I remember growing up watching soap operas on TV and see how the characters would be all glammed up, driving nice cars, living in nice houses and i would think to myself, wow life in USA is great. Well, there are people here who live that life of luxury, but just like in any other part of the world, it is just a percentage of the general population that live that good.
Now, for many foreigners in this country, you know trying to explain to people at home that you have your daily struggles here they may not understand. Some would accuse you of having forgotten where you came from, or that you have changed, or some you just don’t want to help the people you left behind anymore. It is hard making some friends and family understand that here the average family end up living paycheck to paycheck. You spend almost everything you earned on bills, school, or other essentials to survive, and when you do save it is only a small fraction of what you earn.
On the other hand, there are people that are in the developing countries like for example African countries that are filthy rich. Some parts of Africa too are very developed, most people spend cash and not live on credit, they own their homes, cars etc, but what is shown on TV here are the areas that are NOT quite developed. They show the wild, dry, famine-stricken places, but this is not all there is of Africa. There are several young entrepreneurs there, educated youth, and growth in foreign business investments. People with mansions of their own, and just doing really great.
So the next time you see a tourist in your African road, don’t just assume they are filthy rich, and when you do hear your neighbor is from Africa, don’t just assume they lived under a tree or beat up mud house either. For the families left behind by loved ones, realize that living abroad is not as easy as what you watch on Tv, people do work hard, or even harder to keep up with the expenses, so be patient with each other.
Really, one doesn’t need to compare Africa and USA to realize life is not a reality Tv show, i guess once put into words it is what it is, heck – just look out your window, you will see what it truly is.
Good night.
You are very right Sophia. Maybe 50years I go people were living in mud house not today Bwana. I remember last 2years I went to Moshi-Kilema (my village), I couldn’t imagine the beautiful houses I saw. Even those family that we use to help previously, today wana nyumba ya tofali. I was amazed. Again if you come to big town like D’Salaam, Mwanza, Arusha e.t.c. cleaver people own houses. You can imagine my office assistance own a house a good house at Tegeta. I was shocked when I paid a visit to her house, I sat down and cried, then I thank God for her life, I am learing a lot from her.
I use to have an impression that when people are in Europe/Us they are very rich. But this was proven wrong to me while I went to live in France and almost ended-up parking meat at the Supermarket. What a Nightmare with my degree. I came back home. I tried to look for a job with Faith that God was on my Side. I found a very good job and today my life has changed dramatically. I have constructed a house of my dream, I am married to a very young and handsome guy. We live in my husband’s house, with 1 house girl, 1 Security guard and a Gardener. I would have never done it if I was in France. I use to live in a Flat not in Bungalow as today. At least now I can help my family, when necessary. But I remember the time in France I was requesting money from my uncles and sisters every time. So the Wazungu should not think that, what they see on TV is the reality in Africa, No no note at all. We have big Malls here (e.g. Mlimani City, Millennium Tower etc), very Nice houses, very rich people are here as well, and if they want to know the truth about Africa, they should come down. Be well Sophia.
Phillipina, I could have never said it better, Bravo!! Also congratuations Phillipina, I wish you many great successes to you and your lovely husband!
WOW Sophia what a wonderful article and blog in general. I saw this from facebook on Shili’s page and decided to pay a visit. I am loving what am seeing. Congrats!
Thanks Rita!