Tuesday, May 08, 2012

What? Nigeria has city buses?

Few weeks ago, on a bus ride home from church with a friend, a bus driver who seemed to be going to work or coming from it took a seat next to us. After a long staring session, he decided to interrupt us so he could "get to know us". He first asked about our nationality, which we answered Nigerian. Immediately, his face lit up as he said "WOW! Nigeria is such a rich country!" I looked at him and thought huh? Then he went on to say that it is rich in oil, so it must be a rich country. I was surprised by his "knowledge" about Nigeria because many Chinese don't think much of Africa. And so I was even more impressed that he didn't have anything negative or ignorant to say about Nigeria or Africa.
*source* 
Anyway, we later carried on with our conversation, only to be interrupted again by the curious bus driver. This time, he asked, "Do they have public buses in Nigeria too?"  I answered, "YES! of course!. He was surprised and said "really? do they look like this one?"  Again, I answered YES! (but with a smile :) and went back to my conversation.
I was a bit confused by this man's set of questions because earlier he mentioned about Nigeria's main rich resource and now he's surprised they have nice and comfortable city buses to take people around town?
So it got me thinking, "was he surprised that Nigeria has city buses because he wouldn't expect anyone to take public transportation since they are all too rich to ride in a bus; and would rather drive their own private cars? Or was he surprised due to his preconception about Africa as a poor continent?
Whatever the case might be, I just look forward to the day when people would stop asking ignorant questions about Africa and may be go out there and see for themselves!.

8 comments:

Curlilocks said...

I am asked ignorant hair questions all the time so I know how you feel. It's frustrating to say the least!

Andi of My Beautiful Adventures said...

I'm sorry that you face so much ignorance! I can only imagine how frustrating it is. :(

'Lara said...

I am sure the dude does not know anything about Nigeria asides from the oil business. Ignorant or should I say stupid questions, we can never avoid as Africans.

JenJen said...

I get what your saying. When I lived in North Dakota people use tell me I was the first black person they had ever met and then they would ask to touch my hair or skin. Hello! Skin is skin, I'm not a snake or bunny.

Curious Kinks said...

wow! that is definitely interesting. I wonder what they say to dark skinned blacks. very funny indeed!

The Relentless Builder said...

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xoxo Kellz* said...

ugh me too all the time this question is my fave tho...are u mixed? smh

Curious Kinks said...

No, im not. i'm a full blood ;)