Ethiomind - "It's better to light a candle than curse the darkness"

Ethiopianism - Part III

noreply@blogger.com (ethiomind) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 07:36:00 +0000

Ethiopianism - Part III

“...It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness...” Eleanor Roosevelt

"...I am a citizen of humanity ..." Montesquieu

“... humanity comes before ethnicity ... no one is free until all are free...” Obang Metho

My attempt to untie the knots that are looped around the myths and commonly accepted definitions of what truly means to be an Ethiopian led me to embark in to a whole new avenue. To my amazement most of the ‘thinking points’ I brought up in my last two writings, Ethiopianism Part I and Part II, and the many other questions that are lingering in my mind seem to take a whole new dimension in this outlook I have been meditating.

This outlook is the best way (if not the only way) to make sense of what Ethiopianism is all about; it states being a real Ethiopian comes after holding a solid grip of being a human being. First and foremost, I was born a human being. Then by sheer luck or heavenly design I am of Ethiopian origin – a person that has a strong tie to the land and its ancestral positioning.

Many, leaders and writers, echoed the notion of “... humanity before ethnicity and everything else...” And a message of acceptance and reconciliation at the very root of humanity resonates with me very well (including the convincing messages of Obang Metho).

This outlook helps explain how some traits are inherent and others voluntarily adapted. Traits like; being born black, from Amharic and Oromigna speaking Christian family and being born in Addis were endowed to me and I had no saying towards them. Understanding how some of these inherent behaviors (language, religion and tribal/ethnic affiliation) are common to all humanity enables me to embrace every person with respect and compassion.

Hence, it is the foundation block to establishing a harmonious society that values humanity and human dignity above all else (like ethnicity, language, village, religion and even political party). As professor Al-Mariam noted “...“humunity” and “younity”... is unity based not on ethnicity or nationality but on the core universal values of human dignity...”

When we uphold humanity above all else, we will make room to accept our fellow men and women despite their uniqueness. There will be no room for bigotry, tribal bias and looking down on others. Jesse Jackson once said “...Don’t look down on people unless you want to help them up...”

We will choose to do away with narrow and localized tribal mindset. We will do away with an exaggerated pride in the past and willing engaged to create the new Ethiopian; that is rooted in mutually agreed on common vision, the new Ethiopia where every citizen feels free and safe to experience his/her basic human right (the right to exist as a dignified human being).

A vision that is committed to building the “New Ethiopia” where humanity thrives is a vision strong enough to make me and my seed live and die for!!!

More resources:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIp12LosjwU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ideiu3ED3yU

Pazion - 2011

Ethiopianism - Part II

noreply@blogger.com (ethiomind) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 05:23:00 +0000

“A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many want in.. And how many want out.”
― Tony Blair

I had a great dialogue with a friend of mine about this obsession of the meaning of being an Ethiopian, which seems to sprawl its roots in me. We consciously attempted to flip every historical footprint that is ever declared on behalf of our birthplace.

We gazed at the chronicles; from the tribe of Kush to Queen Sheba, from the Axumites to the era of the Kings, from the fables to the controversial declaration of what being an Ethiopian mean for a native of the land.

Our upbringing was filled with the mystical and heroic stories of Ethiopia and Ethiopians that the feeling of greatness hovers above our head like a piece of blessed cloud. It is almost impossible to assert one’s Ethiopian identity outside this prideful curtain that is most deeply rooted in the historic “past”.

But then reality hits; why in the world, how in the world, these glamorous and prideful existence led many, Ethiopians, go astray like flock of sheep without a shepherd. Tony Blair once quoted “A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many want in.. And how many want out.” As we Ethiopians jokingly say, almost every person would like to leave the land – if given a chance. Our self dismantling way of life is not a sign of a great nation and its people!

So, I wonder, and then what does being an Ethiopian really mean? If the historical account is put aside, if the arrogant curtain of “...I’m better than you, we are better than everybody, we are greater than everybody ...” bluff rolled up, what is the real meaning of being an Ethiopia to each native?

I’m still digging!

Pazion - 2011

Ethiopianism - Part I

noreply@blogger.com (ethiomind) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 23:43:00 +0000

If you are ashamed to stand by your country, you had better seek another flag. ~Author Unknown

Reading the above quote made me ponder, puzzle, gaze, stare and wonder. Like millions of my fellow Ethiopian, I left the land for betterment of myself and (possibly my family and my fellow country man). But, it never occurred to me that my journey was rooted on shame of the state of my native land Ethiopia or that I sought for another flag.

The quote almost forced me reflect on an article I read on abugidainfo website, where the writer, named Yared Ayicheh, described how the behavior of some Ethiopian he encountered in the paltalk platform ( what he called “Paltopians”) caused him feel so shameful that he concluded with a lamentation “ I wish I’m an American”.

I don’t deny or betray my Ethiopian upbringing; neither I lament wishing what I could’ve never been. But, I am yet to find an Ethiopian that is not perplexed by the continuous impoverished state of our existence. I am yet to meet this individual, who, with boldness and confidence confesses what Ethiopia really is.

The type of exaggerated picture of Ethiopia; that the 3 thousand year old history, a gift from God, a nation with unprecedented natural wealth, and a nation that is a role model to the human race... the type hyper inflate picture of Ethiopia hasn’t stopped millions of us from fleeing the nation as if running away from a disease infested rat hole.

As for me - there is only one condition that will enable me to lift my head up with an Ethiopian pride – when my nation’s beggar hands that have stretched for generation are folded down and begin carrying our own head; that is the only beginning of the end to our shameful placement in the face of the world.

What does Ethiopianism mean to me? I’m still digging!

Pazion - 2011

Ethiopia - Alternate View of Governance and public engagement!

noreply@blogger.com (ethiomind) — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 20:41:00 +0000

The one thing a visitor observes when visiting the US house of representative and the Independence Hall (where the fore-fathers signed the declaration of independence) is a phrase “...we the people...” It is reminder of a couple of essential facts; first the real leader of the nation is the citizens of the country and second the leaders are elected to serve the people. These two facts are the very core foundations to a real democracy.

