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Momodou
Denmark
11779 Posts |
 Posted - 04 Jun 2010 : 16:57:21
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Foroyaa Editorial: Leadership, Wealth and Power
By Publisher
04-06-10
Most Gambians wake up in the morning to pray for power and abundant wealth. Many people are willing to do anything and everything to have power and wealth. Since they want to be worshipped when they possess such power and wealth they do not hesitate to worship those who possess them in anticipation that sooner or later their time would also come. It is such people who yearn to be worshipped when they possess power who become praise singers and flatterers of those they rely on for patronage because of their possession of power and wealth.
Since they would have wanted to be treated as demi gods if they were in possession of wealth and power they easily become sycophants who would give the impression that their patrons could create the heavens and the earth and do everything imaginable under the sun. They spread information that would enable them to mystify the patrons. This made them not to see their shortcomings.
Unfortunately for the Gambia the culture is still rooted in monarchical traditions. This is reinforced by the various ceremonies associated with marriage, birth, etc. Many still try to trace their blood ties to the nobility of the past just to feel important. Musicians capitalize on their aspirations for grandeur by flattering them. Many would give what they don’t have and even go into indebtedness just to perpetuate an illusion.
This culture of craving for wealth and power and mystifying the nobility is affecting every aspect of national life. Competition for wealth and power among Gambians is rampant at home and in the Diaspora.
People seek supernatural intervention with the hope that they will be blessed with position or wealth. Those who pray or their children also invite supernatural intervention to enable them to rise above their peers.
It is therefore no surprise that extravagance is rewarded while humility is seen as a sign of mediocrity. The society promotes extravagance and mystification of power and sees nothing wrong in leaders displaying their wealth and power. In fact they do romanticise such displays. Today there are some who believe that wealth and power could be derived from magical power. The irony is that such magical powers cannot be used to help Obama to put a lead on the leaking oil well which is polluting the waters and causing environmental degradation. A society gets the type of leaders they deserve. This is the verdict of common sense .Gambians therefore need a change of vision of life and attitude.
Source: Foroyaa Online
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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toubab1020
12314 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jun 2010 : 19:20:27
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MOmodou, as a non Gambian this piece exemplifies the Gambian way of thinking,whether it be dealing with toubabs ( loads of money very wealthy people!) or those in a position of authority in The Gambia,irrespective of wether or not they have the capability to deal with the work generated by the position.The last sentence of the piece sums up the whole "This is the verdict of common sense .Gambians therefore need a change of vision of life and attitude."
That word attitude agaian, I have been banging on for ages about the need for attitudinal change amongst the tribes that make up The Gambia,a country deliniated by the former "colonial masters" who unfortunately failed to take into account the many other factors that should have been considered when drawing a country's boundries on a map decisions made by politicians without consideration to the people who inhabit that piece of land.
Discussion, unlikely !
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
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Sister Omega
United Kingdom
2085 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jun 2010 : 20:36:48
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I agree with you toubab1020 attitudinal change is the engine needed to generate wealth and utilise collective power. Too many people want an easy ride for little or no effort at all. So, with this negative frame of mind it's just so easy to sit back rely on someone else, and blame them when things go wrong. Or in other words its like a driver trying to drive a car without a steering wheel. End result they ain't going any where to soon.
With the mystical dimension whatever spells are casted make sure they're good because the spells are present even when the target is no longer on earth, as karma never ends. Remembering pointing a finger at someone else four fingers point to the owner of that finger.
