DISCLAIMER: This post is the rantings of a girl who is completely tired of a world that looks at her (as a female) as inferior and ignorant and looks at the entire continent of Africa as a lost cause. If you would like to bypass this post now.... feel free :)
Since I first found out about this trip to Rwanda, I have gotten many responses from people. MOST are very supportive and I wholeheartedly thank you for that! But for those of you who are not.... I am very disappointed. I have heard many reasons for this type of behavior.
"What if something happens to you? What's the point? Where's Rwanda at anyway? Aren't you scared? You're a girl.... what if something happens to you? There are people in the U.S. that need more help than them.... don't you want to help them first? You're going to get killed over there. You don't have a life anymore Brittany...."
I am not saying that some people's concerns are not well-founded. After all, 17 years ago a genocide occurred in this small country that claimed almost 1,000,000 lives including men, women, children, the elderly, and the disabled. However, regarding violence, the country is much safer now than it has been in the past. Look up a security report before you open your mouth next time guys....
The country has made great strides in many areas, but some areas are still lacking and it is not ok to accept that so many people are still hurting. Amazi (water) and Ibiryo (food) are necessities correct? Yes, I understand that in America there are so many families that are also suffering in a variety of ways. I am not devaluing their pain by traveling overseas. I also see that this group is hurting in a way that is unfamiliar to most in America. In the U.S. there are at least programs in place for those hurting to get help.... and before I say anything else let me say that I know many are very flawed and slow. Many times in underdeveloped countries there are not even organizations or programs in place to help those in need. Luckily for me, in Rwanda there are some that are available, although their resources are very limited. Because of this, it is very important to help them succeed so that Rwandans can eventually help themselves. It is called a hand-up, not a hand-out.
Some people are meant to work domestically and some internationally. I choose both. I do a lot domestically in the U.S. to help various organizations. But I also have such a desire to work internationally because I view most things in a global perspective instead of just a United States perspective. We are all humans. God put each and every one of us on this earth for a reason and I do not believe for as second that "Africa doesn't matter." I think that is one of the worst things for me to hear. I don't know how this idea became so popular, but it is really annoying. I have heard other things said as well in reference to other parts of the world (from the Middle East because of the wars to the Pacific Islands because of Global Warming). It is pathetic. Just because a lot of people think that there are no U.S. interests in the regions of Africa (no oil, etc.) then we shouldn't care about what happens there. Maybe, just maybe, if we all started caring just a bit more about these other parts of the world and our fellow human beings then this world would be a lot better off. MAYBE we would be a little closer to that altruistic mindset that contributes to an ideal Utopian society. I'll get off my podium now and stop preaching about peace, but seriously.... just food for thought.
Finally, my favorite thing to hear, "You're a girl" and "You don't have a life anymore." Really??!! IT IS THE 21st CENTURY! Again, no disrespect to those with legitimate fears.... those I understand. Yes, the world is a little more dangerous for women in certain areas. That is why precautions are taken and why safety is always foremost on my mind. However, if I hear one more time how a girl cannot do a damn thing to change anything I may honestly explode. Does that mean that in their mindset that a man could enact change? If I am not mistaken.... men have primarily been the ones running many of these areas around the world with such problems and yet.... no change, only violence and oppression. Surprised? Maybe it is time for men to step back and let women try their hand at enacting change. I am not saying that this is a men v. women scenario. This is a global problem and it should be tackled with a unified front of both men and women. Just please, even if you think it, do not tell me that going to Rwanda will be useless and that I will not help anything. If I am able to successfully help even one person then all of this was worth it. Also, for everyone who thinks I do not have a life anymore, I sincerely apologize. I know that working 65+ hours a week (depending on my schedules) has caused a hamper in my social life. I plan to get it back a little once school starts in Sept. since it is my senior year, but really? Please do not be negative because you think it is more important to be out partying. This is my future and my choice. I want to devote my career to helping at-risk women and children both in the U.S. and internationally. I want to study criminal and international law with a focus in human rights. I want to make a difference. I'm sorry if you don't like it or think I will fail.... just wait and see. I cannot wait to prove you wrong :)
I came across this amazing ad from Shell recently. I could care less who made it (so I apologize if you don't like Shell!) but the idea and the message it portrays is great. It really is time to stop telling people that they cannot make their dreams come true and instead start helping to turn them into reality.
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