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Opinions of Thursday, 17 February 2011

Columnist: The Emperor

Ghanaians: Let’s Condemn Tribalism To Hell

I saw you moving, when I was at a stand still
You pointed your finger at me with a grin
I called out to you, brother
Please, could you spare me a pesewa?
You rolled your eyes and moved on in silence
You shook your head in utter contempt
You came back minutes later, to my surprise
You asked me where I was from
I told you that I am a Ghanaian, just like you
“But, from which tribe?” you asked
“I am Asanteni,” I replied
Then sorry, I can't help you
“I am Ewe,” you said
Then moved on without regret

I came to you in need of a job
They said that you were looking for people to employ
I showed you my qualifications and other skills
You looked at me impressively
“I see that you are very good,” you said
We sure could use someone like you around here
You walked into your office
And came back with a pen and a contract in hand
You asked me where I was from
I told you that I am a Ghanaian, just like you
“But, from which tribe?” you asked
“I am Ewe,” I replied
Then sorry, we can't help you
“I am Asanteni,” you said
Then walked away in silence

I saw your daughter with her beautiful self
Flaunting her stuff for all to see
Perfection in an imperfect world
A sight for sore eyes
I know that most men would die for her
But only I dream of a life with her at night
Perhaps, my feelings for her are mutual
But, who knows what is in a woman's heart?
I came to you asking for her hand in marriage
You asked me where I was from
I told you that I am a Ghanaian, just like her
“But, from which tribe?” you asked
“I am Akan,” I replied
Sorry, we are non Akan
“So, go marry your own kind,” you said
I left with my dream shattered

I came to Europe with a pocket full of dreams
I was going to be this
I was going to be that
I was going to make somebody proud of me
I never saw myself in terms of creed
I never saw myself in terms of color
Until the color of my skin became a problem
Here, my tribe couldn't buy me respect
Here, my tribe couldn't get me a decent job to do
Here, in Europe, they couldn't give a damn where I was from
To them, I was a Nigger
A refugee in need of help, just like everybody else


Welcome 2 the Age of Consciousness!


Source:
The Emperor