I posted part of this article as a comment on Judi Lake's Article "Barrack Obama: America's "Enlightened One?" where she lists some "facts" about Barack Obama.
I am not an American -- and as I have repeatedly said, I don't care so much for politics -- so can't confirm or dispute the other so called "facts" about Barack Obama. I don't have the time to do the research. Frankly, I don't really believe in "democracy". I have never seen it work anywhere in the world in "government of the people, by the people for the people" way.
The "people" depends on who some few people decide the "people" are, and those "people" vote in the "people" they believe are the "people" who decided that they are the "people". That's why I say, God bless the soul that believes in "democracy". May be if some day some few "people" decide I am part of the "people", just may be... I am not "lucky" like that though. For some reason I always find myself outside of the mainstream -- and so far away out there, a lone voice in the wilderness.
This time though, three "facts" caught my attention. As I wrote my comment, I got pretty worked up -- what can I say, I am no saint!
I have read many misleading (and ignorant) stuff on Barack Obama's African heritage forwarded to me by friends and some articles written on Searchwarp. So please understand that my "excitement" isn't particularly aimed at Judi Lake nor do I fault her. I've read some of her articles and believe she's a beautiful being inside out. This last straw just happens to be the one that broke this camel's back.
These are the "facts" as they appear in the article:
1. Obama stated his father was a goat herder when, in actuality, he was a privileged, well-educated youth, who went on to work with the Kenyan Government.
2. Obama stated that his father was "a proud freedom fighter" when, in actuality, he was part of one of the most corrupt and violent governments in Kenya.
3. Obama stated that he never practiced Islam when, in actuality, he practiced it daily at school while registered as a Muslim.
I am an African and feel it my duty to correct the notion that one can't be a goat herder and privileged and well-educated at the same time, or that one can attend a Muslim school, have members of the family who are Muslim and still not practice Islam.
I was born and raised in what is probably one of the most "backward" societies in Africa and spent all my childhood as a herdsgirl while attending school. And by the way, we don't herd cattle or goats for fun or for company. Those cattle "paid" for my education all the way to University. They were the major source of income and only investment we had. And I am sure, goats meant to Obama's father what cattle meant to me and many African children hoping to get some kind of formal education. Unlike in the USA, elementary and secondary education in many African countries is not free.
I have post graduate education, worked for three diplomatic missions and several International Aid Agencies, travelled to many countries around the world and have a successful practice but when I go back to my home in Africa, I take off this "civilized" bat (neither bird nor mammal, neither a Westerner nor an African) nonsense and I am who I am -- a thoughful, confident, dignified and graceful common herdsgirl with some of the "wild" in me. That's my proud heritage. If I can claim my cattle-herding heritage, why can't Barack Obama claim his goat-herding heritage? It's not like he is tracing his heritage to some utopian African Kingdom and claiming to be an "African Prince" disguised as a son of a goat herder. We say in Africa, " when you know where you came from, you don't need someone to tell you where you are going".
So, YES! One can be a goat herder and a privileged, well-educated youth, who has worked for an African government -- and several Western governments too!
And just like Barack Obama, I follow and practice the teachings of Jesus Christ and have relatives who are born-again Christians (and several pastors in my family) and I also have relatives who are Muslims (one is an Imam).
In many African countries (there are very few known exceptions), Christians and Muslims live peacefully together. We celebrate (together) Christian and Muslim holidays and all are statutory holidays -- no discrimination. Many Christian Africans also fast during the month of Ramadhan as an expression of love for their Muslim relatives and friends. I personally have done it so many times and know first hand that fasting periodically is good for one's spiritual growth.
Religious affliation (thankfully) means nothing more than what white people or Arabs say we should do to be well-mannered, rich and privileged like them here on earth and when we die, go to heaven where we'll have lots of gold and white robes -- and we'll never be hungry ever again!
So even though we are Christians, Muslims, Orthodox, Hindu etc, we're also Africans. That's why other "foreign" religions have uniquely "African-versions". Spirituality triumphs over religious affliation. Most Africans can attend church, worship in a mosque or temple and not be conflicted by it. As long as you know WHO you worship, your spirit is at peace.
So, YES! One can have relatives who are Muslim but not be Muslim. One can even pray in a mosque but not be a practicing muslim.
I know many Africans who have Muslim names in addition to their Christian names. The only names we consider our "real" names (which often have a meaning in our local languages) are our given African names. And unlike in the West, a given name is not the same as the family/father's name. The rest of the names most of the time are convenience or a favour to a relative or friend of the family -- and one can drop or change those names at will. Even using the family/father's name is optional.
An African can have his or her "real" name, family name, a nickname or "pet" name, a Christian name, a Muslim name, a Hindu name and whatever else. You can mess with all the other names (Christine, Christina, Chris, Xtine, Tina, Stina -- whatever), but you don't mess with someone's "real" name because when you call that person's "real" name (Akiteng!) you're not just calling the person, you are calling on or provoking their spirit soul.
So, YES! One can have a Muslim name but not be a Muslim.
