The Intricacies of Humanitarianism

THE INTRICACIES OF HUMANITARIANISM: I would like to return to my second to last post, where I discuss cultural differences among Niger’s various ethnic groups.  As a humanitarian ethnographer, and head of an NGO, understanding such differences is crucial for having maximum impact on people’s lives.  In a country like Niger, with over eight different ethnic groups, applying a “one size fits all” approach to development is doomed for disaster. Read more…

Is Suffering Relative?

IS SUFFERING RELATIVE?  Over the past couple of days, I have received very nice comments following a few of my posts expressing concern and sadness for the conditions that my friends in the Azawak endure.  I am grateful that your heart has been moved.  Mine certainly was moved 12 years ago when I first visited the Azawak, and still is today as @ammanimman works to make life saving changes in the region.  And yet I’ve come to understand the suffering of my friends there differently. Read more…