rivertemz
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The thirst for Knowledge is strong in this one
Posts: 211 
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Post by rivertemz on Jun 8, 2014 13:55:27 GMT -5
Have you ever wondered what the future holds for the African continent? And the global relationship within our diaspora?
Can I imagine African nations advancing further more than any other global nation in a future era? Can we expect megacities to sprout from the developing nations of Africa towards the next century?
My imagination has given me more than a passion, but a concept that could be possible.
[This idea first attracted me once I remembered reading marvel comics (black panther) on a fantasy nation in the middle of Africa called wakanda that was never conquered by any European or Arab forces. It was hundreds of years more advanced than any other nation in science, technology and even it’s political and spiritual composition had reached a concept of utopia. ]
For a long time I've grown to wonder how far we could go. Human civilisation continues to develop the concept and understand of survival, growth and change.
Change that reflects a new and advance way of living as a collective.
But I’ve recognized a type of race, as in a chase to the top, for wealth and power. Individually we desire success and prosperity but obviously for years, centuries and many millennial, there has been a human behavioural form of patriotism that reminds us what we as human beings identify with something first. A social instinct that dates to an idea of which monolithic culture or visible phenotype survives or dominates the globe, this is an idea that crawls up in discussion many times over, when the study of human history and futurism is taken to subjective ideologies.
So I’ll talk on being a black African, I feel responsible for the future of my children and the future of their descendants for the actions and roles I take in my lifespan. But in an unexplainable sense, I also feel responsible for the people that look like me living today, an illness humans have for identifying with one another is to indulge ourselves in self-proclamation of those that belong in our so called sub-culture, or ethnic group, to belonging to what is a general subject of classification today-- a ‘race’ and the regional land we shoot from, like a plant sprouting from the soil its rooted from.
When I think about the Future of Africa, I picture the state of human civilisation developing within each nation or continent, when globally compared to Africa.
The current state of Africa continues to be seen as disastrous, poverty stricken and the impact of climate change reaching every reason for its cause to further decline.
I actually dream of a continent that not only climbs out of its European colonial era of imperial nightmares, but also advances in living standards, human development and an urbanisation completely different and a lot more sustainable than today’s western lifestyle. I imagine it happening a lot sooner.
(Inspirational video)
Either Cities that reach today's current standard of a national super-economy or cities that are uniquely manufactured and different from what western architecture and current geometric rules of what modern buildings follow on.
Something that screams out "Made in Africa", a point of view that lacks the Eurocentric phenomenon of modern living.
A way of self-proclaiming our worth and our diverse cultures. A way to connect with our past, why not embrace what our ancestors have used, the same way White/Europeans recognise the Ancient Greeks and the systemic Roman Reich.
Why can't we embrace an African identity different from that of Europe and its western values? (This goes to not only Africans in the continent but those in the diaspora). We continue to recognise and embrace our African traditions as how the Europeans claim them to be-- as "primitive". Africa is a vast landscape disconnected by geographic barriers, country landmarks and ethnic differences, which direction can we take to uplift our identity on this earth. These words may sound cliché, but it's what actions that are taken place to reach these levels of development, how much can we dream and look forward too?
Modern Infrastructure is important for growth and development, so what can we African nations do for the future of their economy is vital to see Africa on a successful route to economic growth and power, this is why I've chosen to keep myself updated on the potential projects currently taken place in several African countries today to urbanize and create foundations for future African Mega-cities, such as;
Lagos, Nigeria's Eko Atlantic project;
Ghana's Hope city
Nairobi Kenya's Tatu city
And many others from Kenya, Ghana, DR Congo and the Horn of Africa
Sources-
My next thread would focus on;
Imagine Africa's future -2- Our version of NATO "Will the time come when our diaspora can come to an economic and political unity" |
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rivertemz
Scribe
The thirst for Knowledge is strong in this one
Posts: 211
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Post by rivertemz on Jun 8, 2014 14:34:47 GMT -5
Some African Countries may want to keep their traditional way of living. An idea of embedding advance technology with their traditional lifestyle; Such as desert Nomads or rural farmers, could experience a form of urbanization without striping them off their nurtured way of living.
