A machine gun?

Torgome, Ghana

Today, I had the opportunity to do a homestay in a traditional Ghanaian village. I was really excited to learn more about the local life of people here in Ghana and while that did occur, much of the experience turned into something else entirely.

It’s been a constant conversation on the ship about giving gifts to local children, be it money, candy, or otherwise. Yes, it makes us feel good for a few seconds when the kids are happy to see us, happy to pose for pictures, and happy to take what we have. But what are the long term effects of American tourists coming in, showering these children with candy and trinkets then leaving just as quickly as we came? What does this say about Americans and what local kids should expect when they meet them? I was told that the children in this village were explicitly told not to beg and if caught doing so, they got in big trouble with their parents. Children would come up to us when no one was looking and whisper, “Give me a pencil.” Each time it happened, it cheapened my experience that much more. While there weren’t any kids in the household I was staying in, I felt that these children weren’t interested in interacting with us, they were looking to get something out of the deal by us being here.  A pencil, a sticker, something they can call their own or barter with if the need arises. This interaction in particular, was especially disturbing.

Kid: Give me a pencil.

Me: No

Kid: Give me money.

Me: No

Kid: Give me a machine gun.

Me: A machine gun?

Kid: Yes

Me: No

Now if constantly asking for pencils and candy says something about what we’re putting out there as Americans, what on Earth does asking for a machine gun say about us? I haven’t the foggiest.