Our nation Ethiopia has its fair share of political upheaval that has left us a sour taste in the mouth at the mention politics. It is understandable why our society has a confused perception of politics. Our political exposure is either biased or at best delusional. Some are scared of politics recall a saying with sarcasm, “... politics and electric is from distance...” Others think it has to be “...their way or the highway...” and they randomly paint any individual with different view than theirs with the paint of animosity.

The significant numbers of our citizen are political nomads and passive participants. Their concern doesn’t surpass from a simple and idle chatter over coffee. And the depth of the conversation is as deep as he say, she say current affair. It is equally pertinent that the government needs to create conducive environment that the majority of the people it claims to serve. All inclusive governance has transparency and accountability written all over its front page. Hence, the government’s primary responsibility should include educating and explaining what it is doing to benefit, protect, and empower the public. In return the public have a responsibility to work with the government for the betterment of the country’s overall health.

Accountability and responsibility is a two way transaction. We Ethiopians should abandon our passive observant political position and work towards building the confidence of the statement “we the people”. Yes, many have given up hope and some even contemplated if it is ever possible to have a governance that closely emulates the western political reality. Call me naïve, but I strongly believe it is quite possible.

To be continued...!

Pazion

I love Ethiopia!...? – Part II

noreply@blogger.com (ethiomind) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 03:36:00 +0000

I love Ethiopia! … Really? – Part II

“The men who followed Him were unique in their generation. They turned the world upside down because their hearts had been turned right side up. The world has never been the same. “Billy Graham

In part I of the “I love Ethiopia” series I attempted to inquire the exact texture of the love we claim we have for our country. We have the type of patriotism that boils our blood in the notion of protecting the mother land. Our tear bags broke loose when we watch the Teddy Afro’s Anbessa Youtube Clip . We are full of enlivened when we refer to our new year or the idea of ‘hager alegn’ slogan. It is all good!

If this burning passion of our upbringing, our communal identity, our protectiveness of the historical heritage we inherited; if this deep sense of ‘love for Ethiopia’ can’t compelled us to strive to make our Ethiopia the best and the greatest, then it is an illusion of a passive love that has no real impact aside from the ‘move-screen’ display it is being played. I used the quote “He loves his country best who strives to make it best” to make a point that our sense of love is measured by how much engaged we are in making Ethiopia the best.
Our Communal identity, in my opinion, is both our blessing and our curse. Our attachment enables us to dine together, to celebrate together, and to cry together; but it seems to lack to enable us to work together, to strive together or to envision together. It is sad but true that at times I have seen our “Ethiopian” people joining hands with our enemies in an attempt to ‘destroy’ the ruling governance. Little they know they are carelessly destroying the nation and its resource that can lift up their livelihood. An inquiry mind wants to know who has stolen their sense of right and wrong. I have no intention in supporting or denouncing governance but rather I question the motives that drive us to destroy our nation that we claim we love; I question the sincerity of bringing about pseudo-change that is not founded on collaboration or mutual growth.
Unless our heart, our mind and our world turned to “the right side up”, it will be a wishful thinking of having a love relationship with the idea of ‘our beloved Ethiopia’. When we have the right motive, we are like well equipped warriors who are determined to never stop until the beloved nation is transformed. We are willing to collaborate and pour our sweat for the betterment of our people. We are so determined not to leave behind a scrambled and a dead nation held by a thin thread of survival. We are happy about our brother’s success that we abstain putting a trap underneath his feet.
When we go beyond the “passive love of coffee shop conversation”, when we surpass the pseudo ‘die for country’ slogan that fuels corruption and separation, when we look in to the eye of our neighbor and are willing to accept him/her for who they are but not their tribal identity, when Ethiopia is tattooed in our heart beyond the three color of our flag, when our unity is more than the causes that separate us – then we can boldly say “I’m the new generation who has so much love and passion for my nation Ethiopia”!

So, do you really love Ethiopia?

I love Ethiopia! … Really? – Part I

noreply@blogger.com (ethiomind) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:07:00 +0000

I love Ethiopia! … Really?

“He loves his country best who strives to make it best” | Robert Green Ingersoll

Love is many things, at times it replaces feelings otherwise can’t be explained adequately. Recently, I read a Facebook page that has a description “I will die for Ethiopia”. And it became an inspiration to the many series of articles I would like to discuss about.

To die for a country is beyond the shallow definition of love! At the same time it is in order to mention that I have no intention to dissect and bisect the very raw definition of the word “love” – unless I find it relevant.

So, here it is. Do you love Ethiopia? When we say "we love Ethiopia" what do we try to communicate? Do we mean we love the people? Do we mean we love the land, the green-yellow-red flag? Do we like the positioning of our country in the face of the world? or is it about our historical heritage?

Many Ethiopians have a deep sense of patriotism that is mostly rooted on the foundational pillars build by our history. Yes we are proud that it is the only nation that had never been colonized! Yes we are a nation with thousands years of historical heritage! Yes we are a nation with an old and unique scripted language. Yes, we are … ! Yes, we are …! ….

Where is the love? Where is your love? I will end this introductory article with the quote I began from Robert Green “… He who strives to make his country best, he loves his country best …” do you really love Ethiopia?

to be continued.

