The Overwhelming Effects of a Warped Christianity

I had originally planned another post thisweek pertaining to one of my greatest inspirations and why. However, on Tuesdayas I was reading the Ugandan News like I always do, I came across one of themost appalling articles I had ever read. In light of the recent remarks made byUgandan Speaker of the House, Rebecca Kadaga in reference to the proposedAnt-Homosexuality act, it became evident what I had to write about.

 

Itis easy for most Africans to blame their government for any national orpolitical immorality, justice, and corruption. As stated in one of my previousblog posts, the Ugandan populace should feel no different. However, in light ofthe recent publicity surrounding the proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill, I pointa finger towards not only to the government, but also to the Ugandan people. 

Last month, Rebecca Kadaga was involved in a row with Canada'sForeign Minister John Baird over gay rights at a meeting of theInter-Parliamentary Union in Quebec.When she returned home, Ms. Kadaga was met by thousands of Anti-Homosexualleaders and supporters. This began the Speaker’s quest to ensure theenforcement of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill by the end of the year. The bill ismeant to heighten the already severe consequences of homosexual acts or anysupport of homosexuality, meriting life in prison and even death in some cases.Earlier this week, Kadaga said that "Ugandans want that law as a Christmasgift. They have asked for it and we'll give them that gift.” Having grown upthere, I can attest to the extreme conservative climate present in Uganda. It isunderstandable that Ugandans would be hesitant in accepting homosexuality. Thatbeing said it doesn't justify the attempted detainment and/or eradication ofgays. This is an issue of human rights, a subject that Uganda hasstruggled with for decades. Citizens should be more empathetic. 

The fact that the the government is essentially harboring thesystematic extermination of homosexuals is absolutely ridiculous andunacceptable, especially in the progressive world we live in today. Although,regardless of Kadaga’s big words, the likelihood of the bill passing is low,due to Uganda’sdependence of foreign aid and investment. The global community has expressedits strong positions against the bill and countries like the UK havealready frozen their aid to the African country. Economically, “Uganda isstill a colony," says my father and political consultant. 

But even if the law isn't officially instituted, the realtragedy is the amount of Ugandans in favor of it. That a people could be soruthless as to support the killing of thousands for something that is out ofhuman control, that a people could be so closed-minded that they would harborthe detainment and death of thousands due to their sexuality or support ofsomething that contradicts their personal beliefs, speaks volumes and willultimately determine the progression of that people. That a people can preachlove in their respective religions and campaign for peace from theirgovernment, while they simultaneously rally for the execution of the innocent,is the height of hypocrisy, and reveals the corruptions that exist within inthe church. 

Whereas religion should serve a peaceful and harmoniouscelebration of common beliefs, it is instead a way to justify savagery. ManyUgandans argue that homosexuality is an attack on the institution of marriagebut I doubt that their mere existence acts as a threat to anyone. Uganda hasbeen plagued with a warped Christianity and it is this corruption that willlimit its progression. Countless nationals have long criticized theirgovernments for being ruthless, corrupt, and unjust, however. As this episodecan show us, Ugandans are not much different from their leadership. So, beforeUgandans cast stones at the likes of Amin, Obote, and Museveni, it would behoove them, to asses their own sin. 

Capture the Fall Video Challnge

This is my video challenge for this month. Th assignment was to capture whatever the fall meant to us. For me, it means going to the park with my sister. In the video I show my sister getting her stuffed puppy and going to the park with it.

The Conscious Rapper:A Review of Macklemore and Ryan Lewis's "The Heist"

The term “conscious rapper,” is placed on any MC who’ music isn’t overcome by the shallow party, love and materialistic content that overwhelms today’s mainstream hip-hop. Any time anyone dare mention something of socio-political importance and relevance, they automatically become the “vegetables” of rap music according to Michael Eric Dyson. People feel inclined to listen to artists like Macklemore just to get their dose of substance. The rest of the time they indulge in the sugar loaded junk food that is mainstream Hip-Hop. Macklemore has denied any of these titles. He is content just being an artist because to classify him as “conscious,” retracts from the rest of his artistic character.


In his latest release, "The Heist," with producer, Ryan Lewis, the Seattle native has proved his stylistic flexibility and dynamism of his lyrics. With subject matter ranging from tackling homophobia and tackling alcoholism to sneakers, and thrifting, the result is an exemplary balance of serious and cheerful cuts. That being said, this album is no good without its second half; producer, Ryan Lewis. His unorthodox instrumentals set the tone for Macklemore’s emotional and relatable lyrics. From the soulful and somber, “Same Love,” dealing with homosexuality to the 808-centric and cheerful “Thrift Shop,” to the intense orchestral “Wings,” detailing the effect of fashion and the extremes of trends, materialism, and consumerism, cohesively put together a both conscious and cheerful record that transcend the lyrical and musical binds of popular music.

Musing at the Airport

This week I've decided to write about what was going through my head as I sat in the airport after bidding my parents farewell and prior to boarding a plane to take me back to Uganda to live with my grandparents. 

It had been about year since I first stepped foot in the United States. I had entered via Dulles International Airport and it was in this same place where I was waiting,  ready to make the 3000 mile journey back to Uganda where I was anxiously awaited by aunts, uncles, friends, cousins, and jajja's. (grandparents) The airport was not as full as usual due to the recent 9/11 attacks. Most people were fearful of flying and rightfully so. Had I not been told that the various 9/11 news broadcasts were in fact coincidental reruns of the same movie, my five year old self would most likely be trembling in my boots. My brother and I had attended school for one year in Silver Spring, MD and we were out. Originally, the plan was for us to make a permanent move to the states and live our parents, however. I had made it quite clear to my parents that I had absolutely no intention of going through with this. My adolescent mind still thinking in Luganda was utterly lost in this world of fast talking, colloquial jargon. Among other things the culture and environmental shock was incredible. The wonders I would see on afternoon walks with my mother were endless. Things such as red and orange leaves and ice falling from the sky were inconceivable a little African boy such as my self. I also felt a little uncomfortable being governed solely by a president, where as in Uganda I could breathe comfortably knowing that I was guarded by a king in addition to a president. As a result i was shipped back to live with my jajjas. I wasn't quite sure what my brother felt about the sudden move but as he sat next to me at the virtually empty gate, I could tell that both of us, while confused, were just happy to go back home. I smiled anxiously, one: because I loved flying and I couldn't wait to get on the pane, and two: because I knew that even though I was leaving my parents behind in Maryland, when I arrived at Entebbe International Airport I would be briskly taken to our house Bugolobi, where I could sleep safe and soundly  in the comfort my room, which I shared with my grandparents; and in the morning when I awoke, I would be greeted by the smells, sounds, and tastes of freshly served breakfast which I would indulge in, while sharing with my jajjas (grandparents) the infinite wonders that America had to offer; red leaves and all. There was sense of contentment in knowing that my grandmother and grandfather  would be there for me when my parents couldn't. As the announcement aired Informing us that it was time to board,  I rose willingly, knowing that back home there was a family waiting for me, just as it should be.