independence

As I began preparing an English unit focusing on Independence Day, which in Uganda is celebrated on October 9, I began questioning the perceived and actual meaning of independence. To not be dependent on someone or something, to complete a task or live individually, or to be separate from the actions of others explains independence. Highly valued, taught, and sought, independence proudly defines the characteristics of the people from whom I established my rudimentary worldview, namely the western world. Goals of living individually, obtaining employment outside the family, and creating distinct compartments of life separate from each other penetrate our minds. Conversely, independence is rarely alluded to in Uganda. The entire notion of being individual or, alternatively, communal is not discussed. Rather, life continues irrespective of how society is structured.

Having spent over one month in Uganda, I am beginning to conclude that the social structure of the west is not as dissimilar to Uganda as once perceived and believed. Instead, the difference rests in the way in which the west emphasizes the pursuit of independence compared to Uganda's acceptance of the natural social structure. Although the west idealizes and boasts of independence, in reality the west is as estranged from being independent as are Ugandans and non-western nations. Simply examine the origin of the various products you consume and you will notice that the vast majority are imported. Research the background of the technology you utilize or the entertainment you enjoy. Count the number of people employed before you are able to use a product effectively. Virtually impossible to rely solely on one's own, we must embrace the natural tendency to unite with people to produce effective, or ineffective, results. Such a relationship is defined as interdependence. Interdependence supports our needs and the needs of others including our need to give, to share, to serve, and to befriend.

I cannot even imagine desiring a life of independence. Constantly relying on my own inexperiences, lack of concrete understanding, untrained skills, and immature beliefs would certainly lead to my emotional, physical, and spiritual destitute, deprivation, poverty, and ultimately death. Instead, I embrace interdependence, or the ability to share life while still maintaining a personal sense of accomplishment, of learning, of ability, and of purpose. Undoubtedly, I would have failed to experience many joys here in Uganda if I sought a life of independence: no shared laughter as I unintentionally shower my back with soil while digging barefoot in the garden, no surprised and proud faces as I converse in Runyoro, no welcoming hugs as I enter the internet cafe, no one to teach me how to evict a poisonous black snake from the latrine, no courageous person to spray the unwanted cockroaches, no generous offer to share tea while examining photo albums and telling stories.

Happy Independence Day. I think instead I will celebrate my interdependence by recognizing my need for others: the skills, knowledge, presence, comfort, and resources. Such acknowledgement is not a weakness but an affirmation of God's most important creation, namely humans. I celebrated Uganda's expressed legal independence, but ultimately I unite with Ugandans to celebrate our interdependence. So thank you for sharing life with me and letting me share life with you.