Whose Nile?

noreply@blogger.com (ethiomind) — Thu, 20 May 2010 02:37:00 +0000

“…
I am the first Earth Mother of all fertility
I am the Source I am the Nile I am the African I am the beginning
O Arabia, how could you so conveniently have forgotten
While your breath still hangs upon the threads of my springs
O Egypt, you prodigal daughter born from my first love
I am your Queen of the endless fresh waters
Who rested my head upon the arms of Narmer Ka Menes
When we joined in one our Upper and Lower Lands to create you
bosom of my being
How could you so conveniently count down
In miserable billions of petty cubic yards
The eternal drops of my life giving Nile to you
Beginning long before the earth fell from the eye ball of heaven,
O Nile, that gush out from my breath of life
Upon the throats of the billions of the Earth's thirsty multitudes,
O World, how could you so conveniently have forgotten
That I, your first fountain, I your ever Ethiopia
I your first life still survive for you?
I rise like the sun from the deepest core of the globe … “
Laureate Tsegaye Gebre-Medhin

For my generation, that grew up in the dergu regime, Blue Nile ( ‘Abay’) was like a famous uncle we never met who lives in a far far land. We sang songs about it, along with Luci, Axum, Lalibella - it was our pride moment. But, Abay has always been mysterious to me. The relationship it has to my beloved land and its people is a strange one. We love Abay, but it takes the richness of our land away to un-friendly neighbors - who pray for our dismay. We marvel its magnificence, but it gushes to beautify the desert resorts of Egypt and Sudan.

Tourist’s camera clinks to capture its sacred smokes of water, but its youthful strength leaves our arid land behind and flows hurrying to the luxury of estranged places. An inquiry mind asked and curiosity has reached its cap. Now we want to redefine our relationship to our water, which takes our resources, our rich soil, and our rich heritage to an uncharted territory. And we are being threatened not to dare? Just because the Brits, in a colonial mindset, has an agreement with Egypt and Sudan how the water was supposed to be utilized; because they had made pacts over our resource with other nations, excluding us – the source of it all.

It is so ironic to blatantly tell us not a single drop can be touched of Nile. It is a new era, a new generation – so get a new paradigm neighbors. It is true that we Ethiopians are profound guest receptors; we are the good mannered people who love to share what they have with whoever is lacking. Yes, despite the famine, despite the poverty. Yes, we love to share! That being said, we don’t like others to take advantage of us our generosity. We don’t like to be taken as ignorant fools. We never gave in to colonization. We don’t like to be ridden as damn donkeys!

So, we will allow you to use our resource, our soil, our Nile – only at our terms and conditions. So, let’s negotiate! That is a civil way resolving the Nile issue.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aY69Minqsfc

Confusion - the state of mind of Ethiopian relationship!

noreply@blogger.com (ethiomind) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 06:48:00 +0000

Confusion – the state of mind of Ethiopian relationship!

When you ask a simple question like “How old are you?”, then don’t be surprised by various responses you will get from fellow habeshoch. At best you will get “hmm, I’m “xx” and smile! True, in the Habesha hemisphere age might not be a good gauge to evaluate deeper elements like relationships. Mind you, by relationship, I’m not appealing only a ‘relationship of opposite sexes’. But, if I give scores to relationships, the intimate relationship ( … between lovers …) might get a high score ( in my score board).

The habitual and casual things we do, (like having multiple birthdates, change of names and other obscure elements) for the sake of survival, creeps on to our life when we attempt to live a “meaningful righteous life”.

Innately we have the desire to live a ‘righteous’ life; but, unknowingly (or knowingly) we have crossed the boundary of “right” – because we have to survive, because we have to help family, because everybody is doing it, because…

I, by no means, have the desire to judge and criticize the various ways of living arrangement most habeshoch practices. But, when I see the same people pass judgment and criticism on others, it literally disgusts me. More importantly; when double-standard seems to be the “norm” amongst us Ethiopians, the stench is unbearable.

All the craziness aside, at least people deserve to have a ‘truthful’ life. After all, isn’t the Biblical Paradigm that teaches us to “… come as we are?...”. For someone who is aware of his weaknesses, who is aware of the “imperfect” life he has led, there is no room to arrogantly echo “his way or the high way” adage.

Furthermore, if one chooses to consciously conceal some elements of her identity, I wouldn’t want to marry her, I wouldn’t want to be her friend, I wouldn’t want to conspire with her. If one is not trust worthy to himself/herself, then he/she you will never be worthy of my trust.

So, let’s be more open, more truthful and less judgmental. This will help eliminate the confused state of mind most Ethiopians live in.

Trade !... Not Aid! Ethiopia's/Africa's Cry!

noreply@blogger.com (ethiomind) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 01:16:00 +0000

Growing up in a city that is comparative to New York City, in its ability to reside so many non profits and other aid base offices, I had an opportunity to see the “glamorous” side of non-profit
organizations.

Addis Ababa is a city that showcase non-profit licensed cruisers and sporty cars, a site of high paying non-profit exec. foreigners crowding “elite” restaurants, bars and entertainment venues and highly paid local non-profit employees enjoy the benefit of aid.

Almost everyone prefers to work for these, “good doer” “non-profits”. The one element that I had faced to see, living in western hemisphere, is that the “ugly” side of the very existence of non-profit organizations.

TV infomercials of hungry and starved faces overwhelm you day in and out; with the promise of delivering your hard earned dollar to the “cause” and with a warning that the fates of these unlucky, impoverished souls are “destined to perish” with out your help – then you will just wonder! You just wonder how the “cause” is really true!

You try to make sense of how the squandering habits of non-profits help alleviate the pain of poverty stricken souls! You try to reckon how it creates a hope necessary to lift up the heavy burdened existence of the poor!

Here, I would like to point out that there are real “good-doer” non-profits out there, doing what seems unthinkable, feeding the hungry, sheltering the abandon, treating the sick and giving hope to the hopeless.

But, many non-profits exist feeding in to vicious cycle of the begging-donating-begging. These days, it starts to sadden my soul every single time I see one of these infomercials. There is a saying: “…give someone a fish, you will feed him for a day. But, teach him how to fish, you will allow him feed himself for a lifetime…” (Paraphrased!). The work of non-profits should be to create hope and sustainability, to show someone “how to fish”; to help transfer deprived souls from their current reality to a future filled with opportunity and hope! If a non-profit can’t deploy an objective of transformation and remain functioning at the premise of “continuous aid”, then it is pausing danger to people’s innate ability to overcome adversity to survive.

