Monday, February 15, 2010

Homosexuality in Africa

According to BBC,
Kenyan police recently arrested 5 gay men, 2 of whom were attempting to get married. Homosexuality is illegal in Kenya (as it is in every other African country except South Africa) and the government has pledged to continue to arrest gays and lesbians and to close down bars that condone such behaviour. According to a religious leader in Kenya, homosexuality ruins the future of young people, and hence should not be allowed. Article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8512928.stm

Much of the latter part of 2009 and early 2010 have seen several gay stories across Africa. In Uganda, there is a serious battle in parliament over whether or not a new bill should be passed, which would punish convicted 'gay rapists' with the death penalty. However, there is no such extreme punishment for people who rape heterosexually Despite the outrage expressed globally over this bill, many of Uganda's politicians are still defending the bill and urging for it to be passed.
In Malawi, a bishop who is sympathetic to gays was rejected by the government and a gay couple was jailed for 'public indecency' when they got engaged. The Malawian government has also warned gay rights activists that homosexuality is illegal and people who promote it will be prosecuted. Sure enough, one man was arrested for putting up a gay poster last week.

What do you think about this? Should Africa be focusing so much energy on homosexuality? Is it morally right to forbid homosexuality? And aren't we losing valuable citizens when we force people into prison or out of Africa because of their sexual orientation? Why is South Africa (one of the continents more developed nations) the only country that supports homosexuality? Is there a link between development and liberalism? Does Africa need to get more liberal?

Enjoy your commenting.

Friday, February 12, 2010

African??

What does it mean to be African?
An afro hairdo after college?
Leather sandals?
African print or african wear all the time?
Shopping at the art center?
Wearing "tourist shoes" like Kamau?
Having long braids so you look a little rasta?
Working in Africa?
Returning to Africa?
Knowing how to dance Kpanlogo?
Being able to speak an African language?
Being black?(Is Baek more or less African than Katakyie?)
What does it mean to be African and is it the same as being Pan-African?

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Valentines for the African?

“Africa, there is no valentine’s day. It came with the whites. It is not part of us.”

Valentines day is right around the corner! And there are many of us who are excited about it, no? Well, in a discussion about Africa and Valentine's Day, someone-a brother from Zimbabwe, expressed the view that Valentine's Day was unnecessary, non-existent, for us, as Africans. We were only mimicking the activities of our previous "masters."
What do you think about this?
We are waiting for your comments!

Welcome!!!

Hello Everbody!

Welcome to the Pan-African Club Blog! Finally, a better place to discuss, argue and simply share our thoughts, opinions and aspirations for the continent; a place that allows us to continue debating and reflect on topics discussed during club meetings.

Don't hesistate to submit your ideas and comments on each post on the blog! So let's start blogging!!! And always remember:

KNOWLEDGE. SERVICE. AFRICA