Kevin in Liberia: Raising Social, Political, Ethical, and Spiritual Awareness within a Relief and Development Context in Liberia, West Africa

Kevin in Liberia

Its Purpose: to raise awareness of current social, political, ethical, and spiritual issues within a relief and development context in Liberia. Its effectiveness is simple: It relies on me, the author, to provide insightful, and often debate-sparking material that will encourage you, the reader to get engaged through comment contributions, emails, and promoting others to read, re-think, and respond to the important issues discussed.

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Labels: Civil War Footage, Liberian Culture, Liberian History, Videos of Liberia

7 Comments:

At 9:34 AM, Anonymous said…

Thanks for sharing that video. We have all heard of the atrocities that went on in Liberia, but it is really another thing to see it shown like that.
The video sickened me and tore at my heart - to see how gruesome these kids were, how everyday this brutality was for them. Damnit! Around 20 years ago I use to play in Paynesville with kids that age, now look at the kids now! All they have seen their whole life is war.
Even back then, during the comparably peaceful 80s, violence was always present for kids. I remember us talking about recent disappearences when one of the kids told me that politicans would get people killed and use their hearts to get more votes. This scared me pretty badly, and they reassured me saying, oh, don't worry, you're white - it's Liberian business. That was my first encounter with racism.
Another encouter with racism was the comments to the video on youtube! The racist and supremacist comments were positively disturbing.
At 5:56 PM, Kevin Aja Fryatt said…

You watch that video and see all the terrible things that went on during the war, and that still happen even today in Liberia. The interesting thing is that when you encounter the vast majority of Liberians they are generally very nice people. Its unfortunate the effect a few promises, some drugs, degregating spiritual beliefs, and a little boredom will have on this population of Liberians. Today, a common idea floating around is that the President really needs to get some of these kids working or going to school and off the streets because conflict in neighboring countries such as Guinea could pull Liberia back into the same situation it found itself in for the past 15 years.

When I think of it, I was most disappointed and furiated when a Liberian pulled out the racist card on me last year. It was after that where I demanded he leave our premises. Maybe I need to start evaluating, "Well, if I'm racist...why am I even here?" Thank God I'm not racist!
At 12:02 AM, JsTSaSySeH said…

I added a link of your blog to my blog area... Great reading for me!
I was born in Liberia and left at age 2 1/2 but still have lots of family still there. Although I don't remember anything from there, I look forward to visiting home in the near future.
Keep up the great posting!
At 9:00 PM, livingtheart said…

Hi Kevin,

My name's Erica. I'm a native Liberian who immigrated to the U.S. during the civil war. I recently came across your blog, while searching online for chronicles of contemporary issues and life in Liberia.

Your blog is amazing, and is so necessary -- especially for others like me who have not been able to return since the war. I pray to return within the next year or so, and in that case, I'd love to assist you guys as a volunteer in your work there.

I researched the organization with which you work. You all are doing such an awesome job. I want to say thanks! Thank God for your hearts. Thank God for His spirit that moves you all to service in Liberia.

Your pictures bring back sweet memories, as I left the country when I was so young. Please keep 'em coming!

Blessings,
Erica
At 12:04 AM, Elephantschild said…

I can't do it. I thought it had been long enough, but I can't watch it. Watched half, and then stopped.

Thank you for posting nonetheless. Miss "home" so much sometimes; it's great to see pictures of familiar streets and beaches.

(grew up on Old Road, 1978-1990)
At 4:33 PM, Brian H said…

I half(+) expect Mugabe to implement Swift's Modest Proposal to reduce the white population and raise funds and end hunger in Zimbabwe. Should produce some inspiring video!
At 4:36 PM, Brian H said…

kevin;
here's a troubling thought:
Believing that being of a particular "race" confers ANY unique characteristic makes you a racist.

Even if you're right.