Under My Umbrella

In our daily lives, we use several different objects that perform certain functions to make life easier. We use a vehicle to drive to places, a phone to make calls, and a pen to write. What happens when a phone stops performing the function of making calls? Should we still consider it a phone or something else? What happens when a vehicle is now sitting on blocks in the middle of your compound and kids are using it for driving simulation? Should we still consider it a vehicle or a toy for the kids? 

It's been raining here and I've been using my umbrella to protect me from the rain. My umbrella performs the function of keeping me dry to a degree when the rain is pouring. When opened, the umbrella's metal spokes forms an anchor for the waterproof material attached to them to protect me from the rain. In sum, my umbrella performs the function of protecting me from the rain. 

But if the waterproof material is ripped off from my umbrella leaving the handle and frame, should I

still call it an umbrella? If I open the spokes, put my umbrella over my head, walk into the rain, I will surely get drenched. Should I continue to call this object that can no longer protect me from the rain an umbrella?

Generally, we all do. We may say that the umbrella is broken, but we will still call it an umbrella even though it's no longer performing the function of an umbrella. Granted it was once an umbrella, but it has now ceased to function as one. Then what is it now? It's definitely something. 

When Jammeh came to power through a coup in 1994, he claimed to be this "huge umbrella" that can stretch from one end of the sky to the other; promised to protect Gambians from the "rains" of corruption, abuse of power, and everything else that the former government was doing wrong. He called them rats, arrested them, and confiscated their properties. He assured Gambians that he was the "Umbrella" for them and they will never be drenched by corruption again. 

But when the storms came, Gambians found themselves drenched in blood from the torture and killings, shaking like a leaf from fear, and getting washed away into the Atlantic Ocean by the flood waters. As it turned out, that "huge umbrella" covering the sky from one end to the other, never had a waterproof material attached to the spokes. It has been just the handle and naked spokes all the while. How come the majority never took a second to look up? 

Fast forward to now, that umbrella is being collapsed on Gambians and the spokes are violently poking their skulls. Every aspect of their lives is being altered on a daily basis. Day has become night and right has become wrong. God has become man and religion has become a tool. Fundamentally, things are in reverse order. But it is forbidden to talk about it or attempt to address the issues. A functional umbrella is the doctor's order, if Gambians want protection. 

Black or White

Not a day goes by without hearing complaints from those residing in The Gambia about how desperate the situation is there. They lament about flying inflation, lack of employment and opportunity, harassment, intimidation, abuse,  chronic corruption, fear, and all this is done through whispering because they think someone is listening. Sometimes they just sum it up as “Gambia easywut”. You hear these complaints from people from all walks of life. From high government officials, lawyers, doctors, artists, business owners, petty traders, fish sellers at the market, and of course, the unemployed. Basically, across the spectrum! I would not be surprised to hear that Jammeh himself has uttered “Gambia easywut” a few times!

Folks are looking for every opportunity to flee and will risk their lives in doing so. A back way travel package sells like hot cake, especially around Christmas. I guess they are trying to escape the arrival of the “Semesters” and their swagger? The “Swagger parties” are on and in full swing as we speak. Groups are chipping in £20 or $50 each and throwing parties daily, while those struggling to afford “tapalapa” are enviously watching and wishing it was them. Amid all this, they also hear a panoply of stories about different adventures in the west from the semesters. At least for a couple of weeks, a semester is the envy of those they left behind as some make promises, most of which will never be delivered. Is there glory in such? Is this success?

On one hand, semesters are flocking to the smiling coast while most in the smiling coast are frowning. They are buying up kabaa ndombo, ditah, solom solom, koni, gerrteh saaf, kobo bu laka, and all those other little things that are now almost a luxury for the locals; even Talapia (wass) has now become scarce and a semi-luxury item. Semesters are sponsoring  Benechini Penda Mbye festivals, attaya sessions, pejeh shawarma, and throwing VIP swagger parties. On the other hand, too many locals are looking for a way out by any means necessary, and the back way numbers is a testament to that. Gambia ranks on the top in the region percentage wise in back travel. The Atlantic Ocean has swallowed too many Gambian youths and their promises and talents washed to shore as corpses hardened by rigamortis.  Senegal has also become a cradle. 

