Hacking the Programming

Why are the kids constantly force-fed images of black poverty?

I caught the principal returning from his daily stroll of the school’s halls and garden and planted myself in front of the poster shown (which are posted on every floor of the school) as he passed by. He saw me, we exchanged greetings and, as I hoped he would, he asked what held my attention. 

Me: This poster. 

Principal: Ah. Is there a problem?

Me: Well...I’m wondering why it’s here. And upstairs. And all over the school. Is UNICEF targeting donations from junior high school kids these days??

Principal: (Guffaws) No, nothing like that. It’s for the parents. They came to the open school. 

Me: Ah! But that was a few weeks ago, wasn’t it? 

P: Was it?  You’re right, I guess. So, what’s your concern?

Me: Why are they still hanging now then? 

P: Are they a problem?

Me: (I discovered suddenly that I truly wasn’t as prepared as I thought to have this convo in Japanese. I’m still seriously hampered by a limited vocabulary) Ummm... yes, I think so. These types of images shouldn’t be the only ones the kids should see. If it’s ok, I’d like to replace these with some more, er, suitable posters. 

P: (All humor gone) Really? Are they that bad?? 

Me: They’re not so bad. They’re just not so good, either. 

I had to handle this with kid’s glove. 

P: What’s wrong with them?

Me: (How do I say this?) Have you ever seen a UNICEF poster with Japanese on it?

P: (Laughs) Of course not.

Me: Why not? You think there are any hungry kids in Japan? Are homeless people? People living in their cars? I saw a story last week about salarymen living in rental cars. Several sharing the same car in shifts. Then they go shower at a manga café and head to work.

P: (Silence)

Me: All I’m saying is that I think it’s, uh, not a good idea if the only image these kids get of African people is as charity or poor or sick. Some of the richest countries in the world are in Africa.

P: Really?

Me: Of course! That’s why the Chinese and Europeans and even the Japanese are buying land there. The images are poor but all the riches of the world are there! The jewels, the minerals, all the elements needed for technology, all come from various African countries! There’s more to Africa than UNICEF!

P: Ah. I see what you mean. So, what do you have in mind?

Me: Well, let me put together a few ideas I’ve had and show you later this week. Is that OK?

P: Sure. Looking forward to it. 

He has no idea the door he just opened. Or maybe he does. He’s a pretty astute guy. Either way I’m about to put together a nice little presentation for our leader. The kids are going to know more than about Africans than what UNICEF uses to loosen pockets here.

They’re gonna get their programming hacked.