Conversation as I was getting in a matatu (mini bus)...
Me: To Njeru?
Matatu Driver: Yes. Then you give me water!
(I was carrying a water bottle)
Me: No.
Matatu Driver: Why?
Me: Because I don't know you.
Matatu Driver: I am not your friend?
Me: No, I don't know you.
Matatu Driver: Why am I not your friend?
I didn't answer. Just like i didn't bother answering when he proceeded to ask my name and nationality. Once again I found myself ignoring a person who wanted my attention.
I don't usually consider myself arrogant but these days i guess it could be a fitting description of my behavior at times.
Unfortunately I've come to expect tiresome behavior from the Ugandans and as a result I distance myself. Too many times have strangers (like the mentioned matatu driver) started out by demanding things, or wanted to be my new best friend - or even husband - asking for my phone number after barely talking to me for a minute, or in other ways put me in a position where I've had to say no. Now I simply don't invite to conversation. I put up a front.
I know that instead of taking this behavior as a nuisance I should look at it as part of being in a different culture and try to understand what causes many Ugandans to act this way around white people, but I've run out of patience.
I thought that at positive attitude would get me somewhere, but it hasn't. It's proven easier not to greet people or be friendly.
I feel like against my will I've been assigned a role that doesn't fit me. And I'm tired of playing this part. I want to be me again.
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3 comments:
well, i hear you. i can call that as in my definition of "discrimination" and in your case it is the skincolour which made you feel like this.
but you know what.. they dont know else kind. its all about that. they just dont know...... you could argue though but the question is more how does it feel being different by having a bottle of water and just "asking" for directions because you dont know something that majority does know already.
exceptional treatment due white skin, yeah, i might have taken this as a political phenomenon but......
i'll be right there when you arrive back next week:)
Can't wait to see you. Love ya!
I hope you don't give up writing. I am excited to read your next posts.
Yor feelings about Ugandans: I guess it is tiredness and first shock. You will get used to it and start making jokes about it. You can't change it you know, but you can accept and live with it.
Good luck,
Fatma.
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