Let me start by introducing myself... I am a Chinese American citizen. I am here to explore, raise points, and give thoughts about current situations in the world that I find intriguing. The media does tell us one thing, but they always forget to tell us the other. We all know this of course... I am just as biased as anyone else out there, therefore if I say I will try to maintain a neutral position, we all know that's a lie. Primarily, my education focuses upon the theory and history of Film and Anthropology. More specifically, I have a keen interest in the politics of third world countries. My greatest interest is in the continent of Africa... The dark continent as they like to say. This perception is a common misinterpretation. Yes, Africa is in troubled times, but behind all the bad is the good.
But for now... My focus shall be on Liberia... I watched the most intriguing web documentary about Liberia. If you would like to check it out, go to vbs.tv and find the "Vice Guide to Liberia." Here's a little background about Liberia: Liberia was originally started as a free state for all the recently freed slaves back in the mid 1800s. Ironically enough, as those freed slaves returned to Liberia, the same crimes that were committed against them was once again repeated to the natives of Liberia. Liberia is an intriguing name for such a country. Liberia is very akin to liberation, a nation of freed slaves. Furthermore, the capital of Liberia, Monrovia, was also named after our former president James Monroe. Liberia itself has many connections to the states, most of which still continues today.
Now let's fast forward to Liberia today. It is, by far, one of the worst countries in the world. It's ironic with a name like Liberia. The country's poverty and illiteracy rates are off the charts, devious crimes are committed on an hourly basis, rapes, cannibalism, you name it, they got it. After a twenty year civil war, Liberia is in a current states of "peace" as they like to call it, but really that term is relative. Violent eruptions can occur at any moment, and probably will do so. The UN currently holds the country in a very shaky stability, but they are reported to leave within the next year. What then? Will another civil war erupt? It appears most likely.
A most intriguing person in the Liberian civil war was a man named General Butt Naked. Now he is known as Joseph Blahyi. This man is indeed atrocious in all forms of the word. He raped, killed tens of thousands, and ate the flesh and blood of his victims. All for what? He has committed crimes unimaginable to the majority of us in a country so poor that none of us can equally fathom how life must be like living in such squalor. Yet, he asks for redemption. He asks for forgiveness. He has turned his eyes toward the sights of God. Now, I am not a religious person. I especially do not believe in Judeo-Christian religions, but here I am advocating his redemption. It is apparent that he feels sorrow for all the crimes that he has committed. He does not completely reject his past. He does state that he is a murderer, and the blood of his victims are still on his hands.
Now many would not forgive this man. It is ironic that he has a large group of followers many of which probably had family members slain down by his own hands. Can this man be forgiven? In a sense I believe so. He is now preaching for the well being of his people and his country. Although I may not be a religious advocate, religion is a way of life, and can be taken in a very positive direction (I'm not talking about Holy Wars). Joseph Blahyi perhaps can be the savior that his country asks of him in the sense that his inspirations can lead those that still commit themselves to a life of degradation for something better. As silly as it may sound, a light at the end of the tunnel, as I like to think of it.
I guess the point that I am trying to get at is this, with a country with absolutely no hope for a future whatsoever (or at least a very small chance of hope), a martyr is much needed. This man may be the incarnate of evil, but in a sense, he has lived what most of the Liberian people has lived through, thus he can relate to them. He was almost equally a warlord like any other, therefore, others would be able to sympathize with him and understand him more than any other. This man has much to prove for himself. Thankfully, he has the guidance of religion. Let me emphasize the religious aspect. If you know me, I am not an advocate of religion whatsoever. For the most part, I am against Judeo-Christian religions, but in this sense, I am for it. For one reason, and one reason only, it brings about the path to good versus the path straight to hell (well in a sense) that Liberia is currently headed toward. Christianity can be a positive force as it was for Joseph Blahyi, and as it can be for the people of Liberia. I'm not saying for all to convert, because, if anything, I am an advocate of native beliefs. What I'm saying is if all else fails, a belief in religion brings about the good in people. A religion plus a peaceful martyr can only bring about the best.
But that's just my two cents....
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