Tanzanian Traffic Police Woman (siye yule wa Pernille)Shukurani ya Dada Subi:
Wiki iliyopita niliandika kukerwa juu ya maneno fulani ambayo yanasomeka hapo chini. Watu kadhaa waliuelewa na kuujibu kwa kuafiki ama kupinga. Kwa kuwa lengo langu ilikuwa ni kukemea maneno fulani tu katika ujumbe mzima, ninayo furaha kuwa aliyeandika maneno hayo ameamua "kuyaondoa katika" blogu yake ya "Louder than Swahili".
Ingawaje hii haifafuta fikira na dhamira zilizojikita kwenye mawazo binafsi ya mtu, lakini kwa upande fulani imesaidia kuondoa ile hali ya kuyazungumza "mambo ya chumbani sebuleni" au "mambo ya ndani ya milango upenuni" ama "kuweka hadharani yaliyozoeleka kuzungumzwa ukiwa na baadhi ya watu fualni tu".Simfahamu mtu aliyeanzisha kampeni za Facebook, ila ninamsihi asifanye vitisho ama ugomvi. Lengo langu kama nilivyojieleza kwenye barua pepe ya awali, ilikuwa ni kukemea maneno fulani tu, hiyo ndiyo hoja, na si kumkashifu mtu kwa utu/ubinadamu wake.
Aliyeanzisha kampeni za Facebook amepita mpaka na ukomo wa fikira nilizokuwa nazo juu ya neno 'kukemea'.Ninatanguliza heshima kwa kila mmoja wetu na ninaomba samahani sana kwa yeyote niliyemkera ama aliyekwazika kwa ujumbe huo. Ni mimi mshamba wakuja,bi Mdadisi binti Nsipitwe,Subi'
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On Fri, Mar 7, 2008 at 10:18 AM, Subi <http://us.f397.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=subiras@gmail.com> wrote:
Jamani, kuna mzungu ameandika kuhusu Tanzania, ipo sentensi moja katika blogu yake imenichefua mno. Tafadhali naomba walioguswa nao wakemee hii tabia ya kulinganisha vitu visivyolingana, ni kebehi na dharau! Sentensi iliyoniudhi ni hii: "a female traffic officer in a tight blue skirt and with legs as thick as small tree trunks" . Walaumu anavyofanya kazi yake na si kumwingilia mtu maungoni! Mambo kama haya hayasemwi hadharani hivi, labda uwe na ugomvi binafsi na si kumnyumbulisha mtu kwa mfano wa kitu.This is what the traffic looked like this morning at 7. Incoming and out-going, switching between fast and slow lanes, evidently obeying new rules every day.
Sometimes you drive according to the traffic light: On occasion it doesn't work (but you still drive as if it sort of did): Most mornings a female traffic officer in a tight blue skirt and with legs as thick as small tree trunks is orchestrating the traffic.
Many mornings it feels sort of like a mental preparation of my mind for attacking the heaps of work in my office.
Inapatikana: hapa (bofya)
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Na Pernille mwenyewe kajibu hivi:
March 10, 2008
I have decided to put my blog on stand-by for a while
The reason is that over the weekend I have been receiving comments, e-mails, text messages and a phone call telling me various things, which I am far from comfortable with. Someone even made a Facebook group with the aim of boycotting my blog.
Basic message is that I am not giving the right impression of Tanzania. That the image I display of Tanzania to the world is damaging Tanzania's image. To me there simply is no right impression, but apparently there is, and I am not meeting these standards. I am highly aware that Africa is not just Africa, that Tanzania differs from other African countries and vice versa. I also know that the image of Tanzania in for instance European media often does not correspond with the one of the Tanzanians. But again 35 million Tanzanians do not make one idea, but many. I am an ex-pat, I blog from my perspective.
I find different viewpoints expressed on different blogs inspiring, which is why I read different blogs. I have only ever intended to reflect my impressions, which I have emphasised over and over. I have also emphasised that my views are mine and do not necessarily correspond with the NGO I work for.
