Monday, August 11, 2014

Why I Fell In Love With Africa


Growing up in the United states has not been a walk in the park. I have so many varied memories, and with me being a progressive person, I have spent many days, hours and years trying to understand the complexity that is of a colored person living and growing in the states. I have watched many of my peers progress smoothly through life, without delay, without depression as they pursue and achieve their dreams. I have watched close friends marry and have children, but their houses, finance that car they always wanted and pondered why my path could not also be so easily defined. Sometimes I even wondered if I was crazy and imagining all the boundaries that I have been confronted with until I found others that experience it too. I tried to find solace among my peers only to be rejected by their insecurities. I tried to bridge the gap as well with the others races only to be met with ignorance and resistance. I felt lost, undefined and saddened, that even in the largest most diverse country I was still a loner and an outsider. It was a combination of all these factors that cultivated my love and fascination of Africa and Africans. Over the years, I was always received and perceived well among Africans. I noticed how they didn't suffer with the same identity crisis that black Americans struggle with. Somehow even with their great journeys an sacrifice to move here and start again, they had unwavering purpose. The men have always been respectful, generous and encouraging and not to mention strikingly gorgeous. To date I have not been able to establish the sort of relationship that I would like with the ladies, outside of my inlaws. I could always see the beauty in them, and the strength of their character although many Americans have them pegged wrongly. I have made lifelong friends with Africans and felt at ease, as if i didn't need to change this skin or aspire to be anything else. When I think about Africa, I am met with great mystery. I wonder what the experience of traveling there will be, as I will more than likely visit west Africa first. I wonder if I will be just seen as another tourist and not as someone of color.