Sing me a new song
I get truly fed up when every article I read regarding Nigeria begins like this:
'Nigeria, torn by religious and ethnic violence...blah..blah..blah..plagued by corruption ...blah..blah..blah'
Don't get me wrong, if the subject of the article is corruption or violence, then this really isn't that big of an issue. However, it seems as though whenever it comes to Nigeria or most African countries for that matter, the negative aspects are the immediate description of choice. It may well be an article about some footballing whiz-kid or peacekeeping troops being sent to Liberia, it makes no difference. The introduction will always be the same.
Quite frankly I am sick and tired of this attitude. To this end I have decided to create some introductions of my own for the 'developed' countries.
The USA - Home to the generation that coined the term 'axis of evil' thus throwing international diplomatic relations worldwide into utter chaos.....
The United Kingdom - This little island renowned for her football hooligans and happy slappers....
I could go further, but I think you all catch my drift. What would it be like if journalists worldwide prefixed every article they did on these countries with those statements? Never underestimate the power of perception. We know that religious and ethnic violence occurs in Nigeria as it does in much of today's world. We know that corruption is rampant in Nigeria just as we know that the US gives white collar crimes and political skulduggery a whole new meaning. The song and dance has become boring...sing me a new one.
'Nigeria, torn by religious and ethnic violence...blah..blah..blah..plagued by corruption ...blah..blah..blah'
Don't get me wrong, if the subject of the article is corruption or violence, then this really isn't that big of an issue. However, it seems as though whenever it comes to Nigeria or most African countries for that matter, the negative aspects are the immediate description of choice. It may well be an article about some footballing whiz-kid or peacekeeping troops being sent to Liberia, it makes no difference. The introduction will always be the same.
Quite frankly I am sick and tired of this attitude. To this end I have decided to create some introductions of my own for the 'developed' countries.
The USA - Home to the generation that coined the term 'axis of evil' thus throwing international diplomatic relations worldwide into utter chaos.....
The United Kingdom - This little island renowned for her football hooligans and happy slappers....
I could go further, but I think you all catch my drift. What would it be like if journalists worldwide prefixed every article they did on these countries with those statements? Never underestimate the power of perception. We know that religious and ethnic violence occurs in Nigeria as it does in much of today's world. We know that corruption is rampant in Nigeria just as we know that the US gives white collar crimes and political skulduggery a whole new meaning. The song and dance has become boring...sing me a new one.
posted by Monef at 9:27 PM
7 Comments:
Ha ha, happy slappers. Too right.
Poland, where the government has had to join up with xenophobic, homophobic, anti-EU, uneducated hooligans from minor parties to maintain a majority, with the support of Catholic extremists and skinheads...
Oh, wait, that IS how they start articles about Poland.
True u dropped another one unintentionally:
The US a nation that 'gives white collar crimes and political skulduggery a whole new meaning'.
Its funny how Nigerian journalist usually articles about these countries with "land of milk and honey" type yarns.
Nice write up!! ehhm. Dont really like that picture of you, seems a little scary. Just seen your miami picture and you are very pretty. Please look find another snapshot..sorry
A lot of us have become "reluctant mutators in quickly changing times" while our country have become a "not so nice place". We would love to sing you a new song but "the heirs of sorrow" have a bit left to morn.
@nigeria, what's new..I agree, our country leaves a lot to be desired. Point being however that there are a lot of other places on earth that leave a lot to be desired. If the article in question is a review of an art piece or an artist, then I'm not sure how the aforementioned intro is helpful to the reader or quite frankly for the most part appropriate. It's not exactly something exclusive to Nigeria, and I notice that when discussing countries like Pakistan in the news the rampant corruption there never comes into play. The issue focused is always middle eastern tensions despite the fact that they give nigeria a run for her money in the corruption game. I am simply pointing out the fact that a lot of western journalists appear to have these specific boxes they tick when writing international news. It is lazy wouldn't you say?
As a card carrying member of the offending party - journalists - I agree that it is lazy. In sense journalists only reinforce notions already held by their readers, so I think you'll find that approach differs from one outlet to another. That said, it doesn't make it right, as we should be helping to challenge stereotypes. I hope in my little way, I can contribute to that.
Loved this
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