Peace
Sister Omega
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Peace
Sister Omega |
Edited by - Sister Omega on 04 Jun 2010 20:39:23 |
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toubab1020
12314 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jun 2010 : 00:50:56
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Again you have hit the nail on the head,or pointed the finger in the right direction especially your words "rely on someone else, and blame them when things go wrong." I have yet to meet a Gambian who is prepared to take responsibility for his or her own actions,it is a concept that is just not accepted or understood, an alien concept in fact,perhaps there are Gambians who are prepared to stand up and say ,Yes its my fault I take responsibility,I personally have yet to meet such a Gambian,but there must be some.I don't enjoy knocking Gambians,but Gambians MUST grow up and join the outside world,difficult when you have no money no job and a family to feed,understandable ,yes,but a good attitude to have No. |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 05 Jun 2010 00:52:44 |
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Moe
USA
2326 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jun 2010 : 02:09:00
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| Not only is the writer fighting back but going against capitalism in the first place. Gambia is a capitalist state and extravagance comes with the territory, This is all "Garuwalleh" if you are still unsure about what you read. Humility is seen as a sign of mediocrity and that depends whether you want it the easy way and not willing to do anything for your own well being. Some people are not all into wealth and riches ,they have their lives defined, they know exactly what they want and gain satisfaction from what they achieve ,meaning what completes their lives and people don't expect riches from them, The basis of this argument is weak and lacks substance. I doubt if there is any mystification of power regarding leaders displaying their wealth and power. Just like one would expect a child to wanna be a doctor or a fire man they do have a tendency of romanticizing such positions. The Gambian problem is not about mystifying rich people or people who dash out money to gewells or organizations ,How about an act that would prevent anyone from the government taking gifts above 5 dalasis, in this case leaders in general. The fact is what cannot pass as a law or act is actually only being dreamt up. In a society that believes in sharing and helping their neighbors accusing them of taking responsibility fir whats culturally acceptable is not only retarded but childish. It is widely believed that prayers and hard work can make a man successful and this has been enshrined in our culture and the way we do things since time immmoral. " A society gets the type of leaders they deserve. This is the verdict of common sense. Gambians therefore need a change of vision of life and attitude." LOL what is the writer eluding to, this is exactly my point....................................Peace |
I am Jebel Musa better yet rock of Gibraltar,either or,still a stronghold and a Pillar commanding direction
The GPU wants Me Hunted Down for what I don't know ..... |
Edited by - Moe on 05 Jun 2010 02:10:17 |
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toubab1020
12314 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jun 2010 : 20:53:53
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"This is the verdict of common sense. Gambians therefore need a change of vision of life and attitude." LOL what is the writer eluding to, this is exactly my point....................................Peace"
MOE ,can I interpret your words to mean, Yes, I agree that attitudes of Gambians have to change and Gambians have to accept personal responsibility for their actions ?
In the above posting by you I find the meaning of your words very confusing.
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Sister Omega
United Kingdom
2085 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jun 2010 : 21:40:48
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There are of course many virtues in Gambian Society and they must be preserved. In addition to greater individual responsibility, motivation and confidence when used collectively can unleash such power to move mountains: transcend barriers of poverty and bring about attitudinal and life changes.
peace
Sister Omega
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Peace
Sister Omega |
Edited by - Sister Omega on 05 Jun 2010 21:43:20 |
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toubab1020
12314 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jun 2010 : 22:24:37
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Wooooooooooooo back sister,your advanced thinking is moving a little too fast for the average Gambian, not being rude but these are political speech words you are using here not words for Mr average
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Moe
USA
2326 Posts |
Posted - 06 Jun 2010 : 08:01:03
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The whole point is that the writer is addressing points related to cultural norms and going completely against the grain. Coming from a different cultural background, this may all seem as an easy solution but in all reality it is not in any way an effective method of curbing a practice that is EXPECTED of a leader be it a household or work group. Ask any of my fellow villagers, How we ended up in Banjul and at certain times, who they had to stay with and how many people were in those households, usually the sole responsibility of one individual? The key word is responsibility and expectations. The fact is responsibility lies on the successful folks in The Gambian culture. My grandfather they used to sing about and praise saying he was so wealthy he use to add sugar to his wells. I guess maybe thats why he died a broke man in 1920. Giving in Gambian culture solidifies your status and achievements a tad bit retarded but even Dalton has to dash out cash if he makes back to his Village, In the Politically Arena trust me on this If you do not have your Cola nuts and ready to grease elbows and make friends you do not have a political career. I have an issue with the article simply because it is politically motivate and not a true depiction of a concern much rather a method to isolate the problem, go and have a better read once again the article is calculating simply because I doubt there is a politician who does not give out gifts or money for what ever cause they so choose. The richer man has an ability to make a bigger impact and thats where this argument lies. They are just pissed off cos they know the influences and effects of such random kindness comes 2011............................................Peace quote:
Originally posted by toubab1020
"This is the verdict of common sense. Gambians therefore need a change of vision of life and attitude." LOL what is the writer eluding to, this is exactly my point....................................Peace"
MOE ,can I interpret your words to mean, Yes, I agree that attitudes of Gambians have to change and Gambians have to accept personal responsibility for their actions ?
In the above posting by you I find the meaning of your words very confusing.
