Ndipe's Posts

Nairaland Forum › Ndipe's Profile › Ndipe's Posts

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ... 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 (of 191 pages)

Literature › What Difference Is there in hiphop's language with those of Literary novels? by Ndipe(op): 10:07am On Jun 23, 2007

While Rap music has been derided, deservedly, for their misogynistic and foul languages, I find it strange that society has overlooked or even celebrated another medium, that constantly insert this repulsive and appalling languages . . . literary novels. Seldom, have I not come across these languages used freely, or even sparingly in some 'notable' books. After reading and listening to the high acclaim heaped on Toni Morrison, the black American writer, I decided to read one of her novels. "Sula" was my first choice, and the novel was a turnoff because of her choice of words which were used quite freely. I'd have to ask, if she would read that novel to her grandchild, if she has any.

Most African writers that I have read have been very respectable in their choice of words in the medium. Except for Achebe, whose 2nd novel, raised the ire of some Kenyans, who likened it to pornography.

Even the newly celebrated Nigerian writer has also joined the league with her insertion of a foul language. I did not finish her novel, because I did not see the need to do so. But I just don't get this double standard. Certain words that are forbidden to be uttered in public, are freely transmitted in the literary medium. While rappers are condemned (I have no regards for them in the first place) for spewing out filthy languages, it appears that most people have accepted their inclusion in text books. If one may protest, would this hinder the "Freedom of the press", and given this excuse, what then can we say about "Freedom of speech"?

If it is true that Oprah is turning her back on rappers, then, she might as well refused to endorse or promote Toni Morrison's novels, for her inclusion of this filthy language. Unfortunately, that is not the case. At least one of her books was inducted into "Oprah's book club". I would not even gift that novel to anybody. I look at some of our African writers, and their choice of words they use in writing. Respectable. Hope it remains so.

So much for double standard!

Properties › Re: Buy House In State Housing Estate, Calabar by Ndipe(m): 9:49am On Jun 22, 2007

Is the price negotiable or 15 million Naira is your final price? My cousins lived on Mutaka street, just opposite the park, and I used to troop to that area to visit them. Wonderful memories indeed.

Christianity Etc › Who Is The Angel Of The Lord? by Ndipe(op): 9:45am On Jun 22, 2007

Does anybody know who He is? I was reading a certain Chapter of the Holy Bible, that details the encounter of Samson's parents with the Angel of the Lord, prior to his birth. The story of their conversation with the Angel of the Lord was very interesting, particularly, when his parents inquired of His identity. When the Angel of the Lord instructed them to make a sacrifice to the Lord, they complied, and immediately, as the Holy Bible says, The Angel of the Lord immediately ascended in the flame of fire to Heaven.

Since reading this verse, I have a strong conviction that the Angel of the Lord may have been the Pre-incarnate Jesus Christ. Moreso, it has strengthened my faith in God. As some of you may realize, Biblical scholars always draw passages from the Old Testament that foretells the Birth of the Messiah to redeem us from the bondage of sin. While the Jews (except for the Messianic Jews) have disputed the Messiaship of Jesus Christ, there is no denying that He, Jesus Christ is actually the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Read that Chapter that details the encounter of Samson's parents with the Angel of the Lord, as well as His Ascension during the sacrifice. It is a moving chapter.

Literature › Re: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Teller Of Tales By Marie Arana by Ndipe(m): 11:17am On Jun 21, 2007

I read her 2nd novel, "Half of a yellow sun", she is a fine writer, and the story line was indeed a page turner. But I stopped reading it when I read the derogatory sexual term she used in her book. Dont want to mention it, but all what I have to ask, is, "What ever happened to clean literature"? Words that are forbidden to utter in public, are now accepted in the printed version. Na wao!

Fashion › Re: Best Deodorants For Males/females? by Ndipe(m): 10:57am On Jun 21, 2007

In Nigeria, it was Sure roll on, but in America, I sometimes use speed. Aside from the price, there is really not that much of a difference between the roll on.

Politics › Re: Oil Discovered In Ghana by Ndipe(m): 10:47am On Jun 21, 2007

And what does Nigeria have to show for, in the midst of such an abundance of these reservoir of wealth? Dilapidated structures in our tertiary education, non payment of salaries to civil servants, high rate of unemployment in the country, astronomical prices of gas, in an oil producing country. Even Kenya, where tourism is the mainstay of their economy has better structures than Nigeria.

My former neighbor, a Kenyan, told me of a relative who relocated to Kenya, before moving to Canada. I could not even contemplate such a move, because of the economic malaise in our country. Is the oil in Nigeria, really a blessing to the citizens?

Travel › Re: What's The Minimum Amount I Need To Have Before I Relocate To Nigeria? by Ndipe(m): 9:30am On Jun 21, 2007

MT, when last did you visit Nigeria? I dont think that 2 million Naira can get you a new car, unless you are willing to ride in a tokunbo car, and take it to the mechanic for 'fix-up' constantly.

For me, if possible, it would have to be 40 million Naira minimum. So, even if things do not go according to my plan, like setting a biz, or joining the workforce, then, my annual yield accumulated from investments can cater to my needs as well as some family members of mine.

