I love this article! (Pambazuka News 203: Behind the image: poverty and 'development pornography') I think it is absolutely right on... I visited Cape Verde from 1996 to 1999 as a Peace Corps volunteer and brought with me all kinds of stereotypes and propaganda that was very hard to discard, but I did as the years went by...

I have the hardest time trying to explain what I saw to people here in the western US and to help them understand my commitment to disrupt the status quo and turn things around in Africa. Since returning, I have learned and appreciated the concept of "stealing from the poor." I think it makes sense to spotlight the corporate and government predators when talking about what is happening in Africa, however, people are much more uncomfortable with acknowledging their own complicity in the problem.

If I start to talk about the corporations, then they get uncomfortable because, in America, that's like criticizing God. It's never spoken about, but one isn't supposed to criticize capitalism here. And people feel powerless when they understand who is doing what in Africa. It is so much easier for them to pledge $1 a day to help a "starving child". They get to feel powerful and superior, and they feel like they are addressing the problem. The question is: how do we get people to feel that same sense of personal power if they are going after the source of the problem, not the result? The problem is so huge and complex, it would almost take a documentary to explain it; not a simple television advertisement. Do you have any suggestions or advice for me?

I am finishing a law degree, and before I return to Africa, I want to somehow communicate with people here about Africa; help change the preconceptions and picque their interest in the continent; dare I say help them develop an empathy with Africans not based on pity, but based on respect as valiant and dignified equals?

Thank you so much for the work you do!