Lets discuss the prejudice that dictates one society’s actions towards another. It seems to be a common censuses that Americans tend to turn away from Africa, because of racial, and cultural issues. This author has heard all the bylines, loudly proclaimed by various media sources. They seem to influence, not echo the opinions of American people.The notions of America as a whole abandoning Africa seem to be gaining popularity, even as hundreds of millions of dollars, along with armies of doctors, engineers, volunteers, and charity groups pour in. I think the lack of understanding involving international treatment of Africa is endlessly complex, with valid arguments on both sides. Why did the U.N.. including America abandon Rwanda and allow millions to die? Why did so many of our own citizens ignore the very real concept of personal accountability and blame everyone in the world but the murderous monsters that perpetrated the genocide, and opt for the good old “it’s gotta be America’s fault” cop out? Why didn’t anyone get up and yell “what the hell is wrong with you Rwanda? Why are you doing this? Tribal war? What year is this?” It seems to be an increasing trend in this nation to allow poor victims of social injustice a pass when it comes to criminal behavior and even out-and-out murder. We saw the L.A. riots as a form of protest, not a bunch of miscreants looking for an excuse to burn, break and steal. (thats what it was, and if you think that any people in this day and age can ever slash and burn their way to social justice, I will personally laugh in your face.)We saw the citizens of New Orleans looting, and shooting at National Gard helicopters as an acceptable expression or their anger at having been abandoned. And we see the perpetual state of war and famine in Africa as anybody’s problem but the African peoples. The Darfur tragedy is still playing itself out, and all anyone has to say is “shame on us for not doing more.” But you never hear “Shame on Sudan for creating a modern killing field.” I guess those prejudices are very real. I guess we just expect violent behavior from African nations and can’t muster even a little righteous indignation towards any nation that so readily butchers tens of thousands of people over power struggles and tribal grudges. I think the real situation is that the relief efforts are alive,well,and growing exponentially in Africa with little or no fanfare. The prejudice comes when the uninformed leap upon their soapboxes and shout “dammit! when is the great white man gonna come in here and make everything alright?!” Maybe it’s time to take all men of all races to task, to hold them responsible for their crimes. Maybe it’s time to stop making excuses for murder. We all failed Rwanda, we are all failing in Sudan. But we can never succeed until we view Africa as an equal partner in reform, responsible for it’s own actions, and stop viewing it as a “project” with witch we can demonstrate our own Nobility. We raise our children and give them guidance, but we inevitably lead them to the final lesson “you must be able to stand on your own” The whole world, Africa and America included should think on that, and stop making excuses.