That is where I echo the slogan “… trade, not aid!..” . Yes! Non-profits are originated out of humanity’s good will to do good- a very commendable act! But, when it robs the very element of survival from humanity, just to maintain its existence, then its very existence to do well is questionable.
Teach people how to fish, open up the market space so that they can sell some of the fish, so that they can envision beyond survival. That really is a noble cause! That is Ethiopia is in need of, that is what Africa is in need of, that is what the world is in need of.

ETHIO-MIND .... -THE THOUGHT PROCESS OF ETHIOPIANS - ...: Ethiopian/African Poverty can be a state of mind!

noreply@blogger.com (ethiomind) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:34:00 +0000

ETHIO-MIND ...: Ethiopian/African Poverty can be a state of mind!

Ethiopian/African Poverty can be a state of mind!

noreply@blogger.com (ethiomind) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:10:00 +0000

For us human beings there is one element that we have control over, it is our ability to think what we choose to think. Whether we live under a strong hold, a dictator, a free world or under an impoverished state of life, we can think what we want.

As prosperity is primarily a state of mind, so are poverty and scarcity. Those who believe resources are limited and the gain of someone is a loss of another; then every inch of growth, every ounce of increase can be tied with a result of ripping off the other. Unfortunately those who uplift this weak notion of life as their norm, are either in dire poverty and live the gloom and doom or they are ripping off other people.

The fact that "Wealth is limited in once mind" is a concept that is very difficult to swallow. But, the journey begins in mind. I recall that we used to have a saying “nuro kalut mekaber yemokal”, a sad adaptation of “...the poor will get poorer...”.

But, I consciously decide to think along with the old saying “… elf silu elf yegegnal …”, yes think different and your life will be transformed forever. “..what the mind conceives, the mind perceives/achieves”. And with this fact, the lives of my people will be transformed; from poverty to prosperity, from scarcity and abundance.

Freedom of Speech! Really?

noreply@blogger.com (ethiomind) — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 23:40:00 +0000

See, it is so troubling when the very people who are fighting for freedom of speech , fighting back the very freedom of speech them selves. It is a pure paradoxical ignorance – at its best.

We Ethiopians, at times, love the warmth of the mob mentality. When it comes to opposing, dissing, lamenting, complaining, gaming up to pull someone down, we can form solidarity. we even have a saying that boasts itself “Ye Telate Telat Wedaje New” loosely translated “ the foe of my enemy is a friend of mine” - unfortunately it is true!

What is the point here? Recently I was so struck by some of so called “intellectuals” narrow minded view of freedom of speech.

Let’s get some facts straight:
1) The very thing I detest about the current government and other dictators is while freedom of speech is the right of humanity, they should not hold our mouth from speaking what our hearts compelled to utter.
2) Every one that posses a balanced out look of the world should be instrumental voicing up for core human rights violation; one being freedom of speech. We Ethiopians should voice up for the same cause when OUR government functions otherwise.
3) Any individual or organization or group that claims to defend this freedom of speech should not fall under the hypocritical path of double standard by becoming an anti-freedom themselves with their my way or the highway attitude.

What compelled me to speak of freedom of speech is the behavior so rampant in some of Ethiopians website sites, blogs and published materials. Some even go to the extreme to call names and to throw stones at any opinion that doesn’t seem to suit their shallow outlook of ‘the enemy of my foe…’ view. It is so shameful and embarrassing to claim the “peace-seeker” but to fail to be the “peace-maker”.
Then What seems to be true is:

1) If I have my opinion, then you get yours! Then, there should never be a reason why you are ready to kill me while you are preaching peace!
2) If your intention is to shut all the voices that sound different from ‘your own’, then you are no different from the very dictators who are committing atrocity on humanity.
3) By doing so, you are limiting the type of exposure and learning your might gain in shaping up your world outlook.
4) You make more enemies, and you prove that you are the worst type of Hypocrite the new Ethiopia would never accept.

We live in 22nd century; the world has changed so much. Our country, Ethiopia, has issues of the 19th century content. Broaden your mind (especially those in Diasporas and exposed to different ways of thinking), develop an all inclusive point of view. Even if you don’t accept an opinion don’t loose your sense of respect. That is the only way you gain respect back.
Once the great Mother Theresa was quoted saying :"I was once asked why I don't participate in anti-war demonstrations. I said that I will never do that, but as soon as you have a pro-peace rally, I'll be there."
See! The difference is in the outlook! If we seek freedom of speech, then we should practice and preach freedom-of-speech ourselves.

That is the new Ethiopia!

Missing Habesha Family & Friends

noreply@blogger.com (ethiomind) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 03:02:00 +0000

I run to the site refugee united while reading a newsletter from the blogcataloge effort and the theme for common blog platform is Bloggers Unite For Refugees. “A noble idea” was my initial feel. Then some how I felt ill! When dug deeper in to the site, the above link unfolded itself; where four of Ethiopian/Eritrean languages are represented.

Well it is cool that some thoughtful people prepared and funded a tool of sort. But, it is really sickening how bad, how severely we Habeshoch (Ethiopian, Eritrean …) are scattered on the face of the earth. Refugee!

I don’t fancy all the complex stats that a highly paid data cruncher from UN, USAID, ALMANAC… etc spits out every minute about the refugee profile. Millions of us live abroad mainly for economical reason, mainly because we are poor – although we pretend that we WERE NOT, mainly for betterment of our life span, our kids, our generation. That is alright, America was formed off of dreams and aspirations of refugees. (Mind you I’m wrapping immigrants to refugee’s bundle here).

But, is there an exodus of sort for us ‘scattered citizen’s of Ethiopia’, abandoned children of Africa?

I don’t know about you, but a dedication of sort, a rebuilding of the “mother land”, a sense of restoring and being restored, a sense of ownership, a sense of freedom from beggar attitude, a sense of freedom from slavery… is so vital for our sanity. It is way bigger and better to re-gather, recollect and restore the scattered seeds of Ethiopia, Africa…!

