If you are a resident of the United States May you have felt or noticed Facilities warmth that emanates from tensions within the Black community. You May have felt the mutual suspicion, comments and intense competition between African-American, Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Latino and African communities. There is a tension within the African community. In some enclaves and professional sectors, the heat stemming from these tensions can be unbearable. Often wonder why a person with common ancestry, common history and common life experiences engage in self-immolating, self-defeating and self-hating tendencies. What is the problem?
Let's start with the Africans. Most Africans I have come to know or communicate with the suspicious and the love of hate, Nigerians. I do not think that at the individual level. I spoke in the collective or general terms. Wherever I go, I hear the Congo, Togolese, Sierra Leoneans, Liberians and South Africans and others speak ill of Nigerians. They hate the fact that Nigerians are "too aggressive, " "too dishonest, " "like to show off your wealth"and "always loud." They associate Nigerians (and Nigerians only) with "419", even if their nationals have been caught committing a crime.
Personally, what is the definition of "too aggressive." Does it mean that Nigerians are faster and better understanding of the system and society are in? Does it mean that Nigerians, on the basis of their worldview, education and experiences, get acculturated faster and better than other Africans? Does that mean they know how to stretch and bend rules to suit their conditions? Does it mean that Nigerians are generally never afraid or intimidated by their new environment? Does this mean that they are capable of causing the system? Does it mean that Nigerians have the highest per capita doctor in the U.S. than any other group? Does that mean they know how to navigate the system better than others? Regardless of the "too aggressive" means, they are always grateful when Nigerians show them the ropes, help them in difficult situations and introduce them with a wider circle of benefits and understanding of America.
To be in some Nigerian cities and in some ethnic enclaves are a wanderer. Africans from Mozambique, Tanzania, Botswana, Angola, Zambia, Kenya and other east and southern African countries can not say enough about the "monsters and crooks" who live in their countries. I hear it every time. And indeed, some Africans are not happy with the fact that Nigerians have a large presence in their educational system.
To the Nigerians nou'veaux wealth in some of these African countries is a source of jealousy. Unfortunately, when confronted, most of these Africans have never associated with or personally known such new-Nigerians. They've only "heard of Nigerians" who fit their flawed expectation. And they sing the song so loudly that everyone they meet, painting Nigerians as the enemy.
Unfortunately, one also hears African-Americans, Afro-Caribbeans and Afro-Latinos Nigerians complain. pictures you have Blacks in Nigerians is not unlike other Africans. Nigerian trying to secure a professional job or contract - as if African-American head office - will find it an uphill task or battle. If no one else hears the conversation, You May be queried, grilled, toyed with and asked unethical questions just to make you loose your composure. Generally speaking, Nigeria stands a better chance for employment or to review the level playing field if you are a man or woman on top is a non-black. For whatever reason, African-American women do not share the opinion of their male counterparts on Nigerians.
Back to Africans: what it is about Nigeria and Nigerians that vexes them? Nigeria is not an imperialist nation. We neither invade nor occupy other countries. We do not have expansionist tendencies. We are neither crusading nation lording over the West African sub-region. Even within the African continent, we generally help, and are a good neighbor. Basically, everything we do is help other African countries in terms of their industry and / or political independence. Although Nigeria has its own problems will continue to expend time and energy and other resources to fellow African countries.
One out of every five Africans is Nigerian. Without Nigeria, nearly 40% of sub-Saharan African countries make it difficult to gain independence or be in existence today. Our country remains the salvation in several African countries. Even some Caribbean countries have been helped Nigeria, economically, we staff the majority of its medical facilities and schools. Since 1970, or somewhere, Nigeria has spent billions of dollars towards peacekeeping and economic and political stabilization missions. In addition, thousands of Nigerians have lost their lives in service of those countries. But what we are for all of these efforts? Contempt and ridicule and hatred?
Really, what Nigeria and Nigerians seem to African-American, Afro-Latin and Afro-Caribbean communities deserve the hostility that is mainly directed at us? If others hate us for obvious reasons and unobservable, which is the second of Africans?
What is their problem? Will someone please advise Nigerian except me?
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