying the contrasting existence of traditional values and modernity.
I have been to Senegal in the past, but mostly to the Cassamance region. Dakar as a capital is dominated with French style of building and habitat. The developments and advancement happening in Senegal is rapid for those living there. The tenure of Abdoulie Wade is said to have witness many infrastructural development.
However, what generates the growth of foreign industries in Senegal is the mature level of democracy. Dakar can boast of having a high concentration of NGO's, foreign embassies, head quarters of private companies, the U.N agencies etc.
The modern side to Senegals advancement is also the growth of private Senegalese own medical institutions. Health is big business in Africa. Since I'm making simple observations, I will not attached any figures to the opinions here.
Gambians are arriving in Dakar in droves for private medical treatment. The Gambia, it is said lack modern medical equipment needed for vigorous testing for illnesses. I came across very rich Gambians attending rehabilitation and therapy after strokes and other serious illnesses.
This Gambians complain that, they don't trust the Doctors in the Gambia. They claim that, the clinics and private health centres are very far behind in modern treatment. On the other hand, if you can afford the expensive medical bill, Senegal can provide facilities and expertise to cure the ailments.
The ordinary man and woman in Senegal is mostly engaged in some form of petty trade. The vehicles for commercial passenger commerce are usually very old, dilapidated, but effective in taking people from one place to the other. Corree
.JPG)
Travelling across Senegal was also enjoyable..Some roads are bad, but far better than the Gambia. i find people very helpful in general although the tendency to attempt to cheat is high.
Senegal in short is a paradise for Tourist. Very rich in culture, the people are friendly and open and the food is delicious as well.
There are great views, music and cultural heritage highly unexplored by the wider world. Senegal is a cocktail of many cultures inter-woven producing a hybrid of something beautiful. I will in future relay my Senegal experience. I will go back again for more research and enjoyment.
Senegal Is Working Whilst the Gambia is At A Standstill
Suntou Touray (A Recent trip to Senegal
In Januray)
Politics is working in Senegal, and the
Gambia, power struggles and empty penmanship leads the way..
After a 3 years absent from the shores
of Africa. I took a plunge last month for a near three weeks holiday
and fact finding in Senegambia. The trip I will admit brought to
light the realisation of how globally inter-connected we are now. In
Senegal where I spend a considerable time, things are working, people
are always on the move. Whilst the Gambia, the stark reality of
dictatorship and fear infect the elites much more than the ordinary
people.
There's hardly anything to compare the
Gambia with Senegal with in 2013, nearly nothing can be liken to the
other. To understand Africa, as an African living nearly permanently
in Europe or America, you have to be one of the people as soon you
land in Africa. Sadly, through my observations, you encounter,
Americanised Gambians and Europeanised Senegalise and Gambians
likewise. They cannot just put the façade away and be one the
people.
The Gambia is commercially dying, I
mean dying. Consumers don't have disposable income and the means to
generating wealth is all strangled by either state regulations or
high cost of basic food and necessities. The ferry crossing into
Barra is danger zone waiting to erupt. The Ferry it is said is old
and should be disuse. It took from 7 hours for a car to cross from
Banjul to Barra in a Sunday normal crossing. Vehicles wait at the
Ferry terminal from 6am in the morning, just to cross in 5 hours
time.
The Ferry regularly encounter breakdown
in the middle of the sea. It is unbelievable the impact such
disruption has on business and passengers. The Gambia is a disaster
politically, economically and socially.
Gambians have learn the best they could
how to survive in the very hostile environment. People now demands
payments for things we all use take for granted as either family
members or friends. People will hardly offer kindnesses for free this
days. A young man who spent eight months holiday in the Gambia made
this phenomenon glaringly clear when I meet him in Casablanca
Muhammed the IV Airport. At the Moroccan Airport, the young man
explain to how educated he has become in the Gambia for the eight
months he spent there.
The joblessness in Spain is driving
many Gambians to return home. These young men have risked it all at
high cost to journey to Europe, and now Europe is jobless, they are
returning home with the little they have save to farm and be with
their wives. However, on their return, these young men are struck
with demands and disappointments.
The young man explain how much people
want things without working for it. Anyway, the quirk-mere that
ensues in the country is reaching melting point. The positive
appearance we can garner is the fact that, people are losing the fear
that once gripped the nation.
Gambians are now bored of their own
self-inflicted fear. They have realised that, Europe neither America
will hoist Yahya Jammeh and his criminal gang out of power. People
have commence open discussion of issues happening. They have started
saying, he cannot jail all of us. Let us hope that, spirit continues.
Senegal: I am very impress with the
level of political maturity in Senegal. I visited many places and
spoke to different people with my basic Wollof. The impression
overall is that, the people cannot be politically enslaved by
anyone. Even the Maky Sall government is ongoing some intense
scrutiny during his first year in office. From Taxi drivers to grey
old men, politics, the economy etc is the bread and butter
discussion.