Inspirational ideas;
(ie an idea of rural African regions with nomad populations provided with sufficient form of living-- rural Niger, Chad, Mali etc.)
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rivertemz
Scribe
The thirst for Knowledge is strong in this one
Posts: 211
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Post by rivertemz on Jun 8, 2014 14:41:38 GMT -5
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rivertemz
Scribe
The thirst for Knowledge is strong in this one
Posts: 211
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Post by rivertemz on Jun 8, 2014 14:55:34 GMT -5
Inspirational ArtLagos 2180 A.D. Futuristic Safari Conservation[Rhino gear suited, assisted with African, to protect itself and herd from poachers ] [Robot Buffalos integrated in real Buffalo herd to protect region from poachers ]  |
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Post by anastasiaescrava on Jun 8, 2014 18:05:37 GMT -5
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rivertemz
Scribe
The thirst for Knowledge is strong in this one
Posts: 211
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Post by rivertemz on Jun 8, 2014 18:26:35 GMT -5
anastasiaescravaI really like David Adjaye's work too, I hope he can impact the African enterprise the same way he's involved in Britain and the US.
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Post by azrur on Jun 8, 2014 20:49:10 GMT -5
the chinese have been investing a lot into africa i have heard how do you think will they be impacting this idea? for better or worse
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Post by zarahan on Jun 8, 2014 22:17:46 GMT -5
This idea first attracted me once I remembered reading marvel comics (black panther) on a fantasy nation in the middle of Africa called wakanda that was never conquered by any European or Arab forces. It was hundreds of years more advanced than any other nation in science, technology and even it’s political and spiritual composition had reached a concept of utopia. ----- ^^Indeed. One of my favorite animated series of all time. I actually dream of a continent that not only climbs out of its European colonial era of imperial nightmares,
but also advances in living standards, human development and an urbanisation completely different and a lot more sustainable than today’s western lifestyle. I imagine it happening a lot sooner. Your concept is interesting- not full bore industrialization, as in some failed African socialist schemes, but yet progress. Why can't we embrace an African identity different from that of Europe and its western values? Difficult from a practical standpoint given (a) much debate and division in what would be an African identity, (b) a hugely interdependent globalized world economy, trade and financial system that has Africa in its tentacles and on which all nations depend, and (c) the fact that some things deemed "European" flourished in Africa long before they substantially got to most of Europe. Christianity in Ethiopia and Nubia is one such element for example. I actually dream of a continent that not only climbs out of its European colonial era of imperial nightmares,
but also advances in living standards, human development and an urbanisation completely different and a lot more sustainable than today’s western lifestyle.
