Friends,
this is written some 10 days back, but I have decided to post it anyway.
Long time ago we had a debate on "what has the gambia-list turned into ?"
Over the past year I think that it has changed a bit. To me itīs OK that the
list is used to exchange information, opinions and debate and propaganda for
this and that. The list are meant for such - itīs a bantaba.
I know I have said this before, but if you will excuse me, I will repeat
myself.
We got to respect one another, because that is the only way forward.
Respect can in my opinion only be established if we exchange in open, and
open minded. First of all I think it is cowardice to act under cover,
synonymous. If we one day meet, we should be able to see each others faces,
look into the eyes, and stand up for what we said, informed and meant.
I allways listen more to those who act in open, instead of one who hide
behind synonymous. So Iīm aksing all of you, who had joined the bantaba
over the passed two years without a small introduction, to come forward and
give it. Letīs see who we are and have amongst us. This is not just a
cyber-chat-forum, this is a cyber-bantaba, but it should be handled, guided,
as if it was a real bantaba back in the gambian village or under the mango
tree. Then we show respect.
Why is it that some can not, will not, or fear to stand up openly - think
about that ?
Is it because you are less courageous than other people ? Are you brought
up to believe that itīs better to hide ? It costs too much to stand up ? If
the other side "win" the revenge will hit you ? Is it because the gambian
society is repressive in general ? Or why is it that some of you wants to
operate on the gambia-list under cover ?
Next we must stop to scoff at, become scornful, derisive towards each other,
no matter for what reason (poor English, different opinions etc...)
We should stop appealing for ignorance of others opinions, just because they
donīt fit to our own. If we donīt like what is said, we can argue or stay
silent. We donīt have to pick on the messenger. There is no one who has the
right to monopolize the debate on certain topics. Or to decide which is more
important. The debate, the interest from the bantaba-members on a specific
topic will say a lot about the importance. We donīt need to tell one another
what is the most important, and what is less important and should not be
given priority. We should all be free to give information.
In my opinion we got to listen to every one who has something to say. And
try to learn from it.
And we also have to behave. Sometimes itīs necessary to raise the voice to
get through with a message. But it does not make the said stronger to use
foul or obscene language, or spit on family members who is totally innocent
and not involved, or scoff at one because of his job, or lack of such,
profession, studies, position.
The next is - in my opinion- that we may try to avoid the "loose or win -
situation".
Sometimes the truth, the solution is in between. Even one is right does not
mean that the other one is a total failure, a looser. He will also learn
something.
Personally I like to get information from both sides in a debate, I believe
that will enrich the debate and the eventual result of it. The same on this
bantaba. No matter if you are pro et contra, I prefer we donīt silent any
side, but get as many points, information as possible. Else I donīt feel
that I can decide, what is best to do. To me not every thing is black or
white, but I like to listen before I jump to conclusions. And sometime itīs
even better to know the opponents mind, thoughts, reactions, actions,
instead of being ignorant.
Over the years I have learnt so much from the gambia-l, and I will not be
without any of the information, lectures, debates etc. And I have been glad
to meet many of the persons I come to learn from the list.
Even I sometimes find a debate without so many nuances, I accept this is a
way of exchanging views. But when it continues in the same groove without
adding new points, and even with heavy personal insults, I can find it a
bit boring.
Please continue to make this Gambia-list an important source of information
and exchange of different opinions. But do it in respect. No matter how the
future will be like, I think that most of us have to live together, side by
side. And I pray that we can teach some people in power, that itīs possible
to live like that - not that we agree on everything, but that does not mean
that we have to fear one another, the neighbor, the stranger or foreigner,
but we can live and come together in mutual respect.
My opinion
Asbjørn Nordam
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