And the irony to me here is: While Gambians abroad flock for a life of temporary fantasy and party “semester style”, permanent residents are looking to escape their daily realities of crushing poverty, flying inflation, lack of employment and opportunity, harassment, intimidation, abuse, corruption and fear. 

So this brings me to my question: Is Gambia black or white? Gray maybe? Howma sah! 

Battle Of The Sexes

Picture courtesy of  http://chicorita.com

Should men and women be treated differently?  When rephrased, this question is actually asking if men and women are equal.  This question is not new and has been grappled with by thinkers in the past, present, and I’m certain in the future as well.  It is a very delicate and sensitive subject.  The world has been dominated by men probably since time began, and is still dominated by men.  But will it continue to be dominated by men? I guess time will tell.

However, let’s take a moment and go back in time to see how philosophers responded to this issue. The social status of women in ancient Greece was a very limited one to say the least.  In an era where women were little better than domestic slaves, there were few supporters of any kind of equality for them.  One of these rare supporters, surprisingly, was none other than the great philosopher Plato.  This was unheard of in Greek society - or any other society for that matter.  A woman in ancient Greece was typically always under the control or protection of a man.  In the Republic, Plato argued that women (at least those in the upper classes) must be assigned social roles, in the ideal state, equal (or approximately) to those of men.  Plato's position in the Republic is based upon his view that, "…women and men have the same nature in respect to the guardianship of the state.” First he compares the apparent weaknesses of women to men and how women (and men) each have individual strengths and talents.  For this reason, the woman then has equally, with the man, the same qualities which makes a guardian.  He suggested that the same education which makes a man a good guardian would make a woman a good guardian.

A generation later, Aristotle (Plato’s most famous disciple), had exactly the opposite view regarding women.  He believed a man to be an inherently better leader than a woman - the male is by nature fitter for command than the female - and the male is by nature superior and the female inferior; to Aristotle, the male was a ruler and the female was merely a subject.  Aristotle basically said that a woman should be obedient to the will of her husband/men.  He took a rather strict view of gender roles even comparing the male/female relationship to that of a master and slave.

Fast forward to 2015, the debate about gender equality is still raging.  While significant strides have been made since the days of Plato and Aristotle, the inequality between the sexes still persists.  For the feminists and their supports, “equal” doesn’t mean “same” – it means that men and women should be given the same opportunities, such as being offered the same jobs, assuming the same skill level; offered the same pay amount, assuming the same quality of work; and given the same ability to live a life free of fear and sexual harassment.  Although laws are on the books now to try to rectify some of the equalities between men and women in the work place, the rest of society has to also do its part in the social arena.  Some things you just can’t legislate laws for, it will take a shift in societal attitudes.  Our attitudes determine what we value and how we treat each other.

Despite being a product of a culture where women were and still are seen as less than men, my views on the issue have always been progressive.  My take on the issue, from a very young age, has always aligned with that of Plato.  Not that I was a young philosopher, or even remotely close to one, but I’ve always believed in basic fairness.  Growing up in The Gambia, like much of the world, women were always in the back seat when it came to decision-making at almost all levels, but at the front seat of taking care of the household.  Their duties weren’t official, but they were the hardest. Additionally, for a good number of women, they had to compete with a second, third or even a fourth wife in their marriages.  Luckily for me, this was not the case in my immediate family, but it was the reality for some of my friends and neighbors.  Even though this practice is sanctioned by the culture and I knew it, these inequalities still don’t sit well with me.  To quote Aristotle "…the worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal." But as clearly articulated by today’s feminists and their supports, “equal” doesn’t mean “same” – it means that men and women should be given the same opportunities, that's all. Wish someone told Aristotle that!

Now that I have two daughters of my own, I have become even more of a believer in the equal treatment of men and women, not just in the work place, but in society and in general.  I see talent in my daughters that would rival any boy their age, and I hope with time my advocacy will intensify.  I’m a strong believer that talent has no gender and should not be assigned one.