I don't believe that this kind of group pressure should shut someone up, but I also feel I have no choice. However, in the mean time - until I figure out if/when I will return to blogging with a public identity - I will be happy to provide you with more detailed information if curious. I will also be interested in - and happy - to hear from other bloggers who have experienced the similar. I am still interested in dialogue, but I will not tolerate that people dictate me what to write on my blog, or comments where people i.e. name themselves 'Killer' or call me 'dog'.
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My Comments:
I came across this issue after it had already been posted on several blogs. The problem is that Pernille insulted African beauty. The legs that she called, 'small tree trunks' are considered beautiful to Tanzanians. Also in Tanzania having large buttocks and big breasts is something to be admired. The 'Twiggy' standard that Europeans worship is considered very ugly. I hope this brief explanation will help Pernille understand why some people are/were angry with her. - Chemi
Wiki iliyopita niliandika kukerwa juu ya maneno fulani ambayo yanasomeka hapo chini. Watu kadhaa waliuelewa na kuujibu kwa kuafiki ama kupinga. Kwa kuwa lengo langu ilikuwa ni kukemea maneno fulani tu katika ujumbe mzima, ninayo furaha kuwa aliyeandika maneno hayo ameamua "kuyaondoa katika" blogu yake ya "Louder than Swahili".
Ingawaje hii haifafuta fikira na dhamira zilizojikita kwenye mawazo binafsi ya mtu, lakini kwa upande fulani imesaidia kuondoa ile hali ya kuyazungumza "mambo ya chumbani sebuleni" au "mambo ya ndani ya milango upenuni" ama "kuweka hadharani yaliyozoeleka kuzungumzwa ukiwa na baadhi ya watu fualni tu".Simfahamu mtu aliyeanzisha kampeni za Facebook, ila ninamsihi asifanye vitisho ama ugomvi. Lengo langu kama nilivyojieleza kwenye barua pepe ya awali, ilikuwa ni kukemea maneno fulani tu, hiyo ndiyo hoja, na si kumkashifu mtu kwa utu/ubinadamu wake.
Aliyeanzisha kampeni za Facebook amepita mpaka na ukomo wa fikira nilizokuwa nazo juu ya neno 'kukemea'.Ninatanguliza heshima kwa kila mmoja wetu na ninaomba samahani sana kwa yeyote niliyemkera ama aliyekwazika kwa ujumbe huo. Ni mimi mshamba wakuja,bi Mdadisi binti Nsipitwe,Subi'
**********************************************************************
On Fri, Mar 7, 2008 at 10:18 AM, Subi <http://us.f397.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=subiras@gmail.com> wrote:
Jamani, kuna mzungu ameandika kuhusu Tanzania, ipo sentensi moja katika blogu yake imenichefua mno. Tafadhali naomba walioguswa nao wakemee hii tabia ya kulinganisha vitu visivyolingana, ni kebehi na dharau! Sentensi iliyoniudhi ni hii: "a female traffic officer in a tight blue skirt and with legs as thick as small tree trunks" . Walaumu anavyofanya kazi yake na si kumwingilia mtu maungoni! Mambo kama haya hayasemwi hadharani hivi, labda uwe na ugomvi binafsi na si kumnyumbulisha mtu kwa mfano wa kitu.This is what the traffic looked like this morning at 7. Incoming and out-going, switching between fast and slow lanes, evidently obeying new rules every day.
Sometimes you drive according to the traffic light: On occasion it doesn't work (but you still drive as if it sort of did): Most mornings a female traffic officer in a tight blue skirt and with legs as thick as small tree trunks is orchestrating the traffic.
Many mornings it feels sort of like a mental preparation of my mind for attacking the heaps of work in my office.
Inapatikana: hapa (bofya)
*******************************************************
Na Pernille mwenyewe kajibu hivi:
March 10, 2008
I have decided to put my blog on stand-by for a while
The reason is that over the weekend I have been receiving comments, e-mails, text messages and a phone call telling me various things, which I am far from comfortable with. Someone even made a Facebook group with the aim of boycotting my blog.
