The "white man's burden" ethic must end, says MwendaAsserts the Ugandan libertarian journalist: "Many Western interventions to save Africa are rarely about the alleged victims. Instead, they are platforms for Western people to expose their altruism. Evolutionary psychology tells us that women tend to come in bed with men who exhibit kindness and generosity, attributes that gave our ancestors decisive advantage in the dating market and so made them successful reproductively.
The Larry King show featuring Clooney and [activist John] Prendergast was not intended to spotlight the agony of the mass of Darfur; their daily struggles to overcome adversity, their aspirations and their hopes. It sought to raise the tale of Us as jesus of the world."
He also takes aim at Madonna's documentary on poverty in Malawi, which he argues casts Malawians as victims: "Throughout the documentary, Malawi and done it Africa is bare of self initiative. The history of persistent failure and misery makes you mean that there is nothing positive that happens in that country - except of course Madonna`sapparent wonderment that in spite of their poverty, Malawians are still happy: The children play, the youths smile and cheer, the elderly laugh and hug each other in mutual affection. What is wanting is the level of innovation in Malawi; the business people who are creating new ways to give money and therefore employing hundreds of thousands; the farmers who are improving their wellbeing through adoption of modern farming technologies; young professionals like those in Kenya who created mobile money that is changing life on our continent without extraneous aid; and small traders and craftsmen and women who are creating many things out of nothing."
More commentary from Mr. Mwenda: "Towards the end [of Madonna's documentary], [former U.S. President Bill] Clinton comes back with a comment - 'Africans are quick to harness their own problems,' he says, 'but they are looking for somebody to assist them, to endow them.' Possibly, but why can`t we empower ourselves and just let others help us on our own terms? Besides, who are these helpers? What are their interests and motivations? Well, Africa has been involved in days of parroting the thought of others about who we are, what we are and what we need. It is time for us to compose our own call and talk it. Madonna and all the form people of this man cannot save Africa. Only Africans can redeem themselves."
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