FEATURE Why should Blacks remain ignorant? By Sandra Idossou <strong>The</strong> best way to hide something from black people is to put it in a book. We now live in the information age. <strong>The</strong>y have gained the opportunity to read any book on any subject through the efforts of their fight for freedom, yet they refuse to read. <strong>The</strong>re are numerous books readily available, but few read consistently, if at all”. This is an extract of a long letter read on a New York radio station some time ago by a Caucasian. <strong>The</strong> title was “Blacks don’t read: <strong>The</strong>y are still our slaves”. <strong>The</strong> first time I read this, I was infuriated by the discriminatory opinions of the writer but on second thought, I realized that he had a valid point. This is because many people, especially people of the black race, are ignorant of many topical issues because they do not read. This is pathetic but sadly true. Let us be frank with one another. When was the last time you read a book? How many of us currently read at least one book a month? Do you have a budget for books or any other reading material? <strong>The</strong> last time I talked to a friend about an interesting article in one of the newspapers in town, her answer shocked me. She said, “you know what Sandra, when I receive the newspaper, I just glance through the titles and look for interesting tenders, and that’s about it”. In our countries where we often have to wait for long hours for people, in buses, at functions, at reception lounges or even at hair saloons, I find it extremely strange 10 | <strong>The</strong> SERVICEMAG October - December 2011 that we most often never have a book to read while waiting. We would all acknowledge that the general message in the above sarcastic description of the black community is thought-provoking as reading is merely considered, in most cases, as a primary leisure activity. As an African, I know that our culture dictates that we primarily communicate orally. We rather place value on what people say or on what we hear rather than what we discover through print. As a result, we lose sight of the value of reading and obtaining our own information. <strong>The</strong> tragedy today is that many people, especially Africans, have no passion to read. In today’s world we receive so much information via radio, television and other media platforms yet none of these avenues has the ability to educate as does the fundamental skill of reading. Reading has many advantages. It helps readers to ‘travel’ to distant lands, and introduces whole new cultures. Thanks to technology, today we can read and travel a lot through reading via Internet. Today, just a small click and one’s curiosity is satisfied. <strong>The</strong> internet has made information available free-ofcharge to anyone who can log on. With the advent of websites and e-books, reading should also become an easy and simple activity and we have no excuse to be ignorant. Even in these days of multimedia, reading is the most essential skill with which to acquire knowledge. Reading .”.. many people, especially those of the black race, are ignorant of many topical issues because they do not read”. helps in mental development and is known to stimulate the brain. It is often advisable to indulge in at least half an hour of reading a day to keep abreast of information. For instance, it is observed that children who read have comparatively a higher level of intelligence. <strong>The</strong>y are more creative and do better in school. For this reason it is recommended that parents inculcate the culture of reading in their children during their early years. One of the basic tenets of power in business lies in obtaining information and controlling it. Develop today the habit of reading. Resolve to never let a day go by without reading something. If you don’t read you are definitely missing out on a great way of learning as well as a wonderful way of improving your life and business. Books, newspapers, magazines and the internet can instruct, inform, entertain, motivate and inspire. Remember, knowledge is power! TSM sidossou@theservicemag.com
FEATURE “Even in these days of multimedia, reading is the most essential skill with which to acquire knowledge.” <strong>The</strong> SERVICEMAG October - December 2011| 11 PHOTO: Flickr.com
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