单项选择题
To most Africans, tribalism simply
means very strong loyalty to one’s ethnic group. It is a force that Can be both
good and bad. By definition tribalism means sharing among members of the
extended family. It makes sure that a person is taken care of by his own group.
To give a job to a fellow tribesman is not wrong; it is an obligation.
Similarly, for a politician or military leader it is considered good common
sense to choose his closest adviser from people of his own tribe. This ensures
security, continuity, authority. Tribal loyalty may mean a quick promotion--from
sergeant to captain, from clerk to manager—within a very short time. Modern African politicians publicly speak out against tribal divisions. Yet it remains perhaps the most powerful force in day-to-day African life. As evidence of tribalism, in 1977 in Kenya, president Jomo Kenyatta’s tribe controlled business and politics. Eight of the 21 cabinet posts, including the most important four were filled by Kikuyus. In Uganda in the same year, the president’s small Kakwa tribe filled almost all the highest government and military positions! In Agola, Ethiopia, and Nigeria, the fighting in the past ten years can be partly explained by disagreements among tribes. |