I imagine it happening a lot sooner A worthy dream, but how will it be achieved given the millions of fractious individuals now packed into Africa's megacities or urban conglomerations- like Lagos, or Cairo, with more on the way every day into the slums? It could be that large scale industrialization is the only way to improve the lot of these teeming millions. This need not take place in every country but perhaps in a number of regional champions- like Germany or Britain was to Europe during their takeoff phases. Another model is like Botswana- reliance on mineral resources as in mining etc- where the more industrialized invest in such primary mineral resources to generate the capital and tax base, while the spillover nourishes the rest of the workers in the society. A third model is that of an entrepot like Hong Kong or Singapore. Some of the above models might be achievable by partnering with other heavyweights- such as China. A fourth model is like the Nordic countries- exploiting a "package deal" approach- primary products, tourism, high tech and so on. Different countries ot sub-regions can "specialize" in certain aspects of the package- or some countries go it alone. Regardless, all of the above requires relatively efficient government that holds down corruption and bureaucratic greed, and that does not throttle entrepreneurship w ith excessive taxes and regulation. A weakened central bureaucracy- provided certain basic bottom lines (like the rule of law) can be met- may not actually be a bad thing. What about political arrangements? Is democracy the best approach versus the tight, efficient shop run by people like the authoritarian Lew Kwan Yew used to do in Singapore?  Eko Atlantic is a multi-billion dollar residential and business development that will be located on Victoria Island in Lagos, along its upmarket Bar Beach coastline. Great concept. There is always a place for tech hubs and so on. But what about the critics that say- why spend so much money to create such a center when the same money can be spent to help tens of thousands of small farmers to improve their crop yields, get their produce to market, boost transportation by a massive number of small feeder roads, boost small enterprise with more appropriate scale technology versus big mega-projects where the lions share of the cash goes to already well heeled consultants and grasping bureaucrats with their bribes and permits, and kickbacks etc. In short, will the people benefit more from a mew giant mega-projects, or from many thousands of smaller projects? As Bill Gates once reputedly asked when informed about a big mega-project in Africa- "we are talking abut large scale web infrastructure and all that when just a few miles away are people who don't even have running water.."
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Post by anansi on Jun 8, 2014 22:19:16 GMT -5
How to achieve the above,first ween ourselves off religion to a more science oriented out look this is difficult as it is so ingrained in our cultural fabric,develop a linga franca to increase communication this has been archived on the East African coast with Swahili..I say we adopt (Jamaican Patois)..just kidding..  Africa is for the most part quite sunny adopt or better yet create technologies to lessen the effects of climate change, desertification is and water is going to be a problem,we have to set plans and solutions in place before that eventuality actually hit us. As is the case in Africa and much of the world there is always the Haves and the Have Nots let us at-least try to bring that down to the Haves and Have mores |
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Post by zarahan on Jun 9, 2014 8:38:52 GMT -5
lol adopting Jamaican might help! And it should be noted that not all parts of Africa are he same- some are better than others as far as government etc. Botswana is doing pretty food. Ivory Coast before its decline was one of the most prosperous- illustrating how an authoritarian model might work. There are some who claim things were so nice in South Africa (nice if you was white) under apartheid but they are wrong and the end of apartheid, while it has brought about no paradise, has seen substantial improvements for blacks. recent chart:  I was in Jamaica last yer and saw neat, disciplined schoolkids in uniforms on their way to and from school and had to shake my head comparing them to loud, pants saggin US kids in some areas (yes I include the suburbs here). What we could do with such disciplined kids here! irst ween ourselves off religion to a more science oriented out look this is difficult as it is so ingrained in our cultural fabric,True but I don;t think religion need be a big problem. The 2 can work together. The hustling Nigerian Igbos are heavily Christian and they they are moving ahead to master modern technology and commerce. Likewise other peoples in the Muslim areas or more traditional religion. All these religious traditions can hinder development, but they need not and can be a positive force. Missionary education for example introduced modern learning and technology in many areas. Jomo Kenyatta had some positive things to say about how helpful the mission schools were in jump starting African education, though they were far from perfect. By the way Europe is no scene of perfection. Italy is a pretty corrupt country, particularly southern Italy. Then there is the Balkans- giving us the word "balkinization" as a watchword for political instability and fragmentation. Then there are some on Eastern Europe and nearly bankrupt Greece- hardly "role models" to write home about. Its a big problem area - how to progress. I think we should see which models are working. what do you think would form part of a lineup" of models? We got Botswana. We got South Africa. We got Ivory Coast on prior years. we got parts of Nigeria. What are the common factors? |
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rivertemz
Scribe
The thirst for Knowledge is strong in this one
Posts: 211
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Post by rivertemz on Jun 9, 2014 14:19:43 GMT -5
Difficult from a practical standpoint given (a) much debate and division in what would be an African identity, (b) a hugely interdependent globalized world economy, trade and financial system that has Africa in its tentacles and on which all nations depend, and (c) the fact that some things deemed "European" flourished in Africa long before they substantially got to most of Europe. Christianity in Ethiopia and Nubia is one such element for example.
