The Painful Reality: Our Attitudes, Not Racism, Are Holding Us Back

Let the writer and his fellow Black readers not respond with emotion, but rather approach the content of this publication with the calm, thoughtfulness, discernment, and realism it requires.

The writer overheard a young Portuguese man say, “Black people are never leaders but followers. They are sheep. They follow.” Read it carefully. He did not say they are like sheep following a shepherd; he said, “They are sheep following white people. They cannot lead but always follow.”

It is bitter, sad, and discouraging for any Black person to hear such a statement. However, if his accusation reflects certain realities, why must we be angry at him instead of confronting and overcoming the qualities that make us appear, ironically, like sheep?

Across many societies, patterns of behaviour among Black communities often appear similar. If these behaviours are not genetic — and there is no evidence that they are — then one must ask how such tendencies have developed so consistently, both inwardly and outwardly.

Many Black communities struggle with extreme individualism: a tendency to pursue personal interests at the expense of collective progress. In Africa, where tribal identities are strong, this challenge is magnified. After pursuing personal interests, many people prioritise tribal interests next. Rarely do they pursue the collective interests of their nation, their continent, or their global identity as a people striving for advancement.

They chase the wind and allow circumstances to blow them wherever they may. They do not bend fate to suit them; instead, they allow fate to carry them like fallen leaves. What a pity.

Beyond the eagerness of many Africans — especially Ghanaians — to travel to every corner of the world in search of greener pastures, what else are we doing to develop our countries and prove ourselves capable, innovative, and forward‑thinking? Too often, the answer is zero.

Consider the disturbing reality of ritual killings and the harvesting of human body parts for wealth. Such acts of cruelty, senselessness, and moral decay are reported frequently in parts of Africa, especially Ghana.

Are some pastors of “one‑man churches” not often accused of involvement in such crimes?

It is only a species with limited reasoning that behaves in such ways. We have allowed ourselves to be exploited by countless fake pastors and prophets who have turned every backyard into a church, collecting offerings and tithes to enrich themselves while their congregations remain impoverished.

Many Black people resign themselves to poverty on earth while believing they will enjoy a better life in heaven. They accuse white people of lacking faith and therefore being unworthy of heaven, yet they eagerly accept handouts from those same white people. How senseless is that contradiction?

The rigidity with which many Black people — especially Ghanaians — follow the Bible handed to them during colonialism and enslavement speaks volumes about our tendency toward unquestioning obedience. How did we become so compliant?

Our leaders are too often corrupt. They steal national resources for personal gain, depositing the money in foreign bank accounts for the benefit of themselves, their spouses, and their children. Is this not the behaviour of someone lacking foresight?

Place a Black person in a leadership position in the public sector or government, and too often they begin embezzling funds and misusing public property for selfish interests.

Oh, poor sheep — stop this deplorable attitude.

Black people suffer disrespect globally because of our collective behaviours and attitudes.

We should not blame white people who boldly point out our shortcomings. Instead of calling them racists, we should thank them for their honesty, truthfulness, and factual observations.

If we do not accept and acknowledge our shortcomings in order to change for the better, we shall continue to wobble in stagnation, poverty, disgrace, and dehumanisation.

Rockson Adofo

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