8-3-2010

8-3--2010: What is the What:
I was fortunate to bring with me a copy of Dave Egger’s book “What is the What” which is a novel that is based on the life of a Sudanese Refugee, Valentino Achach Deng. The book, which I recommend to anyone interested in global issues and development, is at first glance, a gripping story of one man’s perspective and life amidst the Sudanese civil war, and then as a refugee in Ethiopia and Kenya. But I think the real significance of the book is Deng’s constant references to the ‘What’ and the lessons that it teaches regarding contemporary development in our globalizing world. I understand ‘the what’ as what people concerned with international development consider the ‘end’ (goal) of development. In other words, think of it like this: We label countries as ‘developed’ and ‘developing’. The question that the ethicist must ask, is developing towards ‘what’?

In Egger’s book, the idea of the ‘what’ is explained through a traditional Dinka (a southern Sudanese ethnic group) story, which I will briefly summarize: God makes cattle, and man sees that cattle are good. God gives man the choice, either he can have the cattle, or he can have ‘the what’ (purposely left ambiguous). Man chooses the cattle, and cattle becomes the way of life. Egger’s book constantly references Deng’s struggles with life in America, where he pursues ‘The American Dream’, and relates his struggles to the choice between cattle (alluding to traditional life in Sudan) and the ‘what’ (which in Deng’s case, becomes the American Dream).

For those who are concerned with the ethics of development, I think this is a powerful lesson. While many idealistic individuals in the US with good intentions to change the world for the better, its important to realize that the end (goal) of development needs careful consideration.

I think it is fair to say, that for many well intentioned, idealistic people, ‘development’ essentially amounts to ensuring that people around the world are capable of living lives that are similar in lifestyle and values to life in America. The question, ‘what is the what’ essentially forces us to actively assess the merits of such idealism.

To better highlight what I mean, and my intentions for writing this piece, I will introduce an example that I come across every day here in Kibaya.

Tanzania is home to many different ethnic groups, which still make up a major part of the Tanzanian identity and culture. Here in Kibaya, the main ethnic groups that are present are Gogo, and Massai. The Gogo are traditionally farmers, and many of whom now farm Maize and cash crops. Most of the farmers that I am working with in my research are Gogo.

The Massai, a traditionally pastoralist people, are often referred to as the most famous ethnic group in Africa. Their distinct cultural dress, and their proximity to the most popular tourism destinations in Africa (The Kenyan and Tanzanian National Game Parks) certainly contribute to their global recognition.

The question of ‘What is the What’ is present every day here in Kibaya.

It is not uncommon to come across a Massai man, with hundreds of cattle, and rich Massai men can have over a thousand cows. Here in Tanzania, the per capita income is less than $400, and a cow can be sold for meat for 200,000 Shillings ($133).

For a man who has over a thousand cows, he has the choice to lead a life that would be luxurious even by American Standards (1,000 cows at $133 per cow is $133,000, which is a relative fortune in Tanzania). But the traditional life dominates, which means living in a traditional Massai community: No running water, No electricity, a simple mud hut with a thatch roof.

What is the what?

Note: This week’s research has been well, but had to take a hiatus from Kibaya to return to Dar es Salaam to get more money; The only bank here in Kibaya doesn’t take cards, so I can’t withdraw any cash. Added Bonus: One of my friends who I met through the Dar es Salaam Outsiders (the basketball team I played for while at UDSM) is a fairly well known rapper, and is making a music video that he wants me to be in. Never would have dreamed that I would be in a rap music video, but you only live once right? Returning to Kibaya on Wednesday.

Still informally teaching – Now I’m planning lessons around what the students ask me to teach on. We are doing English tenses today.

Salama lekum.