Monday, November 15, 2010

read it

the guardian has done a good job explaining why you and her and me shouldn't go to africa to volunteer.

clear, concise, and straight to the point.

now, maybe i can reference this when i decide to bring up my opinions on voluntourism to orphanages at breakfast parties and am met with blinking eyes and cold stares.

2 comments:

La Cabeza Grande said...

You had it right all along and this article seals it.

When European nations "discovered" the New World, they were there to ostensibly bring the savages to heel with religion and salvation. The tools of neo-colonialism still exist: dominate, infantilize and encourage "a dependency culture."

This help is no help at all.

lu said...

your comment reminds me of a quote at the top of one of my linked blogs: "AFRICA IS, INDEED, COMING INTO FASHION." - HORACE WALPOLE (1774)

from Texas in Africa.

ironic. and sort of awesome.