Ethiopian Millenium, me and you!

noreply@blogger.com (ethiomind) — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 14:07:00 +0000

It is a good reason to celebrate, since we are the only generation to make it to this Ethiopian millennium ( 2000), it only comes ones, it only changes ones. So, we hear that there is a great deal of preparation back at the homeland. this is true also in various cities of North America.

It is very refreshing that we celebrate our holidays in a magnificent manner,as a ritual. What makes the millennium unique is not just only it is a holiday, but it is a ONE time incident and it is the only opportunity for Ethiopia and Ethiopian to reflect.

Yes, we are proudly behind the world seven-eight years according to our Ethiopic calendar. But, the truth of the matter is we are also behind the whole wide world seven-eight centuries.

http://www.oxfam.org/en/programs/emergencies/eafricafoodcrisis/index.htm

What is the point? The point is that while we are celebrating our unique role in Africa and in the whole world, we need to remember we are also uniquely crippled for centuries. We have one opportunity, one unique time frame, one generation … with countless possibilities.

Let’s cling to the idea that “the time is now” to turn the country so rich with culture, but so stricken by poverty and corruption. Let’s believe and claim together “The generation is mine, the tools are my creativity, the people are my team who are determined to change the country/our country that has bowed down because of the heavy yoke of poverty, the heavy yoke of corruption”

There is only one millennium, there is only one opportunity, and that is coming! it is up to me and you, either to indulge in a very carnal "celebration" mood, or to craft a plan that will get us out of the dire poverty our families live in amass.

THE BEGGAR WITH-IN!

noreply@blogger.com (ethiomind) — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 01:22:00 +0000

I have to borrow some lines from my previous post and it should serve as a disclaimer for my postings.

As always the intent of this and many other writings in this blog (ethiomind) is just to unveil the age old question that boggles my mind every single day as I go through my life’s journey while living my mark behind.

Especially living abroad, due to economical reasons ONLY! (No matter how many do not admit it –), raising the very foundational identity questions meteyek is more and more relevant.

Also as always, if you think this doesn’t apply to you, then you are right it might not apply to you. But, if you think this might apply to you then you are right it directly applies to you.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The beggar mentality of Ethiopians is such a complex fact that the so called ‘well off’ individual are also fall in this category.

It is a known fact that Ethiopia is the poorest of the nations that cleaved/depended in the western charity just to survive. For a given country, not being able to sustain the survival of its people should be heartbreaking and it is sinking to the bottom of its existence. We can not go any lower than that. I don’t want to throw some political jabber and economical analysis to defend otherwise or give a fake reason why this has been happening.

It is quite clear that the level of begging differs, for the desperate creature who crawls in the streets of Addis and each major city – this seem to be the only solution. For the political leader who begs the extension of his western donation/IMF funding to sustain the so many ‘supposedly’ budgets, this is a way to guarantee his survival.

For the greedy crook who made himself rich through corruption and blood money, this is a way to sustain his pseudo class and forged riches.

The common ground is that they all are beggars who are ensnared themselves with the serious of choices. Some might say that “no! We Ethiopians are guest loving, sharing, very caring people by nature. We Ethiopians are the most God fearing society with lots of promises in the face of the earth. But, this government, this leader, this person’s misdeed, this … that … them… caused us to be who we are”.

Then I firmly disagree with this notion. Begging is a state of mind and THAT IS IT! It is true that the government, this leader, that leader,… etc might have a role to play in the degradation of our generation.

A leader who can only see his muscle and believes that he can play a role of God amongst the poorest of the world, he himself is deluded and of course mentally impoverished. A real enlighten political leader, religious leader, social leader or leader wanna be” should focus on empowering his own soul then bring empowerment to the people around him/ or whom he claims to lead.

What is even worst is that the so called ‘intellectuals’ choose to indulge themselves in the sophisticated economical and political game that they are causing more pain than harm to the impoverished souls of Ethiopia.

The era, where we blindly claim in the past power and try to convince the world we are ‘something’ we “have” something - is long over. Unless we proof it, we are the poorest of nations – who can’t live a day with out our ‘begged’ bread like an insulin for a diabetic person.

Empowerment begins form self, he/she who is NOT mentally free from the snare of poverty, can not able to help others break the strong yoke of poverty and lack.

I will continue to blog more, but we have famous quotes like : “nuro kalut, mekaber yemokal” … or does it really? not for me! and I dont' call that L-I-F-E.

I believe that there is a bright solution if we admit our stance and willing to do something about it!

So, the thing about ETHIOPIA being "left behind" - PART II

noreply@blogger.com (ethiomind) — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 04:47:00 +0000

Being left behind, in many readers sight has an implication of retardation or a sign of weak spirited or a sign of un-ability to cope with or even worse some might claim it being lazy.

The thing about Ethiopia is a bit different. From the angle I’m approaching my country’s alignment at the rear gate of the world civilization; the reason can be one or many of the above elements.

The first, and the most demeaning notion we Ethiopian’s have is our inability to see our ‘real’ stance.

We have many proverbs and sayings that imply a REAL overall growth is succeeded by a reflection of self. መጀመሪያ የዓይንህን ጉድፍ አውጣ! (first take out the Pillar from your eye.. before...)

But, we choose not to do an iota of self examining. As I had mentioned this fact repeatedly, I still find myself falling back to this reality. We need to stop pretending to be who “we are not” and accept who we are. Or be able to see where we stand.

Now, the real retard really is someone who ‘chooses’ to be blinded by a ‘false self exaltation’ that is blanketed by a history that neither he relates nor that might not even be true ( at least partially).

History is a great legacy to have in the package. He who doesn’t know where he came from or where he belongs is a confused may. But, a man who doesn’t know where he stands and where he is going is deluded- and that is worst!

So we, Ethiopian’s, decide which direction we are heading, as an individual or as a whole country. Towards the future or … rehearse the same old “empty pride of history” that doesn’t fill our stomach?????

ETHIOPIA :- A NATION LEFT BEHIND! PART I

noreply@blogger.com (ethiomind) — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 22:55:00 +0000

This is the first of many blogs, I plan to post!

