liberator

Of critical importance to learning the Runyoro language is mastering greetings. I have quickly learned that proper greeting is a measure of acceptance in this country, of friendliness, of companionship, and of politeness. Thus, my first two hour language session was spent learning and understanding the nature of greetings. A main aspect of greetings in Runyoro is the adoption of a pet name. With a limited number of pet names, about 13 to 15, I have met numerous people who share the same pet name. I personally share the same pet name as my host mother and my language tutor: Akiiki, meaning liberator.

Liberator. The word invokes images of release from bondage, of making free, of empowerment. Inasmuch as I hope to bring liberation to many of my Ugandan friends, I am equally hoping to become liberated. Historical western practices have created an unequal relationship between colonizers and the colonized. In consequence, colonized nations have been forced into dependency on colonizing nations. Similarly, the colonizing nations are also bonded to their former colonies. The liberation then, of former colonies is intimately integrated with the liberation of colonizing nations from their colonies. In a more personal situation, my liberation from the prejudices, assumptions, privileges, and supremacy afforded to white people is intimately connected with the liberation of my Ugandan family and friends.

Naturally, to share the same pet name with my host mother and my tutor is not simply coincidental. I am called liberator because there are beliefs that the knowledge, skills, and presence of white people bring liberation. My mother and tutor are called liberator because they also share knowledge, skills, and presence to liberate me from the history of mistreatment inflicted on non-whites by whites. Liberation is an intentional process made possible through forgiveness, grace, and compassion. May God bless my relationships with these such characteristics so that liberation might begin.