Most Helpful Customer Reviews
27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Now Africa makes a lot more sense, July 30, 2006
This review is from: African Friends and Money Matters: Observations from Africa (Publications in Ethnography, Vol. 37) (Paperback)
This is an incisive, sociological story that grips like a good novel.
In the musical "My Fair Lady", Professor Henry Higgins when realizing that he cannot control his "project" student, Eliza Doolittle, sings lamenting "Why can't a woman be more like a man..." It is very easy for us born into a certain culture to have that feeling about particularly 3rd world cultures, and especially about sub-Saharan Africa. Westerners (North Americans and Europeans) often come away from Africa perplexed about life-style and ways of doing things. "Why do they...." and "How do they..." preface our questions when we think of actions we observe that seem counter-productive or may appear to "shoot a society in the foot." Why might money given for fertilizer to be purchased in May, instead be spent on a family wedding in April? How can one be a friend without seeming like a "sugar-daddy"? How can anyone maintain 40 "very-close friends"?
David Maranz, an anthropologist with 25 years experience working in Senegal with the Summer Institute of Linguistics, has written an introduction to the whys and hows of African life, based on his experience and numerous interviews he has had with both native Africas and Westerners living in Africa. This is an "Aha!" type of book, some of which may apply to societies in other countries as well. Dr. Maranz's discoveries are fascinating and often entertaining. Better yet, they provide important answers and background necessary for the respectful and productive interaction of drastically different cultures. He is clear to make the point that his assessment is not a one-size-fits-all in describing the many countries and multiple tribes within countries of Africa. This book is not complicated reading, but serves as an introduction to those curiosities and differences we have with the cultures of a large continent
This book is a MUST READ for anyone who has been to Africa, will be visiting Africa, knows anyone in Africa, or who has any interest in Africa and world affairs. It would also be helpful to native Africans wishing to better understand Western culture. This information may also suggest why what has perhaps worked well for African groups for centuries, may not work so well in the future.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Asbolutely Essential, December 13, 2005
This review is from: African Friends and Money Matters: Observations from Africa (Publications in Ethnography, Vol. 37) (Paperback)
African Friends and Money Matters is essential reading for anyone working in Africa, particularly for short term NGO and mission workers. Unfortunately, I didn't read it until after my second trip. I'll be better prepared on my next trip, after having read it. It will save me from some embarassing and occasionally quasi-confrontational moments as I relate to people I really care for. For you who have been deluged with requests for money and financial help, during and after your visit, it will explain some cultural issues, and will help you to better deal with these issues. I regard it as essential reading for mission organizations, mission workers, and other NGOs working short term or long term in Africa.
Ken Moore
Board Member
Lifewater International
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This book is a MUST ... if you want to understand Africa, May 8, 2006
This review is from: African Friends and Money Matters: Observations from Africa (Publications in Ethnography, Vol. 37) (Paperback)
Having only read this book after returning from a month in Africa, I had wished I'd read it before going ....and it is absolutely invaluable if one has any economic or cultural dealings with mainstream African "friends and money matters."
The cultures are so vastly different - in regards to their perceptions, beliefs and use of material resources - that one is tempted to regard "US" (yes, U.S. and Westerners!) as being "right" and our African friends as being "wrong" .... that is, until one gets the perspective of this excellent book.
It's telling that a used copy's asking price is higher than the original! I can attest from personal experience that this is an excellent and accurate work, and it's got plenty of practical illustrations and examples. Anybody working in Africa, NGO, governmental or business, would do well to STUDY this work.
My only complaint is that there isn't a discounted price for ten or so copies, as I'd love to share it with many. Not knowing what's contained in it's pages will cost you in terms of money, relationships ...and - therefore - effectiveness. They should offer a "double your money back" customer satisfaction guarantee.
The cultural differences are so great it's hard to summarize in one brief review. The main thing is: their system works for them, where they are; ours works for us ... but we can learn much from each other. If you want to be effective in Africa, i.e.: if the topic is relevant, read the book.
William Ellison
Engineering Consultant (short-term missions volunteer)
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|