I have, like many in the "third world" attended Catholic schools, Anglican schools and moon lighted on Madrasa classes. Many of us don't have the privilege of choosing whether to go to a private school, or a Christian school or a Muslim school. As long as we get the best education and passport to "civilization", SIGN US UP! If it meant me memorizing Bible verses, reciting "Hail Mary" or reciting the Koran -- so be it. If it means learning to speak English, French or Portuguese-- we're multi-linguists, we can do that too (even speak all the three "foreign" languages in one sentence!). In the African Spirit, TIA (This Is Africa!)
And in this multi-religious, mulit-lingual environment, we don't choose friends because they are Christian or Muslim, we choose friends because they are "good people". Most of my childhood friends were Muslims -- and many of my closest friends still are. My own three daughters attended schools that were registered as Catholic, Anglican and Muslim. All of my three are in University now. They all believe in and practice the teachings of Jesus Christ -- and some of their closest friends are practicing Muslims.
So, YES! One can attend a Muslim school, be registered as a Muslim but never practice Islam.
And even if one practices Islam, SO WHAT? Some of the kindest, most intelligent, most loving, most inclusive, most fun-loving, and most sexiest people I've known in my lifetime practice Islam. And they are not just Africans, some are from the Middle East and Eastern Europe.
Africans probably know a lot more about "freedom fighting" than people in the USA. Corruption and violence in and by government rises and sets with the sun -- and continues even throughout the darkness of the night. And those who have learned to "fight for freedom" also have learned that sometimes you have to fight from the outside and other times it's best to fight from the inside. It's called infiltrating the system. Sometimes you've got to be IN to understand how it works to change it. Plus you've got to make friends in the inside to support your course. It's not too much trouble, try reading African history and literature.
So, YES! There are "proud freedom fighters" in the most corrupt and violent African governments. Again, TIA (This Is Africa!)
And, yes! one can also have siblings who are not as "privileged or well-educated". This one is for those "rich and privileged" who question Obama's family values because he has a "poor" half-brother who lives in a shanty (CNN interview).
Barack Obama's half - brother said he doesn't want anything from him. HE SAID THAT HE IS CONTENTED with what he has (remember, This Is Africa! Most people are not materialistic). I hear some "journalists" tried to bribe him with money to say some negative things about Barack Obama, but the "poor" kid in the Shanty refused their thirty pieces of silver. That is called DIGNITY (you can't buy that!).
And if you watched the CNN interview with an open mind (if you have one), you'd have clearly seen and heard that the "poor" kid says he is Kenyan and wants to live in Kenya (I know, hard for some people to believe that an African wants to live in Africa). He didn't ask for "donations" from anyone, so, you rich and privileged -- desperate to get a good night's sleep because you "donated to the poor" - get off the "poor" kid's case already! Throwing money at the "poor" won't get you off your addiction to sleeping pills, and insulting the "poor" wont improve your sense of self-worth.
You can see what got me so worked up with all these cheap shots people take on Obama's African background without understanding a thing about what they are talking about. The reality of Africans --which I fully understand -- is not the reality of many Americans. So when you write "facts" about people you do not know and don't understand, keep in mind that United States of America is not the "world" as many Americans seem to believe. There is a whole other different world out there -- it's real, it exists.
I write this fully aware that one needs some "international" or "foreign experience" to wrap one's mind around all these complexties. And that for "international" or "foreign experience" you need a passport and you need to get ON the plane, get OUT of the USA, get OFF the plane and have a real-time EXPERIENCE. And who wants to go through all that trouble when one can simply make up "facts".
The reality is "who cares about the facts/truth anymore?" If the made up "facts" stick, keep on throwing. I have seen stones thrown at a "solid rock" come back and hit the thrower, but again may be it only happens in Africa -- TIA!
About the Author: Christine Akiteng is an internationally renowned Dating Confidence/Relationships Coach who has devoted her life to the blending of indispensable age-old wisdom with modern realities into a prescription for passion, vitality, balance and effortlessness. Her thought-provoking message of conscious intentionality offers singles new, realistic and stimulating insights to rediscovering the mysteries and eternal beauty of men - women sexual relationships.
Really enjoyed the read, Christine. You've presented the real "facts" in your article. I really love your writing. I'm kind of new around here, so I'm new to your writing. I'm joining your fan club; please return the favor, if you choose. By the way, I was born and reared in Africa myself, so I completely understand your points very well. ~mogama~
Thanks, mogama. I am sure you understand and very well... :-). It's a different reality and someone had to say something. Welcome to Searchwarp. I am returning the favour. I'll see you around. Love this site!
It is a shame that you even needed to write this article. I am so tired of the re-treaded talking points that people want to use to discredit a candidate. It is so narrow minded and unfair. By the way, you don't have to get on a plane and go to a foreign country to figure this stuff out. You just need to be an informed citizen! Thanks for your read.
James, Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. As you can imagine it wasn't fun for me writing this article -- but I felt so strongly that something had to be put in perspective.
