Oh, Nigeria
Obama no like you, and why should he?
I have been reading some articles about Obama visiting Ghana and the apparent controversy created by him NOT visiting Nigeria:
So, why am I not shocked?
Nigeria is a very diverse and beautiful country with beautiful people and a rich heritage. Despite its many troubles, there are probably far more reasons for someone, especially a rich American, to visit Nigeria than for them to avoid the country.
Nevertheless, as the first Black AND first real African-American leader of the hegemonic world order, being zero-generations removed from Africa, President Obama very much should separate himself from the disgraceful imagery of Black male leaders.
I don't know how many press conferences I have watched of which someone from Ebony or Jet or BET or some inner-city organization asks Obama the same question:
"Yo, son, whacha go'n do for us folks, ya'mean? Now dat a brothers in da house, whacha go'n do for us black folks? We'z need of some assistance, you know, this crisis is affecting us worse than all yall little white friends in government..." and blah blah blah.
I'm encouraged by is his response:
"Yes, I am African-American. I do care. I have lived in similar neighborhoods before and I am doing whatever I can to bring aid to those areas. However, I am doing so through pragmatic social programs that help a broad variety of people, not just African-Americans and other minority groups. Now, shut up, because I actually have lot of work to do."
Now, I may be paraphasing here and there, so, perhaps the conversation doesn't take place exactly as I have quoted.
Nevertheless, the Nigerian argument seems oh so similar:
"Obama, oh... We support you, oh. But the African president dey go far Ghana and ignore the country of our mothers and fathers?"
And Obama has to be thinking:
"Shut up and clean up! Maybe then, I will be able to visit your country without getting accused of being a secret Muslim-African-Anti-Christ-Dictator. People already don't think I'm Black enough, White enough, African enough, or American enough, so why don't you watch me run my country and learn how to run yours..."
But why Ghana?
Why not Ghana?
I am so glad he did not pick White (South) Africa. Or somewhere he's already been that isn't as characteristic of Africa, such as Arabic (North) Africa. So, I am glad he chose to visit (Sub-Saharan) Africa.
And where better than West Africa? The region is closer to the US. Perhaps he could visit Kenya, but wait... he is Kenyan and has already been to Kenya.
Further process of elimination would narrow his choices down to influential English-speaking countries in West Africa that have many immigrants in the US, essentially Nigeria and Ghana, and the choice becomes obvious... Ghana. Here's why:
Nigeria is bigger, richer, more diverse, more powerful, more integrated into the world economy, and better at football than Ghana. Nevertheless, in comparison with Ghana, Nigeria is a much greater failure when it comes to caring for its citizens and furthering the advancement of better social, political, and economic systems. Nigeria has also not been able to sustain a better Western habitat for international visitors and Nigerian leaders have not been able clear the country's name in the eyes of the world.
Every nation has corruption. In fact, the US and its Western counterparts may likely contribute the production of much of the world's corruption, particularly through trade policies the wide influence of their domestic corporations. Nevertheless, Nigeria has become comfortable with being labeled for its celebrated tolerance of even the very most annoying forms of corruption; especially relating to its oil industry.
Finally, Nigeria has been beaten far too many times by Ghana in football matches. For this alone, it deserves to have forfeited all rights and privileges to have the "most powerful man in the world" even step foot on its soil... or walk on its pavement... or breathe its air... or christen its rest room facilities... at least not until the next African ACN.
Obama do love you, but he will frustrate you.
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