Walking with Crocodiles....
It is impossible, of course, to create an adequate "Africa Today" page in such a confined space, and for the purposes of this introduction it is unnecessary. The complex beauty of the indigenous cultures of Africa begs to be explored. Their ability to withstand hardship, domination, and deprivation defies all logic, and to create what is to me, at least, the most alluring art of any continent, is remarkable. Looking at Africa as a whole does it an injustice, and in fact can be downright overwhelming. But if you look closely, at small areas or villages, you begin to see how basic most of their needs are. A well here, a road there, a clinic, or a bridge.... People in much of the continent, particularly in the Sub-Saharan regions, are just trying to survive another day, as their governments--even the honest ones--try to keep up. But the so-called developed and properous nations of the world look elsewhere--where a bomb or two or a regime change might bring a quick fix, and enhance their own selfish national interests. If it sounds like I blame my own country for this negligence--I do!! Our government's long history of ignoring the basic needs of Africa is no reason to keep doing it. For just a fraction of our massive military budget we could save lives and cultures. Maybe then Africa could look to the future, take a drink of clean water, breathe a sigh of relief, and put its boundless energy and creative genius back to work.
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Lega Mask, Southeastern DRC
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