#BringBackOurGirls The Fallacy of Nigerian Exceptionalism: Exceptionalism is defined as the perception that a country or society is unusual or extraordinary in some way and does not need to conform to normal rules or general principles. That is precisely what it is, a perception and we can all attest to the deceitfulness of perceptions. Writer Zainab Usman refers to this as intellectual escapism. Why do I consider our constant touting, of the fortunes of the country’s 1% and high achieving diaspora a fallacy? Why do I consider the constant utterance of Private jet ownership by the myriad of multi-millionaires a disgrace? Why do I consider the ubiquitous exports of film/fashion/music the worst kind of charade? Why do I meet the incessant hailing of our relative number of ivy leaguers with disillusionment? Because we’re all frauds! We’re all 419 stars, the worst kind because we’re all aware of the problems, but pop champagne to dull the pain. I could go on with the myriad of reasons why the celebration of our relative emergence should be dampened. But today it’s about our daughters. The sadness that is, with our collective achievements, many of us have remained silent for so long as much of the population suffered at the hands of a complex threat, while our government basked in its ineptitude. We have failed our countrymen. Over 200 of our young daughters were abducted on April 14th by the Nigerian extremist militant group Boko Haram. These young delicate souls of innocence were robbed of their freedom, one could only helplessly wonder what else they’ve been robbed of as their government incompetently stands by watching. The girls are believed to have been sold to neighboring countries for as little as $12. BRING OUR DAUGHTERS BACK. This is not a treatise on the socioeconomic origins of the group or the political hurdles existent in dealing with them. I am neither a politician or activist, I am human. This is simply a call to action. Our collective voice when delivered loudly and in harmony, makes a greater impact than we ever acknowledge. So let’s take a break from our selfish fraudulent ways for a sec, a substitution from our relative ignorance and speak loudly against injustice. Sign a petition, call your congressman, join a rally, march; for these are the basic inconveniences, in seeing that our daughters are emancipated safely. Thank you. PS: If you have a list of petitions to sign or info organizations that are helping, include them in the comments section so that we are all aware. Thanks.
Posted on: Thu, 01 May 2014 14:36:43 +0000
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