Do you have Ebola?

I've noticed that Koreans have been asking me more frequently "What country are you from?".  Not out of the normal curiosity but something else....hmmmnnnn...what could it be? I have dark chocolate skin, full lips and long braids. Hmmmmmnnnn.

OMG!!

EBOLA!!!!

Lately there has been a lot of news coverage on the Ebola virus that is infecting people in a few West African countries.  The video coverage on the news is daunting. It shows diseased people who are dying slowly and painfully. Even before the virus spread to more than one country, I would see poor and diseased African people on Korean television.  If I did not know better, I would think that those sick people represented all of the African continent. They do not. There are Africans who are healthy, educated and forward thinking.  

But if you have never left Korea, choose to remain ignorant and are not exposed to anyone of color, you will believe these narrow-minded images. You will believe that every African needs you to send money to feed or clothe him. You will believe that all African kids are barefoot and starving. And you will believe that Africans are inferior to you.  You will not know the rich history of the continent. You will not know about "Lucy", the oldest remains of our human ancestors that were found in Ethiopia.

You will not know how diverse and amazing your worldview could be if you choose not to open your mind.

http://www.pbs.org/saf/1103/features/meetlucy.htm