After much soul searching, I reached to this conclusion. That most of us, Ethiopians, live in severe denial of the stance of our country Ethiopia in the sight of the world. Once again this is not an attempt to solve a generation old question “why Ethiopia is a world apart”, but it is an attempt to question some of our thinking patterns.

Growing up, as over three fourth of an un-fortunate citizens of this country, we learn the make believe story that we crammed from our public school and half slumber society. All of a sudden we grew up and found ourselves facing with the harsh reality with an un-true self image of being an Ethiopia, and what Ethiopia embodies to us.

My first awakening came on my arrival to America in the late 90’s. I was amazed with not only the very complex roads and infrastructures, but also how green the country was. Wow….! I was made to believe that Ethiopia was/is the most greenish nation on the planet earth. Since then, my questioning mind never rested but questioned ideas like “Ethiopia, was the only nation chosen by God, with so many divine promises. Ethiopia was the only nation that has so much natural resources, wild animals and diverse tribal existence. We are actually not black, but we are brown people with special culture, tradition and history. We are the nation that was never been colonized in the face of the 19^th century, we are the land that was filled with hero’s like Tewodros. We are a unique nation that deserves the attention of the whole world.”

But, reality as harsh as it always is, explicitly announces Ethiopia as a nation that heavily relies on begging to survive on the face of the earth. A nation full of citizens where ‘pride has more important place than winning a daily bread’, a nation full of citizens who chose to live in the past glory they have never seen, but have no future plan that they don’t think they will exist tomorrow.’

I had to face this ruthless reality before I started peeling off the garbage that has been build generations ago. Garbage that buried the truth so deep, that we made to believe what doesn’t represent the truth as the truth.

Are we really who we say we are? Or rather, are we really who we ‘think’ we are?

I will keep peeling off the garbage of our thought pattern…. Hang on write back.

Selam Qwou. Teyakiw

“MY WAY OR THE HIGH WAY… PART II” of ETHIOPIAN’S APPROACH!

noreply@blogger.com (ethiomind) — Sun, 10 Sep 2006 08:47:00 +0000

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The story goes like this:

A peasant raised a dog, this dog used cause all kinds of troubles. This peasant repeatedly warned the dog, but the dog did not cease its misbehaving and its mischievous acts.

One day this exasperated peasant took the dog to the weekly market, and then he started yelling … “Mad dog, Mad dog … Watch out!”. The crowd started to throw stones at this mischievous dog……

The peasant got his revenge… and the story of the dog foiled down sadly….

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Selam All,

Some of the comments I have received after the last ‘my way or the highway’ blog implied that it is a worthy/healthy thing to self-examine. I agree with you. As Socrates once said ‘The unexamined life is not worth living. ... Wisdom begins in wonder. ... There is only one good, knowledge, and one evil, ignorance.' “

Then I don’t see why some of you readers think, shining a light up-on my Ethiopian way of thinking, my brain wiring and my expression in the world would be wrong?

And then again, I asked my self the job of 'teyaki' in 'ethiomind' is to ask questions on how we Ethiopian’s think. A Question that tickles our inner most brain cells. And the hope is that some day many of us might find ourselves awake from our day dreaming.

The one and most absurd comment I have received is that I might be a banda, who is hired by the government. An idea like this seems to be one of the recent fad, which is spreading faster than the Californian wild fire. What a stretch!

Pointing out that the idea of ‘my way or the highway approach’ doesn’t serve Ethiopia and Ethiopian’s doesn’t mean upholding the government philosophy. Or it doesn’t require being a hired pen to express my opinion. Thanks to the technology.

Of course, I had said that the so called ‘intellectuals’ pretension to know ALL the answers to Ethiopia and there is no other view than their ‘sophisticated’ approach… is just an eerie feeling.

This extends to all disciplines of study and walk of life. Our strength and our power is in our mutual acceptance to one another and respect the other person’s opinion. At the end of the day the winner is the all inclusive person/race.

But, it triggered another issue that is equally important in Ethiopian’s way of thought process. It is label giving and calling names. Especially those we have a ‘beef’ with. Well, the world was supposed to revolve around us – I guess.

Zemene Mesafint, Zemene Negestat, Zemene Derg, Zemene Zenawi… it is imperative to know that the years, days ‘zemenochu’ are changing and we are in the year of technology & communication zemene siltane….. but we haven’t graduadted from the SAME school of thought.

It is sickening to hear and see us ‘Ethiopian’s’ (especially the once living in the western hemisphere) still dwell in our ‘comfort zone’ while in reality we live in amnesia. That we don’t know or remember we are suffering from sleep paralysis. We are W-A-Y behind from the whole world. We can’t afford to live in a very narrow approach of life, in a narrow kind of circle, in a very narrow kind of existence.

I found it to be very comical that we demand even the ‘westerns’ should accept this bias of ours. Well for some-one who defines the boundaries and the standards, it might be a legitimate demand to make. But, are we, can we???? Not really.

Let’s stop putting name tags and labels. Let’s stop hair splitting, and see our REAL stance on face of the world. Physicians tell us the awareness of the problem is the first step in finding the real solution.

These are my two cents, I blog on

So, hang on… write back

Selam Qwou.
(ethiomind@gmail.com)

“MY WAY OR THE HIGH WAY…” of ETHIOPIAN’S APPROACH!

noreply@blogger.com (ethiomind) — Fri, 04 Aug 2006 20:37:00 +0000

Selam wud zegoch,

As I stated repeatedly in the past Blogs, it is not the intent of this blog ( ethio-mind) to place all Ethiopians under the same ‘category’. But, it is my personal assessment on what seems to be the most obscure contradiction that invaded most of ‘us’ Ethiopians. And by doing so, I am intended to question tiaque our very approach, our attitude and our view.

These days it is almost impossible to embrace very optimistic approach of Ethiopian politics, Ethiopian culture, Ethiopian survival, Ethiopian accomplishment,… in general Ethiopian existence with out getting a huge chastisement for not adhering to the ‘norm’ of following the crowd.

