30 May 2018
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“We don’t have much. But we make do. With our technique. Our passion. Every day until we’re strong” – Kofi Samuel Amponsah
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Every day Ghana presents to me a series of dichotomies I balance against my African American identity. The pink blossoms of the early morning sunset become clouded with the midday burning of trash. A woman balances an ornamental display of sliced watermelons on her head. She covers her mouth with a handkerchief to lessens the stench of yesterday’s unsold fruit. A tall slender-looking walk against the evening breeze in a tailored, deep blue three-piece suit. Two roads over a woman layers a gown of garbage bags with Kente cloth. All the while I navigate the unfamiliar streets under my own racial and socioeconomical intersections. I sharpen my haggling and better save the coin in my pocket because I cannot change the Ghanaian conditions. I can only watch and make sure I remain cognizant of the various strata that exist in this society.
My time here has begun to demystify the continent. My stance as both a student and tourist allow me to translate these experiences into tangible mediums. Furthermore, my skin color and gender will allow mt a unique access and safety into more intimate social spaces. I will not equip an American savior complex. However, I do owe the people a proper representation when translating the reality of their experiences. Therefore, I will use a careful hand and discerning ear when embracing these dichotomies and engaging in qualitative work with the people of the university and streets alike.
This link expands more upon the abject poverty that presents itself in Ghana: https://www.myjoyonline.com/news/2017/October-17th/poverty-remains-prevalent-in-ghana-un-report.php
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