IS FORCED DEVELOPMENT AND SUPERSTITION RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ECONOMIC STAGNATION AND POVERTY SEEN IN AFRICAN COUNTRIES?
Recently I have begun to wonder if the so-called civilization foisted on Africans by the Europeans could be the reason for the political, economic, cultural, social, political, and religious malaise that bedevils so many African countries especially sub-Saharan Africa. For example, Europeans went from walking to riding horses, then horse-drawn carriages, followed by bicycles, then automobiles powered initially by steam generated by coal, and later by the internal combustion engine. With the development of the internal combustion engine, powered bicycles called motorcycles or motorbikes were thrown into the mix. Subsequently they began to fly, initially by airplanes and now they are trying to visit “God” via rocket-propelled spacecrafts.
The African was content with his/her mastery of barefoot walking, which is what nature intended. Scientists have proved that walking bare-footed results in fewer foot and ankle problems. And since the African lived in an almost constant environment without the wild temperature swings found in Europe, he/she was not inclined to explore and discover better climes. Therefore, Africans were content with their natural means of locomotion.
Without going through these intermediate steps, Africans went from walking to driving automobiles introduced by the Europeans. The result has been disastrous for the continent. Most Africans are superstitious by nature and the combination of science and superstition makes for a toxic mix. This reminds me of a horrible accident in Konga, Africa where an articulated lorry plowed into a line of shops by the roadside killing 110 people. The Christian driver who survived the accident, claimed that he never maintained his brakes because the Holy Ghost are his brakes!
Forced development does not nurture the development of local technology and expertise.
It could be likened to superstition by the African mind, which is very susceptible to superstition.
Technology developed outside Africa is foisted on African countries together with spare parts and expatriate technicians. Technology transfer and local content are just political buzzwords. Corrupt African Politicians enjoy the status quo as contracts with foreign vendors and suppliers become conduits for corruption. No wonder, African Politicians are the richest class in Africa.
Add contract padding and outlandishly outrageous emoluments and African Politicians are the richest class in the world.
Africastallestman sees forced development as an existential threat to Africa and Africans. Ideas are universal but implementation must employ local talent and resources for sustainable development. Education is a sine qua non for development of African human, material, and any current or foreseeable type of human development. Ideological education is as important as STEM* and ART education.
* STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.