Life in a Big City - Exploring the Living Delights of Another World

I had seen the clothes my brothers had brought back and heard them speak of the wages to be had. They had described the street lights, the cinemas, the dance halls, the women and the clever town men. My father did not wish me to go, but without saying good-bye to my parents I boarded the bus for the big city.

I was amazed at what I saw and wished I had come earlier. There was nothing like this at home. Every house was bright with lights; there was an unbelievable and exciting bustle, thrill and glitter. Everyone radiated wealth, confidence, success. Life in town must be easy, the rewards great and quickly plucked. I was glad that I had left the dark quiet hut of my father, where I was only a boy, a messenger, a fetcher, a laborer. This was Life!'

So began the experience of one African who wished to explore the delights of another world-life in a big city.

He felt that his move to the city and the prospect of more material possessions would be a springboard to happiness. Many share his feelings. Perhaps you do. What is happening in Africa has taken place, or is taking place, in many parts of the world.

Changes Touch Minds and Hearts

Minds and hearts accustomed to a very simple way of life have become acquainted with a manner of living that involves an endless array of fascinating possessions. The effect is portrayed in a selection from the African poem "Song of Lawino." A newly educated man returning from town had just brought a clock home to his village wife who had never seen one before. She said: "To me the clock is a great source of pride. It is beautiful to see. And when visitors come, they are highly impressed!" Yes, this new "toy" seemed to add glitter and excitement, as well as prestige, to her life. Who of us has not seen and then desired some new gadget that could make our life more enjoyable?

However, all the benefits of modern technology come with "price tags"-they cost money, sometimes plenty of it! The question each person must face is, How much am I willing to sacrifice to have that item? Enjoying certain benefits of this modern age may even require that you sacrifice personal values. This has been happening, not merely in Africa, but world wide.

To appreciate fully what precious values are being lost, let's briefly examine the "traditional life-style" that has characterized much of African society for millenniums.