Basic message is that I am not giving the right impression of Tanzania. That the image I display of Tanzania to the world is damaging Tanzania's image. To me there simply is no right impression, but apparently there is, and I am not meeting these standards. I am highly aware that Africa is not just Africa, that Tanzania differs from other African countries and vice versa. I also know that the image of Tanzania in for instance European media often does not correspond with the one of the Tanzanians. But again 35 million Tanzanians do not make one idea, but many. I am an ex-pat, I blog from my perspective.
I find different viewpoints expressed on different blogs inspiring, which is why I read different blogs. I have only ever intended to reflect my impressions, which I have emphasised over and over. I have also emphasised that my views are mine and do not necessarily correspond with the NGO I work for.
I don't believe that this kind of group pressure should shut someone up, but I also feel I have no choice. However, in the mean time - until I figure out if/when I will return to blogging with a public identity - I will be happy to provide you with more detailed information if curious. I will also be interested in - and happy - to hear from other bloggers who have experienced the similar. I am still interested in dialogue, but I will not tolerate that people dictate me what to write on my blog, or comments where people i.e. name themselves 'Killer' or call me 'dog'.
*************************************************************
My Comments:
I came across this issue after it had already been posted on several blogs. The problem is that Pernille insulted African beauty. The legs that she called, 'small tree trunks' are considered beautiful to Tanzanians. Also in Tanzania having large buttocks and big breasts is something to be admired. The 'Twiggy' standard that Europeans worship is considered very ugly. I hope this brief explanation will help Pernille understand why some people are/were angry with her. - Chemi
19 comments:
Sidhani kama huyop Pernille aliposti kwa nia mbaya. Ila ni kweli ameudhi watu kwa kuita miguu ya huyo polisi tree trunks ya shina ya miti. Wazungu wamezoea fleti huko nyuma na miguu kama fimbo!
I think you guys are just making a big deal out of all of this. The purpose of a blog is to express your feelings and air your opinions. I do not think she meant to target or insult Tanzanian women. Infact, if you read the rest of her blog she has some very good things to say about the people of Tanzania. Stop concentrating on the negative.
does that make it OK for people to call her a dog, or to use the name 'killer' when presenting their complaints.
Do you think she is a dog?
Anonymous of 5:30am, I don't know why you are asking me if I think Pernille is a dog.
First off, I came upon this issue after it exploded in Tanzanian blogs. I have explained why people are angry at her comparing a Tanzanian woman's legs to 'small tree trunks'. Think of what a tree trunk means in African Culture. Of course the comparison is an insult. Maybe the woman she insulted is a relative or the wife of the person who called Pernille a dog. She needs to ask them.
And I reiterate, the "TWIGGY" waif thin anorexic look is not Africa's standard of beauty.
Ahaaa,jamani!Kumbe ndiyo mpolisi alietukanwa na kidhungu,khaa!Ninamfahamu huyo mdada,nadhani lazima atamfungulia mashitaki.Lakini,hasomagi mabo haya ya mabulogi ivo htajua hata siku moja.
chemi, I am asking you because of the last line in her last post. or did you not read it? This whole farago has spiralled out of control leading to her being abused and outrageous things said about her on blogs, particular the comments section of michuzi, who has proved himself to be completely irresponsible in this whole episode. By ignoring this, you appear to be approving it.
twiggy? Have you seen any recent miss tanzanias? or the tvt model search show? They make the original Twiggy look like miss bantu! anyway, she was giving a graphic description of an individual, not delving into concepts of beauty.
anon at 5:30 am
Anonymous of 5:30AM, you know what, as a blogger you can expect threats, insults. Not everyone is going to agree with what you said. I have received some myself on some matters. However, I am surprised at how far people have taken this issue.
My suggestion to Pernille, is simply to say, SORRY. If she does the harassment will end, I am sure. Some people are very angry and offended at the comment. The issue is more that people feel she insulted a culture.
As to Twiggy,and Miss Tanzania, I have aired my views on that here on my blog. In fact, when I was recently in Tanzania I was surprised at how much people dislike the local beauty pageants because they cater to 'white standards'. At one time there was a reciprocal 'Miss Bantu' pageant where thick women with thick legs competed. I haven't heard of it lately. So, I asked some of the organisers why they want these bone thin girls and the response was that they are the one who can compete at International level. And just who set the international standard? The TWIGGY worshippers.
