Mwanafunzi Ameshindwa Kuja Darasani Ili Kumtunza Mbwa

Jana, mwanafunzi wangu mmoja aliniandikia ujumbe kuwa hangehudhuria darasa. Mbwa wa familia, kule Minneapolis, alikuwa hajisikii vizuri, na hapakuwa na mtu wa kumwangalia. Kwa hivyo, kwa niaba ya familia, ilibidi kijana aende kule kumshughulikia mbwa. Hali ya mbwa ilihitaji apelekwe kwa daktari.

Kijana alinipa maelezo hayo. Ila leo amekuja darasani. Kabla ya kipindi kuanza nilimwuliza mbwa anaendeleaje, naye akasema alimpeleka kwa daktari ile jana, na anaendelea vizuri.

Ninafahamu kuwa habari hii itawashangaza wa-Tanzania wenzangu na wa-Afrika kwa ujumla. Kwetu mbwa hatumjali kiasi hicho. Ni utamaduni tofauti. Lakini hapa ni Marekani. Kama nilivyoeleza katika kitabu changu cha Africans and Americans: Embracing Cultural Differences katika utamaduni huu, mbwa wanamjali utadhani binadamu. Baadhi ya maneno niliyoandika ni haya:  

Many Americans keep pets, such as dogs, cats, birds, and fish, lavishing much care and tenderness on them. They let their dogs wander anywhere in their house, even taking them in the car as they drive. They rush home from work or other engagement to walk their dog or feed their cat. Americans will hug and even kiss their dog or hold their cat like a baby. When the Americans list the members of their family, they might include the dog, the cat, or other pet. They are probably joking, but it would be insulting to list an African's dog as part of his or her family. I cannot imagine an African allowing a dog in his car, hugging it, or kissing it. (kurasa 52-53)

Nashukuru kwamba nimeishi Marekani kwa miaka mingi kiasi cha kufahamu mengi kuhusu utamaduni wao. Kwa hivyo, ujumbe wa kijana kuwa hangekuja darasani kwa ajili ya mbwa, niliuelewa bila tatizo. Hii ni nchi yao, na huu ni utamaduni wao. Ingekuwa ni Tanzania, udhuru wa namna hiyo ungeleta tafrani kubwa.