Final Positive Progression

Through my experience of researching the diamond trade in Sierra Leone has really opened my eyes to numerous amounts of issues. What I would like to discuss is the positives that are coming from these issues and what people are doing in an attempt to change the situation at hand. First off I would like to discuss the film Blood Diamond; it is a major motion picture and has some incredible actors in it. The film brings to life the trials and tribulations that African Families have went through and the ones that are still facing problems. Not really knowing in depth about the diamond trade before seeing this film sparked my interest in the topic and helped me dig deep into African societies where this trade is prominent. Many documentaries I have looked over puts into perspective the psychological make-up of these African Individuals that took part in the war. Through media we are able to get glimpses of positive progression in uplifting these oppressed people. Magazines and news papers that promote the Kimbereley Process and active movie stars that plays a positive role as well. For example donations, trips to visit the aftermath, group organizations put together and adopting methods that have assisted so many African people. The one thing that really stood out to me was when I viewed a documentary, called BLING, of a few major rap artists going down to Sierra Leone and just interacting and listening to the people that have been affected by blood diamonds. The artists involved were Kanye West, Jada Kiss, Paul Wall, Tego Calderon, Raekwon, and TV Jonny who actually owns a diamond store and produces grills. Being that they rap about diamonds and wear some of the most expensive jewelry it was a good aspect shown and made me reflect on what is legitimate about rap. Because rap is so embedded in my culture it is a reflection of me, and seeing how rap played a huge role in the war (rebels portrayed themselves in the image of Tupac Shakur), in retrospect helped me realize some things about myself and how it coexist with the African people. Years of publicity and negativity cannot be wiped away overnight but it is up to us to make a stand on these issues in an attempt to change them. There is still a long way to go, because African industries are thriving off of the blood diamond trade and show no signs of slowing down. So by promoting fair trade groups and films that bring these issues to light you can do your part in assisting the progression of the African people through these processes.