Nyanseor's Dukpa

Those whose opinions I valued encouraged me to start my personal blog, and when I did, they complemented me for its contents. In fact many of these individuals that visited my blog felt that it serves as a source of information for valuable research. Also, I agree with those who feel that my blog is launched at a time when the current history of mankind is in chaos — everything around us is falling apart. TV and newspaper accounts are about destructions, crimes, terrorist attacks, and wars — problems everywhere; from the former Soviet Union, the Middle East, Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea, Somalia, Nigeria, Liberia — the list goes on.

Why are all these many problems? Is the world as we know it, coming to an end? or does it have to do with “man’s inhumanity to man?” I honestly believe, “man’s inhumanity to man” has a major part to play in what is happening to humanity today. Many countries, especially, in Africa are faced with policies designed by the developed sectors, i.e., the IMF and the World Bank (WB) to keep African countries underdeveloped. In fact since 1944, the World Bank has failed to provide so-called poor countries with ‘actual’ development, instead, the WB and its partner – the IMF continued to embarked on such genocide policies as depopulation, structural adjustments whose main aim is to destroy the economy and political structures of these countries. These financial institutions are in the practice of discouraging poor countries from receiving loans from China. The question then that remains to be answered is why would a policy be designed to underpopulate a continent that is already underpopulated and discourage its leaders from receiving loans with fewer restraints? These are the hypocrisies and attributes of “man’s inhumanity to man that Nyanseor’s Dukpa will address on these pages.

For example, in my country of origin — Liberia, we referred to this kind of practice as “Monkey work, baboon draw.” As a matter of fact, the primary objective of Nyanseor’s Dukpa is for Africans and Liberians in particular to engage in serious soul searching in our relationship with the rest of the world. As you will notice, anger runs through the voices in these stories, poems, articles, commentaries, historical documents, etc. but they are voices and passionate feelings of a people who for so long have been given the wrong deal. Their anger is not about revenge. Instead, their anger is that of patriots and well-intended individuals, whose main concern is to make the world a better place for all of its inhabitants. Believe me, Nyanseor’s Dukpa is not a jive or about pleasing anyone or group in particular; the opinions expressed here are themes that raised serious vexed issues, which have critical implications.

In addition, these discourses and dialogues intend to serve as point of departure or improvement of the negritude tradition as well as celebrate and continue the Harlem Cultural Renaissance to another level — featuring similar themes, which emphasize social, political, patriotism, nationalism, religion and our life experiences.

In fact, a major treatment of the Dukpa is devoted to Liberia, my country of origin. The word Dukpa derives from the Bassa language of Liberia that means – “Talking Drum”. Nyanseor’s Dukpa will address the sociopolitical and economic history of the Liberian people and the many circumstances that makes our plight very unique.

Moreover, Nyanseor’s Dukpa will inform, raise vexed/pregnant issues, and at the same time provoke serious discussions. The issues raised on these pages will deal with Liberia’s ugly past with the aim of shaping a better future for all Liberians. Therefore, it is my honest belief that in order to get on the right path, those things that many of our people considered sensitive will have to be discussed in open forums and respect to opposing viewpoints, so that we as a people will move away from shifting the blame to others.

Also, many of the dialogues on the pages of Nyanseor’s Dukpa made use of the written style and language most Liberians understand and appreciate. None-Liberians too, especially our African-Americans brothers and sisters, who shared many things in common with us, will do likewise. And I hope they will appreciate the message conveyed; because these are similar ironies, conflicts and experiences, we shared in common as the result of our historical connection.

Secondly, by raising these pregnant issues at this time in our history will bring to the forefront our melancholy experiences for serious national discussion. It will also compel those who denied their existence as well as those who know nothing about them to reexamine their views. This way, I hope, we will be sincere in deciding collectively to solve our national palaver.

And if we accept the fact that “the greatest literature of a people is about the highest expression of their struggles,” then we must place these pregnant issues within that context. To do otherwise, will be to choose WRONG over RIGHT. The Dukpa would have achieved its goal if we honestly accept our responsibilities by advocating for the greater good of the Liberian people. In short, the message here speaks volume; all that is left to be done is for these pregnant issues be discussed honestly or we will continue to behave hypocritically, and go about business as usual – pretends these vexed palaver do not exists.

As for me I have done my part by my continued engagement and writing about our experiences and mine for which I take full responsibilities. However, as a human being, I am aware of my shortcoming. I accept the blame; but let me make it perfectly clear; I will not apology for what I know to be true nor will I blame any individual or group who our history has not already indicted as contributor to our nation’s vexed problem. Having made this clear, I honestly feel that I have provided you with my honest appraisal of what I am convinced is wrong with the world, and Liberia in particular.

With this, I hope my contribution will bring about serious soul searching amongst us. And in our search, let us remember: “Until lion have their own historians, tales of the hunt shall always be told by the hunter.”

Siahyonkron Nyanseor

P. O. Box 491112

Lawrenceville, GA 30049

thedukpa@gmail.com