So, We Covet What the Europeans Have!

The African village boy dies in a clandestine attempt at crossing the Sahara desert en route to a perceived better life in Europe. Even the powerful Museveni of Uganda declares that Africans want what the Europeans have. By this he means adequate electricity, excellent road and railway systems so that Africa can attract critical mass private investments (instead of relying on NGOs) that can catapult it into the 21st century consumerism, which is said to be indicative of the good life. He, however, leaves out the democratic culture which is part and parcel of the European experience that holds together what they have built and sustain.

There is no question that Africa needs to improve her populations’ material welfare, health and basic infrastructures. But here are my questions to those clamoring to improve the lot of the Africans:

1. Do we need the level of European consumerism even as many insightful Europeans are now reevaluating their consumption habits?

2. Do cultural norms, such as high trust index and/or entrenched spiritual (not necessarily religious) compass, influence a people’s ability to develop and progress?

3. Is autocratic governing necessary to build economic base for a take-off? Can that occur concurrently with liberal democracy? Why do we desire western Armani suits, our children to get the best western education money can buy, western Lear jets, sleek western cars and yet shun liberal democracy, and are quick to label it “foreign” when it has all the ingredients of universal humanity?

4. Who in this world gives and have no expectations of the use of the object of giving? Apparently Museveni expects a largesse from Europeans and their American cousins, but does not want to be told what to do by mere school kids out of college! And the Africans at the gathering in Germany were ecstatic to hear this mundane childish utterance. The man himself gives his brown envelops and expects certain behavior, like MPs voting in a certain way in his rubberstamp parliament.