I also did some research on other African countries like Nigeria, and found the same issue. They used to send their ideal beauties. When they changed and sent the thin ones they started winning.
We should have a Miss Africa pageant which abides by our traditional standards. Bump TWIGGY!
actually no, one should not expect insults. One should expect debate and questioning - sometimes impassioned, but not the dangerous nonsense that these people have been coming out with, and which you appear to advocate.
So again: I ask you. Do you think she is a dog? Yes or no?
anon530
Anonymous of 5:30AM, you need to address the 'dog' issue with the person who called her that. It wasn't me.
Well, it's too bad if you think, I am condoning anything here. But I have explained why her comment has drawn such ire. I have looked at Pernille's blog and found it interesting and I see it as a blog in which she sees a foreign country from her perspective. I had some minor issues with some other comments but nothing worthy of my blogging about or making a stink about.
'impassioned'. Yes of course people become impassioned when they feel they have been insulted. That's human nature. For example look at the people who were insulted over some Danish cartoons. Look at the people who were insulted over a Teddy bears name. Look at the people in that European nation who got upset when they were called 'backward' in a recent film.
What is wrong with a simple 'sorry' to those who were offended. Reading posts on some of the other blogs it seems that many people were not, there is a mixed reaction.
Huyo anony wa 5:30am lazima atakuwa Pernille mwenyewe au ndugu yake! Shida yake nini. Pernille katukana dada zetu, mama zetu. Ni kweli kama unavyosema Da Chemi aombe msamaha tu, yataisha.
anon217 nikuambie wazi, mie si ndugu hata rafiki wa pernille.
chemi, we disagree. but at least we appear to be doing so in a civilised manner. which is good
anon530
Mimi sioni kama tumetukanwa wala nini! Nadhani ni kwa vile ameandika mtu ambae si Mtanzania vinginevyo wala isingekuwa ishu.
Sasa msamaha aombwe trafiki au aliyetoa vitisho vya "apologize or leave". Ingekuwa hivyo angeanza yeye ku leave Amerika ndio afuate dada wa watu anayeshutumiwa kwa vile tu ametoa maoni yake. Watu wanaandika maneno ya ajabu kuwadhihaki wenzao lakini lakini hayaitwi matusi...
Ingekuwa na ishu za ufisadi tunazibebea bango kama hii ya miguu ya huyu trafiki ambayo ni minene kama shina la mti basi tungeendelea. Yaani hata tungeweza kumwambia Mr. Richmond apologize or leave.
Naamini yule dada angekuwa ni msanii wa katuni angemchora vizuri sana yule trafiki lakini kwa vile kasema, tena kwa kiingereza imekuwa nongwa. Na ukimtetea unaitwa dada yake au rafiki yake, hasa ukiandika kwa kiingereza kizuri!!
Kama kweli katukana, je tusi linarekebishwa kwa tusi? Mpo tayari kumwomba radhi na yeye au weupe hawaombwi radhi?
Chemi,wewe naona huyo anakutafuta ebu kaa kimya tuachie sie wenyewe tupambane.Haya katutukania dada yetu sasa wewe unaedai kwamba kama mtu kamtetea tena kwa kidhunngu kizuri,unajua kidhungu wewe!ama mnatakajipa ujiko humu katika blog ya msister tu!?SASA TUNASEMA KOMENI TENA MSIMFUATE da chemi VINGINEVO TUTAPAMBANA KIKWELIKWELI MPAKA MUONE HAYA.mafilaunibaradhulinyie.
Akina dada wenyewe tusikasirike ukakasirike wewe! Usipandishe jazba, unaonyesha ni jinsi gani ulivyo na hazina kubwa ya matusi. Mi nilidhani unasema mafisadi wakubwa! Kumbe mabaladhuli? Haisumbui.
