Clueless writing to clueless.
I think I'm still reeling from a year in Zimbabwe a couple of years ago. I just felt like I saw disintegration all around, and much of that seemed to be caused by the arbitrary borders created by the colonialists.
The people, with ancient feuds and wounds, different languages and values, were expected to all come together and create practical solutions in completely new contexts (new technology (wheel, for example), equal rights, etc.) to very difficult problems.
When common values are not shared, it is impossible to agree on solutions.
I see African nations as first disintegrating, then re-formulating around more culturally natural boundaries, and only then moving ahead. The more foreign aid helps to maintain the existing configuration by reducing immediate suffering, the more drawn out the process to more permanent solution and thus more total pain.
I went back home where I belong.
Perhaps the same disintegration is in store for India, although India's people probably have more shared values.
I'm clueless - just haven't had anyone to bounce these infantile ideas off of for a long time and am eager to mature my thinking.
peter |
