Ethiopianism - Part II

“A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many want in.. And how many want out.”
― Tony Blair

I had a great dialogue with a friend of mine about this obsession of the meaning of being an Ethiopian, which seems to sprawl its roots in me. We consciously attempted to flip every historical footprint that is ever declared on behalf of our birthplace.

We gazed at the chronicles; from the tribe of Kush to Queen Sheba, from the Axumites to the era of the Kings, from the fables to the controversial declaration of what being an Ethiopian mean for a native of the land.

Our upbringing was filled with the mystical and heroic stories of Ethiopia and Ethiopians that the feeling of greatness hovers above our head like a piece of blessed cloud.  It is almost impossible to assert one’s Ethiopian identity outside this prideful curtain that is most deeply rooted in the historic “past”.

But then reality hits; why in the world, how in the world, these glamorous and prideful existence led many, Ethiopians, go astray like flock of sheep without a shepherd.  Tony Blair once quoted “A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many want in.. And how many want out.”  As we Ethiopians jokingly say, almost every person would like to leave the land – if given a chance.  Our self dismantling way of life is not a sign of a great nation and its people!

So, I wonder, and then what does being an Ethiopian really mean?  If the historical account is put aside, if the arrogant curtain of “...I’m better than you, we are better than everybody, we are greater than everybody ...” bluff rolled up, what is the real meaning of being an Ethiopia to each native?

I’m still digging!

Pazion - 2011

Ethiopianism - Part I

If you are ashamed to stand by your country, you had better seek another flag.  ~Author Unknown

Reading the above quote made me ponder, puzzle, gaze, stare and wonder. Like millions of my fellow Ethiopian, I left the land for betterment of myself and (possibly my family and my fellow country man).  But, it never occurred to me that my journey was rooted on shame of the state of my native land Ethiopia or that I sought for another flag.

The quote almost forced me reflect on an article I read on abugidainfo website, where the writer, named Yared Ayicheh, described how the behavior of some Ethiopian he encountered in the paltalk platform ( what he called “Paltopians”) caused him feel so shameful that he concluded with a lamentation “ I wish I’m an American”.

I don’t deny or betray my Ethiopian upbringing; neither I lament wishing what I could’ve never been. But, I am yet to find an Ethiopian that is not perplexed by the continuous impoverished state of our existence.  I am yet to meet this individual, who, with boldness and confidence confesses what Ethiopia really is.

The type of exaggerated picture of Ethiopia; that the 3 thousand year old history, a gift from God, a nation with unprecedented natural wealth, and a nation that is a role model to the human race... the type hyper inflate picture of Ethiopia hasn’t stopped millions of us from fleeing the nation as if running away from a disease infested rat hole.

As for me - there is only one condition that will enable me to lift my head up with an Ethiopian pride – when my nation’s beggar hands that have stretched for generation are folded down and begin carrying our own head; that is the only beginning of the end to our shameful placement in the face of the world.

What does Ethiopianism mean to me? I’m still digging!

Pazion - 2011

Ethiopia - Alternate View of Governance and public engagement!

The one thing a visitor observes when visiting the US house of representative and the Independence Hall (where the fore-fathers signed the declaration of independence) is a phrase “...we the people...” It is reminder of a couple of essential facts; first the real leader of the nation is the citizens of the country and second the leaders are elected to serve the people. These two facts are the very core foundations to a real democracy.

Our nation Ethiopia has its fair share of political upheaval that has left us a sour taste in the mouth at the mention politics. It is understandable why our society has a confused perception of politics. Our political exposure is either biased or at best delusional. Some are scared of politics recall a saying with sarcasm, “... politics and electric is from distance...” Others think it has to be “...their way or the highway...” and they randomly paint any individual with different view than theirs with the paint of animosity.

The significant numbers of our citizen are political nomads and passive participants. Their concern doesn’t surpass from a simple and idle chatter over coffee. And the depth of the conversation is as deep as he say, she say current affair. It is equally pertinent that the government needs to create conducive environment that the majority of the people it claims to serve. All inclusive governance has transparency and accountability written all over its front page. Hence, the government’s primary responsibility should include educating and explaining what it is doing to benefit, protect, and empower the public. In return the public have a responsibility to work with the government for the betterment of the country’s overall health.

Accountability and responsibility is a two way transaction. We Ethiopians should abandon our passive observant political position and work towards building the confidence of the statement “we the people”. Yes, many have given up hope and some even contemplated if it is ever possible to have a governance that closely emulates the western political reality. Call me naïve, but I strongly believe it is quite possible.

To be continued...!

Pazion