Anywhere outside the continent is America, so far as it is away from the “shithole”. Caution! No one should get comfortable parading that word around like it’s some kind of endearment. It’s not!
The Land of Milk, Honey, and Other Lies: The Allure of the Western Hemisphere
For millions fleeing, America is their first choice. Britain comes in a formidable second place. It’s a common misconception that both are identical twin sisters. Yet, the reality is a stern teacher. One discovers that football is a national sport in both countries, except only one is clever enough to play it with their feet. France is a primary and secondary choice for those still under the shackles of the FRENCH. If you cannot reach these three countries, Europe is a man-made garden; anywhere is your America. Canada is the incredible new kid on the bloc, almost edging out America from the number one spot.
The Fools’ Paradise: The African Optimist and the Reality of Self-Rule
It is the ‘American Pie’ Syndrome. A phenomenon that sees Africa’s brightest minds lured away by the tantalizing aroma of the ‘bigger piece of the pie’. However, Africans are the ultimate optimist. When countries like Ghana led the charge to self-rule, it was all gravy until it became apparent that talk is cheap. By the late 1970s, it was obvious to the world. These Africans cannot run shit on their own. That’s when talents began to whiff the scent of opportunities in far-off lands; the story is the same from Zimbabwe to Algeria.
The Greener Pastures Syndrome: Talent Exodus: Case Studies from 2023
It’s 2023, and nothing has changed. Omotola, a promising technology programmer, trades Lagos’ power outages for Silicon Valley’s neon lights. She sails on the winds of change, pursuing the ‘American Pie” that promises better research facilities and global recognition.
Next, we have Selasi, a carpenter, who swaps the resource-starved Keta in the Volta Basin for Manitoba. He rides the gusts of opportunity, where he is now building, installing, maintaining, and repairing massive wooden structures.
Tiger’s Roar: Unpacking the Reasons Behind the Migration
Why are Africa’s talents migrating? Because the ‘American Pie’ is guaranteed… No, you can’t say that! Yes, I can! Focus on the success stories, whatever success means to you.
Here’s why the ‘American Pie’ Syndrome is so pervasive:
- The Crust of Stability: Professionals seek societies where socio-economic stability is a given, not a luxury, much like the solid crust that holds a pie together.
- The Sweetness of Recognition: One appreciates the baker when one tastes a sweet pie. Similarly, talents seek places where their skills are recognized and valued. Ghana, you need to sweeten your ‘Ghanaian Pie’ with recognition and appreciation; currently, your options stink.
- The Filling of Reward: When a pie is generously filled, it’s more gratifying. Similarly, talents yearn for places where their efforts are adequately rewarded. Cram that ‘Ghanaian Pie’ bursting with a tantalizing filling of competitive remuneration so alluring, they’d make a Wall Street banker blush.
The MasterChef Call to Arms: Baking the ‘African Pie’
So, dear Africans, roll up our sleeves and make your ‘African Pie’ just as, if not more, appealing. Create an environment where people are motivated to bake at home. Pay your workers appropriately.
The Continent’s Catch-22: Hope and Despair Disguised as a Vintage Car
Here is the Chink in the Armour. Like a stalled vintage car, the continent holds a charming façade of hope, manipulated by Godfathers and Narcoqueens.
The Optimist’s Dilemma: The Risk of Waiting for Change
As a result, one can wait for an entire generation for the change engine to rev. Be careful, or you may wake up one morning as a grey-haired disgruntled optimist trying to bake an African Pie.
Fancy a slice of the ‘African Pie’? Thought so. Click here to add your own unique flavour to the mix. Be warned: this isn’t your grandma’s baking challenge.
Think you can whip up a better ‘African Pie’? Share your recipe in the comments, and let’s get cooking!