P:S If one were to invest that 40 million Naira, is it feasible to expect a 20-30 percent yield?

Car Talk › Re: Must A Nigerian Guy Have A Car Before A Lady Agrees To Go Out With Him? by Ndipe(m): 9:19am On Jun 21, 2007

Having a car, it appears is a strong criteria, adopted by even some American girls before dating a guy. I half jokingly remarked to my former female co-workers that for a first date, all what I would do, is to have the girl wait for me at the bus-stop, and from there, proceed to the mall, and feast at Mcdonalds. Some of them were quite incensed at my thoughtlessness in taking a girl on the first date on a bus ride and they told me that such crassness wont result in a 2nd date. On a more serious note, I think judging a guy based on his material possessions is very shallow. Should you have a car? Only if you can afford it. If a girl can't date you based on the content of your character, then, don't fret, she is not meant for you.

Travel › Re: Nairobi Photos (kenya): A Beautiful East African City by Ndipe(m): 8:54am On Jun 21, 2007

Beautiful city.

Culture › Re: Do You Know Your Neighbours? by Ndipe(m): 8:47am On Jun 21, 2007

Tell me about it. When I had just arrived from Nigeria and was at my aunt's in the East coast, I greeted a lady I saw in the elevator, but she ignored me. It was so dreary, encountering the stone cold faces that I was relieved to be moving to California. Without a doubt, Californians are more outgoing than their counterparts in the east coast. At my former complex, one of my neighbors, used to extend an invitation to my roommate for a drink or so. Even in Sunnyvale, there was a lady, who, introduced herself and told me where she lived, and then inquired if I was . . . brother. It was a breath of fresh air, to have friendly neighbors, without 'pokenosing' into your biz. I like California, and I'd like to think that the sunshine plays a factor in determining one's mood.

For the most part, I would pick California over the East Coast. The sour attitude that people have, is another factor with the high depression rate in this country.

PS: For those who live in the East coast, what was your experience like when you landed in Nigeria, and took a walk on the streets? I tell you, it was refreshing to be in the midst of lively pedestrians. I still concur, Nigerians are one of the happiest people in the world!

Politics › Re: Oil Discovered In Ghana by Ndipe(m): 8:17am On Jun 21, 2007

Good for them, Ghana is waving goodbye to the dreary days of economic hardship that plagued them decades ago. Now, I am reading that some Nigerians are setting up roots in Ghana. Lets be happy for them, instead of exhibiting traces of jealousy on their fortune. It is not our manifest destiny to be the only oil producing country in West Africa.

Forum Games › Re: Bible Quiz Game by Ndipe(m): 9:15am On Jun 20, 2007

How many wise men came to visit Jesus Christ, after His Birth?

Romance › Re: Guys: Would U Marry A Young Widow? by Ndipe(m): 2:34am On Jun 15, 2007

Sure, why cant you fall in love with her?

Politics › Re: Was Colonialism Good For Africa? by Ndipe(op): 12:02pm On Jun 11, 2007

While colonialism has been blamed for the influx of materialism in Africa, lets not forget that social class existed in the pre-colonial era. The Osu's aka the untouchable were outcasts in the Ibo society, an unfortunate social divide that exists uptil today. Now, in the Church, every child that accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of their life is not a slave, but an adopted child of God. Read Things Fall Apart on the reaction of one man, who had to resign his membership from his Church, when the Church extended an invitation to Osus. Not even the pastor's explanation that God does not discriminate could erase his archaic views about the Osu.

Family › Re: What Is The Value Of A Woman Who Can't Cook? by Ndipe(m): 11:34am On Jun 11, 2007

Yeah, a woman should know how to cook, at the same time, the man should be adept at cooking. What will he do, if the wife is at the hospital giving birth? Would she, scram from the hospital to her house, to cook for the husband? What happens if she travels? For feminists, which I don't agree with, women should possess the homely qualities of cooking and taking care of the house. Those duties should take precedence over your career but this is only attainable when you have a supporting spouse. I applaud African women's efforts after a hard day at work, to clean the house, gather firewood to cook for the family, while the husband is just lazing around in the house. No, it is not fair, the man has to chip in also. Women are humans, not machines.

If you feel cooking emasculates you, then let there be an equal division of labor. The woman should stay at home, while you bring home the bacon.

As for a woman who does not know how to cook, prior to getting married, that is a shame!

Webmasters › Re: All Web Designers In Nigeria Are Amateurs by Ndipe(m): 11:02am On Jun 11, 2007

To the poster.

Have you browsed on every Nigerian website before hastily concluding that Nigerian web page designers are 'amateurs'?

Moreso, your comment that our culture celebrates mediocrity is an affront to our country that has produced eminent citizens, thriving to make a positive difference in today's society. You need to apologize!

Family › Re: What Happens To Women Who Cheat On Their Husbands? by Ndipe(m): 10:58am On Jun 11, 2007

Our African society is less forgiving of a woman cheating on her husband.

