FUBAR and Kapunkle up from Tribalism

"...One major problem in many areas has been a tenacious tribalism, which complicates all efforts to build a sense of national unity and pride. In part this is a legacy of colonial times when territories were formed without regard for ethnic cohesion, but it also reflects the great diversity of peoples in Africa where loyalties have traditionally been centered in the smaller units of family or clan. A second factor is found in the rising frustration of people who looked upon independence as the total solution to the problem of poverty, only to find an improved standard of living still beyond reach. When this sense of frustration reached the armed forces, it touched individuals able to translate their sentiments into action, and revolution followed."

Marcus Garvey


A priest that I know affectionately, reminded me recently that we must all take time to see GOD in each other as we look to see GOD in ourselves.  That for far too long we have rested well in our own selfishness's and have forgotten that each of us is on a mission in life.  And that especially those in the church, who often times comes from a myriad of divergent backgrounds, they too, especially they who profess to know GOD most intimately, must not only understand but also respect the different missions and methods that were instilled in us.  These ways, that of not seeing the light in the other, that we are all born with, are tantamount to tribalism, which itself has never been an avenue for love.

That a large segment of our family don't see their identity as African but rather by the national identity that of pertaining to whichever particular jurisdiction we were assigned to at birth, only exacerbates the issue.  Yes most do acknowledge that their root is African, but we still lay claim most emphatically only to which side of the fence one rests.  How ironic that the gates around tree, set in place by foreign hands, can give way to fruit that sees not his brother.

Don't get me wrong, fruit on the east side versus the west side, or the south side versus the north, has different variables that make it somewhat unique.  Variables both natural and man made.  Likewise, we are so far spread and with the diversity of peoples we have come in contact, and also even with the diversity of regional environments, we similarly are naturally somewhat unique.  But if the fruits of each tree knew full well the root, and of just how many like fruit that root bears; how full of real pride that fruit would be?  And how much sweeter?

I pray that we can one day soon, find the strength and courage, to see each other as one people and give one to the other the kind of love and support, we ourselves seek.  Let us be proud in each other again, sans borders.  I pray that new flames of hope be encouraged by us all to flourish and to chastise those that would prefer to discourage it.

We are on our way Mama.