Amazing Commentary on Africa

I was listening to NPR the other day and, of course, they gave a program over to speaking with folks who knew Michael Jackson. One of the guests was a woman in Africa who spoke about the first time The Jackson Five visited. I found one of her comments very striking. She was giving accolades to Michael’s talent and how impressed the people there were with it. Then she said, “And this comes from a continent of people who sing and dance….and do them very well.”

I thought that was an amazing statement and could think of no other continent that could claim such a thing. In fact, I’ve had a hard time thinking of a singular distinction that any other continent could claim in which everyone participates. Of course, I realize that there is a lot of killing, brutality, and dieing in Africa. That only made her statement more impressive to me. Singing and dancing are, by their nature, wonderfully celebratory and life-affirming acts.

Perhaps you can think of a similar claim that another continent, or even a country, could make. Comments welcome.