African Union moves to adopt the Afro
Hairstyle to unite sub-Saharan nationsLuc Attmi
La Lune de la presse internationale
OUAGADOUGOU, BURKINA FASO
In a move designed to foster a sense of community, leaders from African Union countries voted Thursday to adopt the Afro, sources in Ouagadougou reported. When the new measure takes effect in January 2009, all African hairstyles will be switched over to an Afro-based model. All individuals will be expected to use the Afro in all forms of social transactions to build cultural equity amongst the nations.
The move was hailed by Afro enthusiasts around the world, who called the development a clear and concise step towards unity on the African continent. Despite widespread wars, disease, famine, poverty, drought, inequality, exploitation, slavery, corruption, lawlessness, revolt, environmental damage and misery, the decision to adopt the Afro signals a decisive step by continental leaders to confront the sensitive issue of differences in hairstyles throughout the 53 nation African Union.
Starting in 2009, any citizen who does not adopt the Afro could be subject to fines, imprisonment, dirty looks or execution, depending on which repressive measures individual nations choose to adopt. Citizens in member states are widely expected to embrace the switchover to the Afro as a base hairstyle, although enthusiasm was limited after the announcement.
"I just don't see how this is going to change the situation in our nation," said one detractor on the streets of Ougadougou. "Some people like the Afro, but I don't know if it's a good idea to make it a standard in all the countries. People should be free to use the hairstyle they want in everyday social transactions."
Nigerian government spokesman Kwasi Freeman maintained that people would be delighted at the unifying hair theme.
"This will create an unbreakable bond of brotherhood between the many different African cultures and religions. This way, we can slowly erase the subtle differences that make each nation unique, by creating one hairstyle for everyone, and enjoying the peace, unity, stability that follows throughout Africa."
The move was hailed by Afro enthusiasts around the world, who called the development a clear and concise step towards unity on the African continent. Despite widespread wars, disease, famine, poverty, drought, inequality, exploitation, slavery, corruption, lawlessness, revolt, environmental damage and misery, the decision to adopt the Afro signals a decisive step by continental leaders to confront the sensitive issue of differences in hairstyles throughout the 53 nation African Union.
Starting in 2009, any citizen who does not adopt the Afro could be subject to fines, imprisonment, dirty looks or execution, depending on which repressive measures individual nations choose to adopt. Citizens in member states are widely expected to embrace the switchover to the Afro as a base hairstyle, although enthusiasm was limited after the announcement.
"I just don't see how this is going to change the situation in our nation," said one detractor on the streets of Ougadougou. "Some people like the Afro, but I don't know if it's a good idea to make it a standard in all the countries. People should be free to use the hairstyle they want in everyday social transactions."
Nigerian government spokesman Kwasi Freeman maintained that people would be delighted at the unifying hair theme.
"This will create an unbreakable bond of brotherhood between the many different African cultures and religions. This way, we can slowly erase the subtle differences that make each nation unique, by creating one hairstyle for everyone, and enjoying the peace, unity, stability that follows throughout Africa."
posted by Monsieur le Professeur @ 11:29 PM
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