Family › Re: What Would You Do If Your Friend's Spouse Makes An Advance Towards You by Ndipe(m): 10:53am On Jun 11, 2007

What a shame!

Best bet would be to cut off ties with the couple, because even if you were to present your case to the friend of the cheater, they may not believe you, or worse, have a false impression.

Christianity Etc › Re: Fav'rite Psalm--and Why? by Ndipe(m): 11:14am On Jun 09, 2007

I really love this Psalm.

Psalm 16 vs 18.

" He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters."

Psalm 16 is one of my favorite Psalms.

Another Psalm that I also like is Psalm 81:7

"Thou calledst in trouble, and I delivered thee; I answered thee in the secret place of thunder: I proved thee at the waters of Meribah. Selah."

Another verse that I find consolation in is the Psalm 23.

"He Leadeth me in the Paths of Righteousness".

God has been very faithful to me in my sojourn on earth, particularly in America. I really feel a deeper appreciation/understanding to His manifold mercies to me when I read Psalms 16 and 81.

Travel › Re: Cheap Tickets To Nigeria by Ndipe(m): 11:02am On Jun 09, 2007

Cheaptickets is also good, either that or 1-800-flycheap or 1800-lowfares

Travel › Re: Life Abroad: Is It Worth by Ndipe(m): 10:42am On Jun 09, 2007

Travelling broadens one's mind, but overall, home is where the heart is. For me, it is Nigeria! cheesy

Politics › Re: Nigerian Lawyers And Judges Wearing White Wigs by Ndipe(m): 9:54am On Jun 09, 2007

Calling for the abandonment of wearing a wig, on grounds of its colonial origin is tantamount to double standard. Why not abstain from foreign products altogether? Be a radical and adopt a stance, instead of focusing on petty issues like wearing a wig.

Politics › Re: Nigerian Lawyers And Judges Wearing White Wigs by Ndipe(m): 11:06am On Jun 08, 2007

The Internet was invented by the white race, hence, I associated it as the by-product of colonialism, meaning it is foreign. If we are to abandon the wig, for the ridiculous reason that it is one of the remnants of colonialism, then, lets forego other aspects of colonialism including the English Language. Like I wrote earlier, you just can't pick and choose certain aspects of a foreign culture to suit your need while dissociating yourself from the rest with the flimsy excuse that it robs you of your independence. Adopt a radical stance, by completely boycotting anything foreign.

Now, which is trivial, arguing that Nigerian lawyers should refrain from wearing the white wig, which symbolizes colonialism, OR that the country should overhaul its legal statutes, some of them, derived from the British Law and draw up their own legal system, based on the cultural aspects of the society?

1 Like

TV/Movies › Re: Amazing Grace: Hollywood Snubs Nollywood by Ndipe(m): 10:44am On Jun 08, 2007

Why must we look upto Hollywood for acceptance? They make their own genre of movies, we do make our own. Rather, we should explore other alternative routes in promoting our movies. Burkina Faso is, in my opinion, the cinema capital of West Africa, and I think their film festival is called FESPACO. Nigerians should focus on joining hands with them in promoting African festivals, instead of continually looking to the west for their 'stamp of approval'.

Politics › Re: Nigerian Lawyers And Judges Wearing White Wigs by Ndipe(m): 5:18am On Jun 08, 2007*

Rookie, I cited an example of Ngugi, the Kenyan Author who writes his novel in his native dialect and he is sucessful. Why cant you follow the trend by boycotting any vestige of colonialism, including English Language. Our legal system is based on the British Law, and yeah, the judges and attorneys wear a wig, yet you allude that to colomentality common among some of our people. Now, what of English Language? Please dont give me the excuse that it is an international language that one should speak, in order to survive. It is still the language of our colonial masters, so you should be prepared to refrain from speaking it, if you are totally serious in avoiding anything that stems from colonialism.

Politics › Re: Nigerian Lawyers And Judges Wearing White Wigs by Ndipe(m): 2:57am On Jun 08, 2007

Absolutely! We can pick and choose. Discard the wig, and retain the European language. Wao, how about we just boycott anything colonial, including the internet? This famous writer from Kenya, Ngugi Wa Thiongo eschews writing his novel in the English format, preferring to transcript it in his native Gikuyu. Now, he is a trail blazer in my opinion. Why can't other anti-colonialists follow the same route too, instead of 'picking and choosing' what is they like and dislike, taking to task the latter for its colonial roots.

@Dehning, prior to colonialism, we had our own legal system that was governed by the elders of the village,

Politics › Re: Nigerian Lawyers And Judges Wearing White Wigs by Ndipe(m): 12:47am On Jun 08, 2007

@Denex, if you dont like anything symbolizing colonialism, perhaps stand by your stance and communicate with people through your local dialect.

Literature › Re: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Wins £30,000 Prize For Her Book, Half Of A Yellow Sun by Ndipe(m): 12:44am On Jun 08, 2007

What is going on? A Nigerian girl makes history by winning a prestigious award and some folks are being petty discussing her physical features. The orange prize fiction award ceremony is not a beauty contest.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ... 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 (of 191 pages)