“Trump’s insult: a true description of developing nations?”
January 24
A crude description used by the U.S. President spoke loudly about bias and need for historical context, writes Munguongeyo Ivan, 24, a Correspondent from Kampala, Uganda.
I am a close follower of international politics, because they shape the development discourse of developing countries.
Recently, the media was awash with what some would call “a racist and reprehensible” attack by US President Donald Trump, who irrationally called the African, Haiti and El Salvador nations “shithole countries”.
He further questioned why nationals of these countries have been permitted to enter the United States. Such derogatory statements are disrespectful to these nations and an abuse to their sovereignty.
Before the Americans could get their acts together and be where they are today, they too underwent a series of pragmatic and archaic transformations that are identical with those of African nations. Besides, there was no way that African nations like Liberia could develop when America was siphoning off and exploiting her resources for its own benefits. Libya could not also develop when America controlled her oil deposits.
Is there no unemployment in the US? Are there no street beggars there? Are there no people struggling to access medical services in the US? How about crime rates, armed robbery and hooliganism?
The US had also suffered a series of wars, and history tells us she has been heavily defeated and on her knees. Oh Mighty America, why did you fail in the Vietnam War? Oh Mighty America, why did Somalia hang you on a rod? Oh Mighty America, why are you shivering over Syria? Oh Mighty America, why couldn’t you stop the September 11, 2001 terror attacks?
Before the Second European War of 1939-1945, little was known about Africa by this state called America. Personally, I do not blame Donald Trump and whoever will speak ill against particularly the African states. This is because there are many people out there who write about Africa and African people yet they know little about this continent.
Former Mexican President Vicente Fox, who has been one of the outspoken critics of Trump, said in a colorful tweet that “America’s greatness was built on diversity”. He further added that Trump’s mouth was “the foulest shithole in the world”. America shouldn’t be reminded of its migration background and ethnicity. We do not need to talk much about this because it is all well known.
The African countries can become greater, as they used to be before European and American civilisation, colonialism, mercantilism and now neo-colonialism (globalisation), by undoing the mistakes her leaders have been making, particularly corruption, nepotism and shortfalls of democracy.
But we all know that these so called “powerful states” not only squandered African resources, but also left African nation states groaning in pain and agony as her liberty and resources were taken, as her people were forcibly shipped across the Atlantic Ocean to work for European and American sugar barons and on plantations, thus championing the development America boasts of today.
Our grandfathers built the US and Britain, and were responsible for the 19th century industrial revolution in Europe because of the cheap labour they provided these states.
Donald Trump should respect the sovereignty of states, whether poor or stronger.
Reach me at ivantorres967@gmail.com
photo credit: Gage Skidmore Donald Trump via photopin (license)
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About me: I am Munguongeyo Ivan, from Kampala, Uganda. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Development Studies from Makerere University and currently am pursuing Master’s Degree in Rural Development at the same University. My aim is to be a lecturer in the development studies discipline. I also have wide knowledge in serving local communities and specifically working with NGOs to improve on the welfare of the rural poor. I am currently a volunteer with an NGO called Hands of Love Foundation.
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Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Commonwealth Youth Programme. Articles are published in a spirit of dialogue, respect and understanding. If you disagree, why not submit a response?
To learn more about becoming a Commonwealth Correspondent please visit: http://www.yourcommonwealth.org/submit-articles/
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