The Danger of a Single Story

I took a long hiatus from the world of Global Health, only to return in full force this semester.  I've missed learning things about the rest of the world, and I'm excited because now I have a tiny bit of context when I hear others lecture and discuss the pressing issues of the developing world.  I just finished watching a video of the author Chimamanda Adichie talking about "The Danger of a Single Story."  She talked about the danger of a single perspective or story and the generalizations that can come from only one point of view.  I was ashamed to realize as I listened that I was/am still guilty of that.  Before I lived in Africa, I assumed it was an impoverished land, filled with illiterate and unhappy people, HIV, coups, food shortages, and deserts.  While those things do exist, I'm grateful that I now know another story of Africa, one of pride, laughter, brilliant people, amazing scientific innovations, generous and friendly people, enthusiasm for life, beautiful scenery of lakes, palm trees, tea farms, mountains, and flowers, and amazing pineapples. 

It makes me wonder what other perspectives I have that are only single stories.  I've learned in the past few months that even conservatives are not all bad, I am often the intolerant one, and that I am not as brilliant and enlightened as I like to think I am.  What else am I missing?  What else can I do to change my perspectives, or at least add to them?  What are my prejudices, and why do they exist?  And even though I still have no desire to return to Uganda in the near future, what can I do to change others' perspectives to be more aware and tolerant?

I know that my thoughts are not all that unique, but I can at least share them.  It's one more story to share, right?  I may continue to blog a little here and there, because I like having a record of things, even if no one else reads it.  And I've missed my lists, so avoiding ex-boyfriends be damned, I'm writing again.

On a different note, I'm thankful...
1. for changing perspectives.  I hope I can always strive to be more tolerant and less ignorant.
2. for lovely weekends full of pinball, skee-ball, childhood movies, long kisses, and shrimp and grits.
3. for warm blankets on cold nights.  I am blessed!