One legacy of both slavery and colonialism is that Africa was defiled. Not just material wealth in form of natural resources and minerals, but also mentally. While we have made quite some strides in material gain, we are still mentally enslaved.
Our thought patterns and mind is still Europeanised. Why do our females bleach themselves in increasing numbers? To make us look white. The statement that black is beautiful must ring true.
Why do our children speak English or French at home, especially children of the well to do Africans. In fact, speaking great English with an accent is a mark of great sophistication, while those who speak with a heavy mother tongue influence are derided as illiterate? The vice is especially pronounced in our media stations, where the stronger the British or American accent, the more likelihood that you will get the job.
Even our names are Europeanised, with the names of our ancestors slowly losing relevance. The legendary reggae singer, Bob Marley, warned us against mental enslavement. Yes, we have lost trillions by having our most able bodied work in European plantations for free. We have lost trillions as our minerals have gone to make other places heaven, while ours remain in desolate conditions. However, the loss from mental enslavement is incalculable. We must change.
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