When asking people that live in Liberia what it means to be liberian I got some interesting answers with many common themes. Those who are not indigenous - Lebanese, Indian, Fula or others working with international organizations - gave an answer that usually involved a snide critique of the Liberian-ization policy. If you are not "Liberian" you are unable to gain citizenship, or even permanent residency. You are not allowed to own property, but you can own a business; which you have to pay 16 times as much to register. And each year you have to renew your residency and business. Long-term business planning is thus very difficult and there are many disincentives to making long term capital investments. Although I think this policy is in poor taste and perhaps even racist, for the purpose of this post, my learning was that politically there is a strong since of what it means to be "Liberian". This policy is very popular and is unlikely to change anytime soon.
The answers received from those born in Liberia or re-pats were a bit less critical of the nation's policies on citizenship and residency, but were equally enlightening as to the contemporary political and social context.
A reminder of the questions that I asked:
- What does it mean to be Liberian?
- What makes you proud to be a Liberian?
- Who are the role models of young Liberians?
- What does Liberia look like in 15 years?
These questions when asked to Liberians gave them pause, and seemed difficult to answer. Many seemed surprised I was asking them. There weren't overwhelmingly similar answers, like what I would expect if someone asked the same question to Americans.
After over 200 years of history, us patriots in America have a relatively harmonious idea of what it means to be American. Our youth, have relatively similar lists of who are their role models. Unfortunately Lindsey Lohan is on many lists. What evokes pride, may very slightly depending on who you ask. Glen Beck or Keith Olberman opinions may vary a bit, but their answers most likely would contain some common values. And the answer to what does America look like in 15 years is very obvious - pretty much the same as it does now. For good or for ill.
Back to Liberia. It seems that connection to one's ethnic group, is paramount to Liberian nationalism. There is much pride in the ethnic group that one is from. The reasons varied but included a pride in place; the geographic area one was from. A common mother tongue or voice and since of connection ran deeper than values or ideology.
Beyond ethnic ties, overwhelmingly what it means to be Liberian is to be born here. This was the obvious answer I was trying to avoid. But this overwhelmingly is the view that to be Liberian you must be born here, or have parents who were born here. This seemed to be the sentiment that led to the Liberian-ization policy.
However, an interesting answer I received to the question, "what does it mean to be Liberian?" did not involve geography or ethnicity. The answer was, "to be Liberian you must hold the development of the country in your heart." I think this is a very prescient answer for the times. There are so many people from so many different countries that are here, in Liberia, working for the betterment of the country. If one chooses to make this their home, holding liberia in their heart. Would they be Liberian? Legally, no. But in the persons eyes, who gave this answer, they would be countrymen!
I received an almost poetic response to the question about Liberian role models. A man said, "Many Liberians start their journey well, but we as people do not finish the journey well." He went on to give many examples of Liberians who at the beginning were worthy role models. They showed promise and had the potential to create positive change. However many were overcome by greed, and set personal gain before the good of their country. Throughout Liberia's history this is a story that is told again and again. And is still seen in todays political and social landscape. Many public figures serve for personal gain. Not to improve their country, but instead to gain status, and line their pockets. At least this is the common view.
What will Liberia look like in 15 years? It depends on how today's leaders finish their journey? Will they finish well - unscarred by rumors of corruption and putting self before country?
I think much of the countries hope lies in the leadership of President Sirleaf. I think overwhelming she is seen as someone who has put country first, by Liberians and those in the international community. But I, like many others, wonder how her time as the leader of this country, will transition to the next generation. Will she finish her journey well?
This country, overwhelming needs people that Liberians can look up to and emulate. A group of founding "fathers" and "mothers" that are not corrupt. That are seen as and do hold Liberia in their heart, and put service to their country before personal gain. For too long Liberia has been abused by selfish leaders. I look forward to seeing what the future holds.
So, what does it mean to be Liberian?
I think the answer is still working itself out.
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