Saturday, March 28, 2009
A Look at Malawi
I was surprised to come across this documentary about Malawi, produced and narrated by Madonna. I Am Because We Are is an enlightening and graphic look at one of the most poverty-stricken and least travelled countries on earth.
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Exploration of these frontiers is usually limited to aid workers or the odd journalist. There is no tourist infrastructure and HIV/AIDS has ravished its adult population. Malaria, typhoid and cholera are massive problems. Alcoholism and crime are the natural end-points of this cycle.
Madonna's narration is both insightful and heart-felt; less a publicity stunt by the world's biggest pop-star than a sincere evaluation of this forgotten country.
Countries like Malawi force travelers to ask themselves why certain countries are left off itineraries and why we rush to others. What are our expectations from the countries we visit? Do we manufacture a facade of being knowledgable about the world, yet choose to ignore the unsightly regions because we think they have nothing to offer us?
How much of travel is about fulfilling these expectations, not letting a country reveal itself on its own terms?
Why am I not planning a trip to Malawi?
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