The uncertain business of doing good : outsiders in Africa / Larry Krotz.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Krotz, Larry, 1948-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Economic assistance--Africa.

Economic assistance.

Humanitarian assistance.

Africa.

Technical assistance--Africa.

Technical assistance.

Humanitarian assistance--Africa.

Africa--Economic conditions--1960-.

Economic conditions.

Africa--Social conditions--1960-.

Social conditions.

Physical Description:

220 pages : maps ; 23 cm

Place of Publication:

East Lansing : Michigan State University Press, [2009]

Summary:

From Doctor Livingstone 150 years ago to the rock star Bono today, outsiders have championed foreign intervention in Africa through political, economic, and health care reforms. Though frequently exploitative, the relationship between Westerners and Africa is also often propelled by an almost irresistible urge to 'do good.' But underlying good intentions there often is a hierarchical belief that we, as outsiders, somehow know what is best for Africa.

As a journalist and filmmaker, Larry Krotz follows the projects of scientists, NGOs, lawyers, and peacekeepers, all motivated in some manner by the desire to 'do good' in Africa. He focuses specifically on the Angolan civil war, AIDS research in Kenya, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, and the UNIM circumcision research project in Kenya. He examines the ethical and social implications of these projects, and raises many difficult and critically important questions. How have we come to think the way we do about Africa and its people? What has motivated us to action, for good or ill? And, in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, is there a choice to be made between doing nothing and doing the well-intentioned but perhaps wrong thing?

Contents:

Angola 1992

1 Luanda 15

2 Huambo 27

3 Reportage 43

4 Other People's Countries 51

Nairobi, Kenya 1997

5 Looking for a Prostitute 59

6 Hawa 73

7 Searching for Hawa's Secret 87

8 How Do You Define Progress? 97

Arusha, Tanzania 2002

9 Pastor Ntakirutimana 109

10 Missionaries for Justice 121

11 The Geneva of Africa 135

12 Verdicts on Rwanda 151

13 Who Goes to Africa? 163

Kisumu, Kenya 2004

14 The Nyanza Club 171

15 Circumcising Africa 183

16 Scientific Life 193

17 The Uncertain Business of Doing Good 199

18 Leaving Africa 209.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 219-220).

ISBN:

0870138529

9780870138522

OCLC:

234257214