Poor Slave

Was contributing to a topic on one of the forums i visit about the negative portrayal of Africa by the western media.
I don't know how anyone can support or justify the portrayal of Africa by the western media. Lets start with the choice of words they use, they describe our ethnic groups as "Tribes", that in itself is a derogatory term to use in describing African ethnic groups when such words are never used to describe European ethnic groups.

But i digress, if we Africans can not see the damage (and hypocrisy) in the way western media report events about Africa then it's pointless complaining when football supporters in Europe make 'monkey chants' against our footballers or westerners ask Africans if they live in trees etc.

Thinking about the whole issue, reminded me of a great song by Jimmy Cliff called 'Poor Slave'

Poor Slave - Jimmy Cliff

Poor slave take the shackles off your body
Poor slave pull the shackles off your mind
Please listen to me carefully and if I'm wrong
Then correct me
But if I'm right mine's not the praise
Now let us see if we agree

The definition of a slave
Means one's not free entirely
So a slave is still a slave
If he can't think independently

Poor slave take the chains off your body
Poor slave pull the chains off your mind

A tree is still a tree
Though it sheds it leaves when winter comes
But it blooms again in spring
But if it did not bloom its roots are torn
But a slave remains a slave
Without the knowledge of his roots
Until he's taught the facts
Not just some but all the truth…

Poor slave take the shackles off your body
Poor slave pull the shackles off your mind

There was a brother the other day
Telling me he is feeling high
Well I just sadly had the time
But drug and booze is lowering
And if I'm asked how to get high
I'll tell the truth and not a lie
But high and high a man can get
With wisdom, knowledge and understanding

Poor slave ease the pressure off your body
Poor slave put the pressure on your mind

Poor slave ease the pressure off your body
Poor slave put the pressure on your mind

Poor slave take the shackles off your body
Poor slave pull the shackles off your mind


get involved by sponsoring an African child today:
http://www.plan-uk.org/wherewework/westafrica/