Opinions of Monday, 16 August 2010
Columnist: The Royal Enoch
I had so many dreams in my time of youth. Unfortunately, some of these dreams were left to wither as I matured into adulthood. Some of them, luckily, followed me like loyal friends into maturity. One of the many dreams, which I had as a child, was to travel outside Ghana someday. I was curiously drawn and fascinated by the outside world and its wonders. I had seen pictures of America and its majestic skyscrapers. The United Kingdom and its palatial houses. The city of Rome and its obsession with fashion. The country of France with its rich culture and history. In fact, there were so much to discover outside Ghana, and I wanted to discover them all. There were several obstacles, though, which stood in my way. Like, for instance--the lack of funds, and my own immaturity to travel outside Ghana alone. I must be cautious to say that I had it very bad in my youth. Simply because; there were other children my age who had it worse. Children who were left to roam without a shepherd. Children who were left without a home to call their own.
Often at times, I would see some of these children hustling to earn their daily bread under the blazing sun. The transport stations were the place, where these children usually waited to assist passengers with their heavy luggages in exchange for money. Mind you, most of these children should have been in school studying, not outside hustling to make a living. So, in comparison to them, I had it good. In fact, very good--to say the least. After all, I was enjoying a good education and a warm bed at the expense of my dear uncle. Still, human compassion couldn’t allow me to look at these children unconcerned. My heart ached for them. I wanted for them to have the kind of life--which was my to possess, even if temporary. I mean; the education, the warm bed, and the family life. In short, I wanted these children to be happy for the sake of being children. God knows that being an adult isn’t easy, especially when you think of all the responsibilities associated with being an adult.
One day, my dream of traveling outside Ghana became a reality. As a result, I left the blazing sun of Ghana behind for the cold winters of Europe. Life in Europe was filled with abundance. I mean, literally. I was fed contentedly, shoes came aplenty, and clothes came in all colors to adorn my body. It seemed that Europe was taking care of everybody, its children included. Here in Europe, not once did I see a child hustle to make a living. All the children were being schooled in preparation for their future. Also, noticeably, the Europeans had all kinds of jobs in waiting for their children after their graduation. For those who weren’t able to secure a job after graduating, a welfare income was offered until job became appropriate. Indeed, Europe was doing right by its people. Europe was taking care of its own. Europe was putting its monies where its mouth is. In short, Europe was being responsible. All of a sudden, this question dawned on me; why can’t Ghana do the same for its people?
You see, White people are so considerate when it comes to their own. We Ghanaians, on the other hand, don’t seem to give a damn. White people use their education to make things. We Ghanaians, on the other hand, use ours just to brag, buy and beg. White people hate to see their own suffer. We Ghanaians, on the other hand, couldn’t care less. White people hate to see their own beg for crumbs. We, on the other hand, don’t mind at all. Also, White people are sensitive to the needs of their own. We Ghanaians, on the other hand, seem to possess hearts made of stone. White people like their countries organized. We Ghanaians, on the other hand, like ours in chaos and disorder. Now, I am--by no means, implying that Whites are better than us. So, please, don’t get me wrong. I am only telling it as it is. I am just reporting the facts, that’s all. Somebody told me that color is only skin deep. But, is it true? I am tempted to believe that we humans are not the same after all. Though, I could be wrong. So, what do you all say?
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Source:
The Royal Enoch