Facing
Uganda's
marginalized people
I have been working on racism
all my life, so naturally I was also curious to see examples
of black racism. In most countries, where I have worked,
blacks are minorities and thus without the social power
needed to hurt the natural opportunities for development of
others.
Tribalism and affluent urban racism towards peasants are of
course rampant in the Thirld World, but in Uganda I was
invited to work with 4 landless groups who seem totally
pushed out even of the country's peasant economy. As always
racism develops towards such "loosers" and it was
interesting to hear Bantu-speaking Africans speaks about
them - especially the Pygmies - almost in the same words I
so often have heard white Americans and South Africans speak
of blacks - constantly trying to find wrongs with them thus
effectively blaming the victim......as all racists do. But
take a moment to listen to the stories behind their sad
reality and see how we too - as affluent tourists from the
rich world - have a deep impact on their lives. I hope my
photos of their warmth and beauty in the midst of pain and
often low self esteem will motivate you to give them support
through the mentioned organizations.
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