Even the so called ‘intellectuals’ seem to buy in to the idea of ‘my way or the high way..’ approach in solving the many complex issues we Ethiopian face inside and out of the country.

Individually, to take a good use of a given opportunity (especially for those of us who dwell in the western hemisphere), sometimes requires to be an outcast.

If you don’t do the same way a family member wants, the same way aparent wants, the same way the community wants, then it is a given that you will be judged, criticized and chastised.

As a society we seem to have a ‘simple’ solution to every problem we face, but we haven’t discovered a healing medicine to our SEVERE POVERTY. We seem to know all political formulas, but we still dwell in the propaganda of ‘if you don’t support THIS party or THAT party, you are a trader of Ethiopia’.
More and more I am struck to learn the so called ‘intellectuals and professionals’ per se are pretending to be they are the master of ALL solutions regarding Ethiopian individuals or the overall country.

They can’t avoid but falling in to promoting what the ‘yekolotemari’ blogger ‘wegesha’ called it Double Standard

If we have Ethiopian medical doctors, it is wonderful… we need lots of them to positively contribute to improve the lives of the so many Ethiopian’s. But, they can’t and should not pretend to know all the answers concerning Ethiopia and Ethiopians.

If we have Ethiopian Economists, all power to them… Ethiopia’s need for a seasoned economist is unquestionable. But, they can’t and should not pretend to know all the answers concerning Ethiopia and Ethiopians.

If we have Ethiopian Bankers, I’m proud of that too… each of us and Ethiopia needs their advice to learn how to play effectively in the financial world. But, they can’t and should not pretend to know all the answers concerning Ethiopia and Ethiopians.

And then again if we have experienced psychologist, psychiatrist or counselor, it is a wonderful… thing! Their expertise can be utilized in the ever confusing world and family turmoil our society is going through.

They could use their profession to educate and empower the lives of so many of us Ethiopians who are struggling everyday to balance our life with our family, to fit in the ever changing world community and also to build a strong family; from which our society and our country will be build of.

But, they can’t and should not pretend to know ALL the answers concerning Ethiopia and Ethiopians.

These and the so many professionals can play a significant role ( as shown by few Ethiopian role models). But, at the same time it is VERY SAD to hear and see some of these professionals grab a hold of an ideology that ‘if I am educated in these, then I should know better’ attitude and create contradiction to them selves.

Many of the recent political platforms can prove that, even though I’m impressed with their ‘well articulated’ writing ability, it is almost a shame to hear them pretend they are ‘the seasoned politicians, solution makers’ and ‘their way or the highway’. If you don’t follow this ideology, this political party, this opinion….then you are doomed.

Am I making a point that they can’t have a say in the other issues, wheather in politics or other socio economic issues –which can be different from their field of study? Of course NOT! But, when they pretend to know ALL the answers and to portray just that, creates an eerie feeling.

Many others adapt this narrow mentality, instead of learning the good out of these professionals. “My relative xx is this and that, there fore what ever he/she said should be right” is so dominative in the habesha world today.

Both ‘educated professionals’ and their view holders seem to interpret (take it qal beqal) the old saying "yetemare yigdelegn" , but they are not aware that they are a victim of their own ‘double standard’

Hence, I only label them ‘educated hypocrites – gibzoch’ . One major point I probably make is that I’m not passing judgment here. As I repeatedly had said it is not the intent of ethiomind to do just that. But to shine light up on issues that seem to prevail our society.

In conclusion, being an ‘educated’ person or being ‘professional’ is great! I preach it all the time; I perceive it all the time. But, after all by being educated what we have is information that others don’t have that somebody else has taught us. Intellectualism should lead us to be critical thinkers and should allow us to lead many others to see the light – the guiding light out of poverty, a light out of disparity.. a light that leads to a better governance, a light that leads to a better society … a light that is full of optimism.

We need ( Ethiopia needs) all kinds of guiding lights, be it seasoned politicians, doctors, economists, engineers, scientists, bankers, psychologists………. Etc etc…

I’m desperate to see an un-biased ‘educated’ coming out of these experts; I’m desperate to learn an optimistic approach of Ethiopia’s so many problems. Not an egg-headed individual who thinks that ‘he has’ all the answers for every problem we face individually or as a society.

I’m desperate to see a web site that will display an open mentality full of guiding lights, not a ‘political garbage’ that is based on the un-informed majority’s voice, not ‘another website’ about nothing but some hateful pessimistic ‘professional’ who pretends to solve all of our problems in one formula/prescription.

It is my guess the reason why many of us Ethiopians have this single view attitude towards everything – MY WAY OR THE HIGHWAY-. May be we learned it from the 'other' individuals who are full of double standards?

It is my guess…. And then again I blog more about these and other issues..

So, hang on… write back

Selam Qwou.

Teyakiw (ethiomind@gmail.com)

The Ethiopian ATTACHMENT

noreply@blogger.com (ethiomind) — Tue, 18 Jul 2006 16:12:00 +0000

Selam Wud-Zegoch,

After the last blog post, some of you emailed me raged about my expressions of Ethiopia-winet , some of you though, appreciated and commented that I might use less harsher words.

Both comments taken: the good critique and the bad ones too.

Before I go on posting today’s blog, I would like to re-emphasize endegena that the only intention of

ethiomind is not to impose any form of judgment and criticize the very essence of Ethiopiawinet , but rather to empower it and possibly to shine a light on the weak shadow that always haunts us – ethiopia-yawians.

In-fact I learn long ago that he who judges will not be excluded to be measured himself with the same ruler that he is using to measure others. Pointing one finger outward implies pointing three folded fingers to self…………. And as we know “… he who judges….”

So, I go …. Blogging again…

Let’s talk about the notion: “I’m better than you and better than all. Me and my family are the most talented, the most educated, the wealthiest of the society. Ohh, no I can do better than him, this is nothing, it is not his work, I went to blah blah private school or I was in blah blah sefer, ohh I don’t associate with habesha people, ohh in my sefer there is no black people even habesha…”
I want to approach this subject from inside out. As mentioned in the past article, identity is the fabric that we are made of. The creator made us different to b-e-a-u-t-f-y us … not to divide us, not to disguise us, not to empower some to be above others….. With out unity, identity is in crisis.

