amuto09

(2009) The African Paradox: Iris Amuto

November 9th, 2009

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(2009) The African Paradox: Iris Amuto

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Name: Iris Amuto

Talk Title: “The African Paradox”

Notes: Faculty of Arts, Political Science Department, Major: Political Science, Minor: Women’s and Gender Studies, 4th year

Topic: Iris contends that amidst famines, wars and plagues, you will find people rising above to claim life in spite of these circumstances. It is their resilience and inherent humanity that is neither taught nor bred, but born. The word depression does not exist in most African languages. What does this say about the people?

The ordinary gets ignored in Africa as it does in Asia or South America because normality is nice but it doesn’t sell newspapers. Civil war, starvation and famine on the other hand, do. The media portrays a 2 dimensional view that although bears truth, it blocks out the light that must not be ignored and cannot be denied.

This light is called humanity. It is the way in which people relate, react and respect one another. However, we are constantly bombarded with the same pictures that we become desensitised to the point where we forget the essence of it all. We forget that this not representative of all Africans, that just a few people are fighting and not the whole continent is hungry.

This talk aims to remind, if not enlighten UBC students that Africa is saturated with life, community and full of pleasant surprises. Open your eyes.

Links:
http://www.africa-awareness.ubc.ca/
http://terry.ubc.ca/tedxterrytalks

Filmed by Craig Ross at TEDx Terry talks 2009 (October 3rd, 2009). Video edited by David Ng.

Comments:

  1. Joy Wong

    This is the truth. It is time people knew. A voice from our generation…. like BUTTER!

    Nov 10th, 2009

  2. Ruwan Dami

    Well Delivered Ms. Amuto.

    Nov 10th, 2009

  3. Cindy Lithimbi

    That’s my girl!!make the beautiful peoples of this world see our flamboyant and diverse continent…And in the mean time, let us, the citizens of africa see the beauty in our own countries and not cry out for AID or rescuing. WE have the capacity and brains (YES WE DO) to do without and build our own sustainable frameworks to see us into the glorious future that is waiting for us. Lets show the world what AFRICA can do.

    Nov 11th, 2009

  4. Wanjiru Chabeda

    Well done my dear!! Wonderful talk. Makes me so proud to be African and to do even more for my continent!!
    Keep spreading the word, this will enlighten so many people. Keep it up. AFRICA – speak to us!!

    Nov 11th, 2009

  5. Alice Odhiambo

    Iris,
    It could not have been said any better. I am so proud of you for talking about the things that we as Africans have to explain every now and again.. Yes it is true, Not every African is at war or starving and not all Kenyans are runners.
    I am blown away by this and I am going to spread this around for they say ignorance is bliss but I say education is power. Well done and Africa is proud to call you her own and we are more than proud to call you ours.

    Nov 11th, 2009

  6. Jeff Opar

    Africa is not a scar, but the beauty mark on this planet……WHAT! Loved the talk, will be sure to show this 2 every1 I kno. Thanks for the fb status btw! ;)

    Nov 11th, 2009

  7. Ayuko

    Heish!
    Internet has jammed to download the whole thing but woman, I am so proud! Wah, can’t wait to eventually watch the whole thing (labda I let it download overnight… At this rate!).

    Be a good girl,

    e

    Nov 11th, 2009

  8. joseph papy

    wow, i dont know what to say but may the lord bless you my friend for this great vision God gave you to talk and stand for africa here in canada and arround the world, this is the time that all the world must know that africa is a blessing land for all nations and for africans too.i am so happpy and happy again… with GOD AFRICA WILL SHINE AND ARISE FOR THE NATIONS..

    Nov 11th, 2009

  9. Ken Nderitu

    hey iris, that was a pretty inspired talk you gave..im doing African politics in uni here in australia and i totally agree with you that there is a lack of African literature from Africans about Africans being taught in uni. maybe theirs more of it in uni’s back home..but i think that the problem isn’t that the world see’s Africa as this savage desolate wasteland full of stereotypes..i mean that is a problem, but i think the biggest problem is what Africans think of themselves,years of war and famine and corrupt governments take its toll on an individuals humanity, and while its true not all Africans have been affected by war or hunger, the ones which haven’t still feel i think a lil powerless that they couldn’t or didn’t do much to help their starving brothers..and if they don’t feel that, then that’s another problem..African states are too independent, theirs not enough co-dependency..only dependency on the west. we as Africans have to be careful not to romanticize this idea of Africa cause lets face it, there are some serious problems going on, at the same time we need to instill in the people the sort of passion and pride in our own country that you just showed, but,Africa’s moment lies in wait, and like john mayor said one day our generation is gonna rule the population..so we keep on waiting…but im glad that you’ve decided to stop waiting! viva la African renaissance

    Nov 11th, 2009

  10. CRYSTAL MARIE

    you’re so great, the world needs to watch out for you! Your passion is something a lot of people our age just DONT have, and its so admirable! Keep it up baby!

    Nov 11th, 2009

  11. Aleyo Chabeda

    WELL DONE IRIS, WELL DONE!
    This is what a lot people haven’t heard and need to hear.

    Nov 11th, 2009

  12. Alistair

    “The ordinary gets ignored in Africa.” So so true. But with people like you out there, people will see Africa for what it truly is. I’m really proud of you Iris. Don’t stop doing what you’re doing.
    (Nice shoes by the way :-> )

    Nov 12th, 2009

  13. Jeff Wachira Ndegwa

    That was captivating Iris, as an Kenyan student on another continent(Europe) i am deeply inspired by your passion and pride for Africa. And indeed,a flicker of a smile starts in the eyes of every African we encounter. That was intense

    Nov 12th, 2009

  14. Kanaiya

    Welcome to a little piece of reality! Throw away your undeveloped black and white shots of a broken and destitute Africa and replace it with these glimpses into a beautiful world many of us call home! Thank you Iris for speaking on behalf of 1/6th of our planet!

    Nov 13th, 2009

  15. Andy

    Really really good speech!!

    Nov 13th, 2009

  16. Mitch Gould

    Iris I am so so so very proud of my baby cousin. You make me and the whole family very proud. I shall share this with all my friends. Give us more

    your cuz

    Nov 14th, 2009

  17. Sue

    Well presented Iris, am proud of you Face of Africa!

    Nov 14th, 2009

  18. Sue

    Well presented Iris, am proud of you Face of Africa!
    Luv aunty Sue

    Nov 14th, 2009

  19. Femi Fadugba

    That talk was pretty incredible – you’ve high-lighted some really important African issues. I loved the personal anecdotes and the sharp social commentary. You’ve got a rare and really refreshing way of communicating and you’ve clearly got the substance to back the style.

    Can’t wait to see more of your stuff on here!

    Nov 16th, 2009

  20. Patricia Amira

    What a beautiful and intelligent young leader. All power and light to you, Iris.
    May we Africans look at ourselves and to each other- believing in our capabilities. Change begins from within !

    Dec 1st, 2009

  21. Chris Donnan (Mr D)

    Hey Iris

    This is great; We were talking about people in Old Girls Dorm and so I put your name in Google. Try and get in contact if you or any of the other named ex-Turi students read this! cdonnan@turimail.co.ke; it would be great to be in contact; God bless; Mr and Mrs D

    Oct 15th, 2010

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