Ongeza kutukana, jitahidi yasizidi yale ya miguu minene kama shina la mti tafadhali... ili usije ukaambiwa "apologize or leave". Kaka umekasirika kuliko sisi akina dada! Lazima kuna jambo zaidi, vinginevyo tungejitahidi kuwaongelea zaidi ndugu zetu wanaolala nje tabata dampo na sio kumfukuza mtu ambae hata akiondoka haitakusaidia.
Kila mtu anaruhusiwa kukasirika lakini ustaarabu unaonekana katika reaction. Unaweza ukatoa hoja na ikaeleweka bila kutumia lugha chafu..
Miye mke wangu amejazia vizuri kila idara na ana mguu mzuri wa bia, na ndio utamu wangu. Sasa mtu aje anitukanie ati amwite "gogo", wewe wewe wewe! Patachimbika! Kama huyo mzungu na wengine wasiopenda shepu hizo wao wana miguu myembamba hiyo ni juu yao, na kama kuna wanaoipenda hayo ni ya kwao, lakini wasinitukanie wa kwangu ninaemwona "bomba"! Hayo matusi aliyotoa huyo mtu hayavumiliki, na ni bahati tu simjui kwa sura lazima angenikoma!
CHASE HER OUT OF OUR BEAUTIFUL MOTHERLAND ASAP M...F. MYSELF HAVE NEVER INSULT OR SAY ANTHING ABOUT W..... FLAP FLOP BERRYS HUNGING LIKE PORK FAT MEAT AT THE BUTCHER
MIRRY
Kwa kweli yule dada wa kizungu ametukana sana. "Chase her out of our beautiful land m....f.. Myself have never insulted or said anything about w.. " Afadhali huyu aliyejitahidi kuandika kizungu saa 4.59 am ambaye hajatukana kabisa. Yeye amefananisha tu ngozi ya wazungu na nyama ya nguruwe inayoning'inia buchani na amesema tu m...f.. Wala hajatukana tusi kabisaaaa ukilinganisha na tusi kubwa sana la miguu minene kama shina la mti.
Nashukuru kwamba kila mtu kasomea na kupangiwa kazi yake kwa vigezo vilivyowekwa, vinginevyo ingekuwa kasheshe! Pata picha mtu kama huyo niliyemtaja hapo juu angepata ubosi wa Uhamiaji halafu anakuwa na ubinafsi wa kusema mtu akimuudhi basi amfukuze nchini, angebaki mtu kweli? Si wangefukuzwa mpaka watu ambao si wa mkoa huu, wilaya hii, kabila hili, familia hii...
Hivi yule dada wa kizungu hatumjui kwa sura kweli? Mbona ameweka picha yake kwenye blogu yake? Au kiswahili nacho ni tatizo? Je ulitaka kusema kuwa ungejua sura yake angekoma au ukikutana nae atakoma?
Namlaumu huyu dada wa Denmark kwa kusema wazi wazi kuwa miguu ya trafiki kama shina la mti. Angefanya kama huyu kaka mwenye mke mzuri aliyejazia idara zote na mguu wa bia anao, lakini anamuona mke wake kama gogo ila hataki watu wengine waseme hivyo. Yaani amejishtukia. Na hiyo ndio hali halisi ya sisi wabongo, wewe ona kisha sifia uongo au kaa kimya.
Naunga mkono kwamba tumfukuzilie mbali huyu dada kutoka kwenye our beautiful motherland m..f. Inawezekana kwa kuondoka kwake tukapata ile kazi yake tufaidi. Maana tuna enjoy our beautiful motherland na maisha bora kwetu sote yaliyojaa ufisadi, walio nacho wanacho na wasio nacho wasahau.
I think the lady is intelligent enough to know that the issue will cause controversial. maybe she wanted to increase publicity/traffic to her blog. If that is the case than, she should rethinnk of her strategy. JUST LEAVE OUR BEAUTYFUL WOMEN ALONE! At the same time we need to respond intelligently and not lose the plot. How many wazungus do you know dedicate there time to write about our beloved country. I think we can use people like her to write about serious issues like corruption, poverty and deseases. There is two sides to every story!yhank you
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