The plague that has invaded us “ethiopia-wians” is not only in our external interaction amongst our own race or others, but it is prevalent amongst ones closet family.

This might not apply 100% for all families (as it is not un-unchanged yemaylewet word of God), yes it is true some families have managed to go above and beyond the weak competitive attitude. ALL POWER TO THEM – we all should learn from them.

It is my belief that society is the grand sum of families, where as families are a collection of close siblings and extended ties. If we take a single habesha family (as a nucleus); at times it is full of competition, jealousy, pull downs and immeasurable turmoil. What I experienced and observed with my interaction with many other sidete-gnoch what haunts us day and night is the ever growing guilt trip and snare that has been imposed from our own family ties.

The result is that we have thousands of Ethiopians living in the land of opportunity, living below the poverty line. In the land of free, modern day slaves to some menial, back breaking jobs just trying to fulfill some greedy un-understanding family member who is creating havoc to a sidetegna soul.

Here I want to emphasize few things; I AM NOT SAYING THAT HELPING FAMILY IS WRONG; I’M NOT SAYING THAT DOING MENIAL JOBS ARE WRONG. I help my family every day; first by not being a burden on them, second by doing every possible thing that I can with out jeopardizing my existence.
As far as menial jobs go, I have done it all – but as a means to my end – temporarily. Then I moved forward….. forward

The saddest part of it all is that, after sidetegnaw sew creating all this show and drama to satisfy a selfish, jealous sibling back home or elsewhere, there is no gratefulness and encouraging words that come out to refuel his exhausted soul. But, rather dissatisfaction. Which is a major cause of loss of energy, time and a useful lifespan ---- the cycle goes on.
An inquiry mind wants to know – WHY???? How many are touched by this? ( bet yikuterew )

Why can’t family members be happy for one’s achievement, one’s effort, one’s success… why are many people rejoice in hidden for the failure of the other. Yewedeke zaf misar yibezabetal
Of course, there is always an exception to everything and anything…. I want to learn from that, we all should learn from that –I applaud the positive outcome.

There is no individual success and achievement, with out a strong supportive family as a backbone.

Next I will blog on …. Veering off- of individual-to-family to a family-to-society tie.

So, hang on… write back

Selam Qwou.

( ethiomind@gmail.com)

We Ethiopians Are DIFFERENT!

noreply@blogger.com (ethiomind) — Mon, 03 Jul 2006 02:42:00 +0000

First of all the intent of this and many other writings in
this blog (ethiomind) is just to unveil the age old question that boggles my mind every single day as I go through my life’s journey while living my mark behind.

Especially living overseas, due to economical reasons ONLY! (No matter how many do not admit it –), raising the very foundational identity questions meteyek is more and more relevant.

Beteley, these questions should knock at the internal door of our identity – what makes us different and what makes us similar.

I’m going to delve in to this one for a starter:

Many of us Ethiopians have a belief that “We are NOT black or African, we are NOT white, we are not ARAB, but we are DIFFERENT race”

Even though, the above statement magnifies our positioning of self ( maninetachi-nen in the site of the outside world (among the many African, Asian, Hispanic and Caucasian races), the internal turmoil that we are going through is worst.

As it is not the intent of this blog to answer very philosophical questions and deliver solutions, I don’t claim to be a sociological expert. But, comments from experts are welcome.

Identity maninet is very important for human beings. Knowing who we are, where we came from and where we are going individually and communally is a key to have a successful existence.

But, to embrace an over inflated belief that declares “we are different, we are special, we have what the whole world needs, we are better than everybody who looks different from us, who speaks different from us and who thinks different from us” is WRONG and the source all sorts of identity crisis.

On top of the scenario, not having any thing to show ( except the blurry PAST) that we brag about guregn-net is a double shame.
I often find these arrogance attitude and empty flattery in many of my people, and long before I wrap up my judgmental remark, I find myself displaying the same manners that I hated the most.

So, the quest is not about some people le-loch sewoch only but also it is in my Ethiopian blood.

I am also fighting my own shadow that I observe floating everywhere over my “unawake Ethiopians”. It is imperative not to try to avoid it or fly from it or hide from it. Because, everywhere Ethiopians live, these perplexed identity questions dwell.

“We Ethiopians are different and special and we are better than every body!”

An inquiry mind wants to know, where did we attain these rootless ethnocentric ideologies? How does it become the most illusive concept of our identity? Maninet-achin!

NEXT: I will inquire the question internally, the “I’m better than you and better than all. Me and my family are the most talented, the most educated, the wealthiest of the society. Ohh, no I can do better than him, this is nothing, it is not his work, I went to blah blah private school or I was in blah blah sefer , ohh I don’t associate with habesha people, ohh in my sefer there is no black people even habesha…”

What I call the saga of the confused and lost Ethiopians in the wonder land …. I will question Individuals and societies that live every day under self comparison and negative “dog-eating-dog “non-cohesive existence- us Ethiopians.

Selam Qwou.
Ethiomind

How do "Ethiopian's Think????"

noreply@blogger.com (ethiomind) — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 21:20:00 +0000

Selam All,

The full intent of this blog is to question the very puzzle of our society. It is a universal truth that what goes in our mind or what we think eventually translates in to our actions dirgit.

I would like to ask and enquire and possibly trigger the same old questions in the tesatafiwoch mind.

It requires to be dead honest ewnetegna to have your say.

Topics included but not limited to :
- The Ethiopian Pride egna yeteleyen nen
- Egna-ena-genzeb keras belay nefas attitude
- The spirit of competition - Blind judgmental-ism ewer feraj-net
- I know it all, I know better than you do ke-ene belay yelem

Once again the intention of this blog is not to philosophize the idea but to have an educated conversation.

Enjoy

Ethiomind.