My Peace

My Peace

You feed my soul and elevate my spirit

A permanent rainbow in my clouds that has no end

Your gentle ripples bring me endless tranquility

Your majestic waves carry me through the ups and downs

My Peace

With you my mind is sharp and my heart is receptive

You free me from contention and keep me gratified

You keep my heart dancing and my smile twinkling

Your presence motivates me and keeps me sane

My Peace

A safe and comforting space free from turbulence

Free from toxic vibes that pollute my mind and soul

My cocoon when the weather is inclement

For all these, I will forever cherish and treasure you

My Peace!

Hit By A Bus

Today I was hit by a bus

My body is numb and my bones are shattered 

The pain is excruciating and I feel it deep within 

My blood is rushing and my heart is working overtime

Today I was hit by a bus

A bus overloaded with our childhood memories 

Things we used to do and things we used to say

Places we used to go and people we've met

Today I was hit by a bus

Carrying conversations we used to have and plans we used to make

Laughter we used to share and jokes we used to make

Soccer games we played and all the trouble we got into together

I am saddened, weak and empty. Blindsided by the news of your passing, my head is still spinning and my knees are crumbling. But memories of our lifelong friendship will pull me through, for that's all I have left. Actually, what we had was more than a friendship, we were family. Rest in peace Pa! And may you be rewarded with the highest heavens. Until we meet again.

A tribute to Pa Salieu Jaiteh

A Struggling Artist

In the wake of Musa Ngum's passing, there has been much chatter about the lack of support Gambians give to their own. Is this a new revelation, I wonder? We have always known that Gambians are stingy with their support when it comes to their own and flamboyantly generous when it comes to others, especially Senegalese.

Gambians will climb a stage to shower Wally Secka with money, giss len ma style, and post a video of it. They will do the same for Titi, Thione, Assan Njie or any one of the Senegalese artists too. They will brag about being Wally's or Titi’s number one fan and the gift or gifts they have in store for them when they roll into town. Now change Wally's or Titi’s nationality to Gambian and they get jack! This is something we are all aware of and have been for the longest time. Nothing new here!

But now that Musa Ngum is no longer with us, everyone wants to own and celebrate him. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but it would have been much better while he was alive and struggling as an artist. Good thing though Musa Ngum loved and enjoyed his work, so regardless of the lack of support from his own, I’m sure he’s still proud of his achievements as an artist.

Rest in peace Musa!

AM v. FM – The War of the Meter Bands

Here are the two words that have dominated the Gambian discourse lately: Relevance and Expose. I hear them a lot and have been trying to contextualize them.

First, let’s explore their meanings in English. 1. Relevance:  Relating to the matter at hand; practical and especially social applicability.

2. Expose: Make (something) visible, typically by uncovering it; leave (something) uncovered or unprotected, especially from the weather.

Second, let’s explore the Gambian/struggle meanings. 1. Relevance: A. Having “imagined” authority/importance in the struggle. B. A vocal individual or group claiming to want change in Gambia but not practicing what they preach, and pretending to have the answers for Gambian's problems. 

2. Expose: A. To put someone else’s dirty and soiled laundry in the street and throw some into the River Gambia and let it float away; say negative things about them and their family members. B. Destroy/Tojal.

Those who think of themselves as "relevant" in this struggle, tend to dismiss others who they feel are trying to question them by declaring them "irrelevant". And once there is an actual conflict (aka hulo), then the next step is to "expose" each other, Gambian style. 

In the past couple of weeks, we’ve witnessed the Gambian versions of “Relevance” and “Expose” taken to higher heights, both online and on the radio airwaves. Mann dama waru sah! We now take pride in "exposing" each other with our sidekicks and a cheerleading squad to assist. 

Honestly, it has been a whirlwind for me! As I watched the war (AM V. FM) unfold and climax (or has it?), I was in total dismay not knowing what to think or feel. Kitchen sink here, toilet bowl there. Guy yee di jamanteh rek! 

Is this what the struggle has degenerated into? Is this what we are fighting for? Is this our vision for a better Gambia? Don't we have issues to talk about? Better yet, what do we want?