I definitely agree with that, I wasn't disclaiming what most African civilisations already harnessed before the Europeans interceded into the regions of Africa, Christianity has been established a little longer in Africa than in Western Europe.
I believe one thing is evident; "globalization" over time--Persian, Asian and Arab influences involved with the African trade routes such as; textiles, jewellery, tusks, safari animals e.g. in the East/South East of Africa, North Africa and central Africa, that are more evident in findings with what global industrial attributes were exposed to with Sub-saharan Africa in the earlier centuries etc.
But I'm being more specific with how they embrace western society, rather than having just a touch of European attributes.
Like the Chinese will always have a deep rooted culture along side their western influences. The Saudis would always have their deep rooted arabic/islamic culture along side their western appropriation.
But many Africans (and Afro-descents in the Americas), believe the more they are involved in the global market or the higher standard of living, the more they are enticed into mirroring the Anglo-Saxon mind frame in all ways, rather than uplifting their native toungue or embracing a standard of living with the same exact culture that the Europeans used to label 'primitive'. Such as our clothing and fashion, what made Africans(in Africa) think wearing a suit and tie to the workplace, in the climate that doesn't compliment that kind of 'gear' more modern and 'civilised'? is it in anyway convenient? Where is the creativity? I personally conform to that type of presentation, since im living in western society, but middle class Africans in Africa mostly identify the same way, which isn't necessarywhen those in power are look like them.
A worthy dream, but how will it be achieved given the millions of fractious individuals now packed into Africa's megacities or urban conglomerations- like Lagos, or Cairo, with more on the way every day into the slums? It could be that large scale industrialization is the only way to improve the lot of these teeming millions. This need not take place in every country but perhaps in a number of regional champions- like Germany or Britain was to Europe during their takeoff phases. ..
That was my other proclamation, I understand the issues around creating mega-cities and the the disadvantage to urbanization, So exactly, lets deal with the exact problem;
- building infrastructure in rural areas and smaller towns and cities.
- Improving transport to make way for easier trade routes and commuting to and from the cities and rural areas; therefore the need to invest in more Railway projects, trains and roads the sooner we can get on board with these project the faster the growth and development, whilst reducing the socio-economic risks, simply said than done.
- But at the same time not completely following the western model of development and infrastructure, if it's sustainable enough, if we should fully rely on perishable materials, would it effect the environment? and can we twitch the modern, global template of infrastructure.
Example of a State in Nigeria improving their cities after overpopulation and increase in slums, watch it's transformation.
Can we sit back and re-write a blueprint for a future African city, whilst acknowledging today's form of a functioning system, if we could embrace future ideas that would not only increase and maintain the development of African regions, but also advance it in ways Europe or America won't be able to recycle sooner or later. it's easier to build from nothing than to replace a system. such as the solar powered roadways anansi just posted, which I find astonishing.
African regions are filled with untapped landmass, that hasn't been modified or concrete-slammed with unsustainable material and resources. We can avoid those problems (e.g. like with China's Air Pollution) and correct modern infrastructure when recognising its flaws.
The idea is, can we create model cities and towns and rural landscapes from the ground up to a wonder of material stability and sustainablity? (If we had the economic & political power to) Can Africa pave the way as an exemplary future development for all nations if we can take the right measures ?