I get it about not having to get on the plane to go to a foreign country to figure stuff out. One can do that with throurhg research. But as we've learned not everyone wants to take the trouble. The way I see it, figure out stuff is different from "experience" stuff. Often before I visit a country, I take time and read almost everything about it. But when I get there and really get to "experience" that it, I find that nothing that I read prepared me for a real-time experience. There is something about "been there, done that" that makes a huge difference!
I just re-read my response to your first comment, so many typos, I was having a hard time reading my own stuff... :-).
Interesting that you also found the article I referred to disturbing. The Hitler thing really got to me. I couldn't believe I was reading something so hateful on Searchwarp. That's what fear does to people. Everyone who does not agree with our view of the world is "dangerous" and must be destroyed at all costs. The worst part about fear is when one does not even recognize (and acknowledge) the force driving one's words and actions.
"High road" huh? Do we even know what that is anymore?
Bravo and thank you! I never paid much attention to some of the articles regarding relationships, but this one was pointed out to me by James. I think you are right on. And as James suggests...let's take the high road. Although, that is the one to follow Jesus and He didn't lead a glamorous life here on earth. God bless
Michelle, as always your comments are very much appreciated. I agree with James and agree with you on the "high road." Not easy (with this flesh on the back) but worth every breathe. The "one to follow Jesus", I believe -- and from your comment, I know you agree -- is not just a Christ who hangs with "people like Him" but a Christ who “crosses over” to stand with the poor, oppressed, rejected, and those that live daily on the edge.... That's where I want to be found when He returns! Be very Blessed.
I have the song by Todd Agnew, "My Jesus" stuck in my head now. I am not sure if you have heard it, but you are heard loud and clear by me. This song reflects how I want to be like Jesus and that He loved the poor, thieves and liars. That is who He taught and that is who I would like to reach through Him.
I hadn't heard the song before but I googled it, read the lyrics and listened to it on YouTube... it brought tears to my eyes because that's "My Jesus!". That's the Jesus I want to be like.
This was an insightful, informative and extremely well written article. The world we live in and the prejudices, ignorance and intolerance that's so often displayed often make me wonder....
THANK YOU, Roschelle. As I said to James, it wasn't easy writing this article knowing that many of the people who believe these "facts" are really good people who have allowed prejudices, ignorance and intolerance cloud their judgement. Many in the world are watching this American election cycle with spellbound horror -- is this what America the country that represents the power of what CAN BE looks like? It's scary. VERY!
I found your article quite interesting and informative. Though I live in the US and am not an Obama supporter I see how facts can seem different to people of different cultures and backgrounds and your article clearly explains how the conflicting reports are reconciled. The only thing I saw that was a bit concerning is your remark "who cares" about those who choose to practice Islam. Speaking as a Christian who follows the teaching of Jesus Christ to you as a person who professes to be a Christian and follower of Jesus Christ the practice of Islam should be concerning to us and especially if we have close friends and relatives who are of the Islamic faith. There is only One True God and those who do not acknowledge Him, repent of their sins, believe in their hearts and profess with their mouth that Jesus Christ was and is the One and Only Son of the One True and Living God, they will by no means enter the Kingdom of Heaven. It was the great commission commanded by our Savior Jesus Christ who said we should spread this gospel to all the world. If we truly love our neighbors as ourselves (also commanded by Jesus) we would truly care about those decieved by the Islamic faith. It is not prejudices, ignorance or intolerance that Christians display when they attempt to "spread the gospel" but a heart with enough love to point out sin and deception in a persons life, just like Jesus did!
Hi Anon, thanks for your comments -- and for the appreciation. I can understand why you as a Christian feels that those of the Islamic faith have been lied to. I've lived with people who practice Islam all my life and the "extremist" version you see highlighted is not true Islam at all. Just as the "extremist" version of Christianity is not Christianity at all. True Christians and True Muslims share the same deep and innate LOVE for God, and for neighbour.
I am in fact more concerned with Christianity as it's been twisted to suit the prejudices, ignorance or intolerance of those who aren't intellectually curious or spiritually open. That's why I don't call myself a Christian but a follower of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ represents everything I want to be - and everything I follow till I draw my last breath. And if you loved your neighbour as Jesus Christ commanded you to do, you'd see that people of the Muslim faith are our NEIGHBOURS just as Christians are. That's the whole meaning of the "Story of the Good Samaritan". The Good Samaritan didn’t say “repent of your sins before I love you”. HE JUST LOVED without pre-condition!
The way I see it, sin is anything that does not love your God with everything you ARE and does not love your neighbour as Christ loved us. Prejudices, ignorance or intolerance makes it so hard for some people to follow those two most important commandments. Ignorance is the worst of the three because it keeps those very people from seeing where they fall short.
So, next time you are ""spreading the gospel" and you meet a person of the Muslim faith, ask yourself this. WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?
JESUS WOULD LOVE HIM/HER! Jesus lived love and died loving. That's my Jesus! I don't know who your Jesus is?
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