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I am Jebel Musa better yet rock of Gibraltar,either or,still a stronghold and a Pillar commanding direction
The GPU wants Me Hunted Down for what I don't know ..... |
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toubab1020
12314 Posts |
Posted - 06 Jun 2010 : 14:59:33
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Moe, thanks for that perhaps I did not make it clear what I was asking,I read your reply which seems to be all about greasing palms in the political game and how wealthy people were percieved,your reply I understand ,but my words related to normal average Gambians adopting a change of attitude than that is percieved as the norm, in most of the world,getting average Gambians to take responsibility for their own actions,never mind about political retoric and speeches I was not referring to that confusion at all,just attitude of the ordinary Gambian,I hope that clarifies the meaning that I wished you to agree or disagree with.
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Sister Omega
United Kingdom
2085 Posts |
Posted - 06 Jun 2010 : 15:20:56
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Toubab As you sow so shall you reap. In other words if you have a sense of direction or purpose in your life. You become more enpowered to bring about the changes that you wish to see. If this force is adopted by groups of people then they will be able to achieve more than one individual.
Moe what's new networking is the most successful method of getting a job the world over. The way it's done in Gambia maybe more transparent openly done in a ritual context. Than in the West where a boss could just ask you do you know anyone who can do this job? And give them an incentive for reducing their recruitment costs. For Employer's that's the cheapest option. Obviously most big deals the world over are done through social contacts otherwise known as Networking opportunities.
This can be very frustrating for Equality of Opportunity as those people who have got the job may not be necessarily the best people for the job. But just knew how to get the job. This is a dilemma the world over.
Peace
Sister Omega
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Peace
Sister Omega |
Edited by - Sister Omega on 06 Jun 2010 15:28:24 |
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toubab1020
12314 Posts |
Posted - 06 Jun 2010 : 15:58:47
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Sister,there are NO jobs and NO opportunities for people to get jobs in The Gambia,if productive jobs existed then a different matter,The Gambia MUST motivate their population and give them hope for an improved situation.
Gambians have existed for such a long period without things changing for their benefit that MOST Gambians are not fit for work that is required in this modern world,an example the boys at the Port pushing big a 4 wheeled trolley down the road 6 boys sweating and struggling to move a very heavy load,that's not work that's slavery.
What opportunity has anyone other than to take,what my friend called "donkey jobs",he is a skilled man in plumbling steel fixing, painting,can speak 6 languages,a family of 6 kids he will only work for foreigners as Gambians do not pay him after he has completed his contract.Disheartning, Criminal, yes ,but fairness and justice is so often seen to be lacking,unless you have money.
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Moe
USA
2326 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jun 2010 : 20:22:05
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Now I see what you mean and that cannot be disputed, I know that the biggest issue faced by Gambians is trying to maintain a life style they cannot afford. We have not developed as a people yet to take responsibility for our actions. Even when the average Gambian is dead wrong ,trust me he will find a way to justify it and shift the blame. Gambians are naturally opinionated in general. Our stances on issues and our attitudes about things are directly linked to our innermost thoughts and feelings, Whats appealing to the average Gambian is beyond his reach yet they tend to figure out a way to get it anyways.Whether they can maintain thats a whole different story.
Why did agriculture fail in the region in the first place? For a region with less than 30 percent literate citizens maybe 10-20 percent employable by the government non governmental organizations, makes you wonder what the 70 percent is up to. We have our priorities mixed and the very reason everything seems to fail or is not sustainable in Gambia. I don't think the average Gambian has taken the time to figure out what their attitudes are and whats wrong with the whole picture.
It makes you wonder why Gambians cry about the price of rice when they particularly never liked growing the product ONLY at a subsistence level yet everyone complains about the price mainly due to importation. If rice is such a big issue I don't think Gambians deserve to eat rice as their staple food on a daily basis,we should be eating whats readily available coos and maize. It all comes down to prioritizing which we don't like to do , Sorry to say but we never found our identity..........................................................Peace
quote:
Originally posted by toubab1020
Moe, thanks for that perhaps I did not make it clear what I was asking,I read your reply which seems to be all about greasing palms in the political game and how wealthy people were percieved,your reply I understand ,but my words related to normal average Gambians adopting a change of attitude than that is percieved as the norm, in most of the world,getting average Gambians to take responsibility for their own actions,never mind about political retoric and speeches I was not referring to that confusion at all,just attitude of the ordinary Gambian,I hope that clarifies the meaning that I wished you to agree or disagree with.
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I am Jebel Musa better yet rock of Gibraltar,either or,still a stronghold and a Pillar commanding direction
The GPU wants Me Hunted Down for what I don't know ..... |
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
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