People in Senegal in general are
self-dependent and trade oriented than Gambians. I attended the Radho
sponsored media conference in Dakar, where Sedat Jobe spoke
eloquently in French. The even was well attended by Gambian
dissidents. I was told, political meetings like that in the past
would have been less well attended.
The views of Senegalese politicians is
simply that “Gambians cannot keep talking on the media and writing
on the newspapers without wanting to confront Yahya Jammeh on the
street”. One politicians further made it clear that, 'Senegal don't
see the Gambian problem as a priority'. They are in effect saying, we
Gambians want to 'eat our cake and still have it'.
I was sadden by the opinions of the
Senegalese about Gambians. In fact, Senegalese are baffled at our
cowardice and lack of courage in tackling a little man who pumped
himself to be what he is not.
A lady street vendor selling beans and
bread opined to us whilst we were speaking about Yahya Jammeh. She
blunlt told us, 'you Gambians are very funny', in peach sleek Wollof.
She went further to say, can Yahya Jammeh kill the whole country if
you stand together? We looked at each other and said no. She said,
then what have Gambians been waiting for in uniting against the
sadistic regime?
We couldn't answer, because Senegalese
embrace each other not that, they don't have underlying tension in
either religious sectarianism or ethnic power struggles, but they
understood one thing. A divided nation cannot take charge over the
direction of a nation.
The opposition against Abdoulie Wade
brought that to light. The politicians never hesitate to back Maky
Sall since his party got the larger vote share in the contest against
Wade. Yet, 200 kilometre to the border, the Gambians opposition don't
want to embrace such a system. What could be the causes of this
phenomenon?
Senegalese political culture is working
because the elite's hatred of each other is at a controllable level
whilst that of the peanuts colony Gambia, the reality is different.
Smaller political parties in Senegal have no qualms in recognising
the strengths of rival parties. A young activist told me “we backed
Maky Sall because, all we want is for Wade to leave”(Gaye)
The activist further mention that, the
demonstrations against Abdoulie Wade left some lasting causalities
some died and other badly injured.
Abdoulie Wade have left and Senegal is
a steady course of change. Yet Abdoulie Wade has transform Senegal
with multiple new roads, opening up and connecting the country
between Dakar and Cassamance and other regions. Wade has built new
suburbs in Dakar, solving the housing crisis. Wade has brought some
equality between the religious brotherhoods in Senegal. Where the
previous governments left the major Tariqas (Mourids, Nyassens, Sey,
Kunta, Taal) to benefit from state sponsorship and patronage,
Abdoulie Wade reached out to the Janhanka, Mandinka and Fula
religious brotherhoods in Cassamance region, thus elevating those
religious households, creating some pride in those regions. The
economy wasn't doing badly either under Wade. Above all, Abdoulie
Wade wasn't a serial human right abuser. He allowed the law to takes
it course and due process seen to be leading the way. Yet, the
opposition against him became unanimous and solid.
In essence, with all of Abdoulie Wade's
achievements, the Senegalese people wanted change more than one man
at the helm of their country for over ten years. The opposition
united against Wade, because they understood that, change is always
positive, no matter it chaotic nature sometimes.
Gambian oppositions all refused to
rally behind the bigger opposition party in the last elections, to
the Senegalese, nothing can be enough excuse for such a behavior If
there are other reasons more compelling than, seeing the back of
Yahya Jammeh and his oppression, then the lesser opposition parties
in the Gambia don't come to that realisation yet.
How many cruel things have happen since
the re-election of Yahya Jammeh in November 2011? For starters, 9
people were executed, Imam Bakwsu Fofana tortured and exiled, Imam
Baba Leigh still in detention, many more people still remain in
prison, many unlawful murders remain unanswered, the land seizure and
usurpation of private properties continues, three media outlets
closed, the cost of living sky rocketing, now what could be the
reason why, the smaller opposition parties refused to rally and form
a Coalition with a bigger and larger opposition party? Could it be
ethnicity, could it be power ambition on the side of the smaller
party leaders etc? Whatever it is, the Senegalese sees us
collectively as failures to our country and future, and they cannot
be the catalyst to solve our own hatred of each other. Because, no
amount of reservations within the opposition rank should be more
urgent than, seeing the back of President Jammeh. After all, change
is always positive in a collective landscape, even where the
impression seems otherwise. People will always learn to grow from a
change position. The blame for Gambia's pain lies on every single
Gambian, but the burden is on the shoulder of the smaller opposition
party leaders.
I will provide my own narrative for the
bigger Gambian opposition party on my next contribution. Meanwhile, I
just hope someone remind the opinionated opposition politicians
writing letters to Jammeh and the Inspector General that, that has
never work yesterday and will hardly ever work today. Masterminding
disunity is the cause of our state of affairs today. Whatever Jammeh
does, he knows some opposition politicians see others as more urgent
priorities than him. That is Yahya Jammeh's saving grace, not his
intimidation and harassment.
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