First and for most--Education, what can we do and integrate differently in a functioning educational system (I will write another thread discussing education as well as a model society next) |
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rivertemz
Scribe
The thirst for Knowledge is strong in this one
Posts: 211
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Post by rivertemz on Jun 9, 2014 14:43:04 GMT -5
the chinese have been investing a lot into africa i have heard how do you think will they be impacting this idea? for better or worse Only time could tell, I've heard both the pros and cons of China's involvement in the continent. China's approach is obviously better than the European colonial powers still working in the continent today, there is a sense of a win-win co-orporation . Whilst recognizing that small Chinese private businesses in Africa (farmers and traders) are competing with the native African traders that most are complaining and also China it's known for it's shrewd deals, the question is who's benefiting more? the African continent or China the one nation? So again only time could tell. |
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rivertemz
Scribe
The thirst for Knowledge is strong in this one
Posts: 211
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Post by rivertemz on Jun 9, 2014 15:01:48 GMT -5
How to achieve the above,first ween ourselves off religion to a more science oriented out look this is difficult as it is so ingrained in our cultural fabric,develop a linga franca to increase communication this has been archived on the East African coast with Swahili..I say we adopt (Jamaican Patois)..just kidding.. Africa is for the most part quite sunny adopt or better yet create technologies to lessen the effects of climate change, desertification is and water is going to be a problem,we have to set plans and solutions in place before that eventuality actually hit us. As is the case in Africa and much of the world there is always the Haves and the Have Nots let us at-least try to bring that down to the Haves and Have moresI don't believe religion is the main aspect Africa needs to focus on eradicating, even though it's one of the causes of conflict in different regions, but without 'religion' pur se' (not putting into consideration the spiritual beliefs and practices that are not as stable compared to the monolithic religion we know of), Africans still deal with ethnic differences, cultural conflicts within modern society etc.. I consider these innate cultural behaviours are experience globally, but Africans are still backwards when handling certain aspects with the modern social construct. Knowledge and the study of Science is definitely the future for Africa's human development and industrious revolution. The question is where to start, we should avoid the conversation of getting rid of African's spiritual values (which is currently focused on monolithic religions) Islam And Christianity can exist side by side in harmony, I'm Nigerian and before the "SavetheGirls" crisis campaign, Nigerians have still been 50/50 Christian and Muslim. I have Relatives who were either christian or muslim. Radical islam is not part of the majority. It's currently a regional catastrophe that can be traced back from the recent uprising of Boko Haram, to the infamous Al Qaeda all the way from Afghanistan and we know where they came from and what their intentions still are. It's colonialism in the name of another belief. Religion has been channelled into multiple positive things that zarahan mentioned; education, health, development etc. as well as the known horrific things to justify wars, slavery and a lack of political freedom. but Science and factual truth should prevail all, we should be able to give the African mind a freedom of choice, therefore having all options of religious beliefs, atheism and Science/current knowledge to give an aspect of humanity that we should all embrace. This is what is absent in most regions in Africa, exposure to different aspect of life and the embracement wisdom, knowledge and understanding. |
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Post by anansi on Jun 9, 2014 15:33:00 GMT -5
Zarahan said: The results and change would be nothing but amazing we have examples we can copy and mass produce in our communities in the states Urban Prep All College-Bound For Fourth Year In A Row
Read more: egyptsearchreloaded.proboards.com/thread/1517#ixzz34AwOx0eeIn terms of globalized economies AAs are among the best placed if only the forged strong links with their mother continent,this can perhaps be achieved with home stay programs with kids from AA communities stay or studying in Africa and the Caribbean for a summer or two,this will have the effect of get to know each other on a personal level,heck I have seen this at work first hand in Japan with western students some AAs and Black Brits included who later forged business and cultural links with the host countries. |
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Post by anansi on Jun 9, 2014 15:54:28 GMT -5
Rivertemz said:
My problem with religion is it often stifles thinking because it carries within it fundamentalism and not just with Abrahamic ones with all it's crazy stuffings, the minute things goes south folks reach back and for the most irrational aspect of their culture,witch hunting,child sacrifices ex;killing Albinos to achieve good luck,a vid I won't post here of a Nigerian man who killed his own son and buried him in the foundation of the house
at the behest of a local priest. that's the kind of ol school fundamentalism I am talking about,I am not for forcing folks but gradually weening them off it because of a new understanding of how the universe actually works through observations.
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