Three topics that could heat up a relationship, but out here in Cameroon, they form a lot of bonds.
HEY WHITE MAN!!
Since getting to Cameroon, I have heard that on almost a daily basis. The really strange coincidence is that they’re always talking to me!! I am the ‘white man’. In fact, I am the only white man in Santa. I won’t get a big head about it, though, since I am not ‘the’ white man. The label is also applicable to my Filipino, East Indian and other friends who are not African, whether male or female, living in other parts of the NW Province. Not derogatory, in fact it is quite endearing, and has nothing at all to do with racial tension. Strangers use the term to get my attention, that’s all. It works well, because when I hear the term, I just have a look around, and voila!!
Sigh…I’ve always wanted a nickname.
WHAT RELIGION DO YOU FOLLOW??
That question is regularly asked of me as I make one’s acquaintance. This area is far and away the most overtly religious place I’ve ever been to. Predominantly Christian, although some of the Muslim minority lives in the area as well. Religious slogans everywhere. All meetings and meals begin with a prayer. In fact, I was recently at a meeting that paused part way through for a second prayer in anticipation of the forthcoming decisions that had to be made.
I suppose it could be potentially unsettling as one gets accustomed to a new environment, for those of you who get queasy in the presence of religious ideals. Nevertheless, it would truly unfair to dismiss the sense of community and caring for neighbours that exists here, credited primarily to religious beliefs. I also find it very inspiring how Cameroonians are so accepting of one another’s differences. I would call them ‘tolerant’, but I’m not fond of the word (I wish I could remember who said, ‘tolerance requires an assumption of superiority’). There is no animosity between religious groups here at all. Moreover, Cameroonians are very respectful of my views, as I am of theirs, when I answer their questions about my perspectives on religion. (Devout worshipper of Boognish, God of Ween).
It’s also interesting to see how many of the devout Christians here often mix their faith with the indigenous beliefs from before colonization took place. Several of them believe in witchcraft, or that plants and animals have special powers. I watched a medicine man the other day, doing his ‘act’ for the people (regurgitating pins, taming a cobra, etc.). The fellow beside me explained how all the tricks worked (although his rationale was not quite what I had envisioned), giving me the notion that he didn’t buy into this stuff. But when the products went up for sale, he was in there like a dirty shirt, buying up the wondrous concoctions, claiming they performed miracles.
Anyway, I’ve stocked up on my donkey nostril hair and polyester extract, if any of you are looking for a quick cure for your curious but unsettling addiction to kola nut.
THE BIG ONE
The greater tension, as I’m sure you are aware, lies in the politics. This is the big one, albeit the topic I will say the least about. On the surface, it may appear to be a language or cultural issue, stemming from the English speaking western minority, which feels marginalized by the French majority in the rest of the country. However, it is much more political than that. I could write multiple journal entries on that subject alone, but will just say that I’ve heard many opinions on politics since my arrival, and it’s been very enlightening. I have yet to meet with anyone socially where the subject of politics does not surface.
On that note, I think I will sign off. I certainly hope I haven’t offended anyone with my views. Tender subjects, all of them, but quite unavoidable in this country.
Small time!!
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