Gaining perspective

Not only do I have minority status here as a foreigner, but because I live in the north, I am also a minority within Malians.

The Sonrai have an interesting position as they have the power in the north, and certainly make Bella (former slave class) and Arabs feel second class; but then complain when the national majority Bambara are patronizing. And yet I am finding myself complaining right along with them...

The issue surfaced this past week during a training for midwives. Most present were Bambara speakers. The presenter spoke both Bambara and French, and could have easily translated into French (most minorities do know French better than Bambaras because they need it as a lingua franca). But she didn't. And then some midwives began to pester the Sonrai speakers for not responding to questions, which were posed in Bambara. Or sometimes the Sonrai's would understand the Bambara but answer in French or even Sonrai. The Bambaras wouldn't stand for this, and got annoyed. So I made a comment that it is a Malian reality to have minorities present in community health centers and hospitals. The midwives need to be prepared when working with clients to either have a translator or to be able to give time to minorities for a one-on-one. I see how the staff at the hospital is rude to the minorities, the Bella especially. Instead of calling them "madame" or "cero" (friend) they just say "bella, ma ka" (you Bella, come here). Why would a Bella woman want to come back for such treatment? We need to be welcoming to get people to be comfortable in the hospital!!

I get so excited when I hear Sonrai speakers in the south, and favor them over other vendors if I find them in Bamako. So I suppose this is a bit nepotistic of me, but I really see why people of the same linguistic group want solidarity; and why they would ideally want to rule themselves. Seeking out one's own ensures understanding, support, and shared interests. Life is easier around people who speak your language. The way I feel about my minority status as a Sonrai makes me realize I do identify with them now. I understand more of their plight. And when I go back to the States and I am in the majority again, I will remember these times and I will try and act how I wish the Bambaras would act toward the Sonrai, as if we are all the same.