In this age of globalization, here is a cameo portrait of how the local population of a "developing" African nation responds to the advances of foreigners bringing economic growth, but also potential cultural conflict.The film traces the history of Lebanese settlement in Ghana and Senegal from the 1860 s, when the first families arrived in the "new world" thinking they had landed in America. They quickly assimilated, learned the language, established retail stores, and interacted closely with the local population. The Lebanese prospered until the 1970's when nationalistic governments in Ghana and Senegal started pushing them out of retail business and into wholesale. The arrival of Chinese business owners and shopkeepers in the 1990s further impacted an already weakened Lebanese economic elite. The Chinese were very competitive and offered wares at far lower prices into the wholesale market. The Chinese outlook was quite different from the Lebanese. They planned to make money and return to China, whereas the Lebanese, who often considered themselves as "Africans" remained fully tied to their lifestyle in Africa and often intermarried. In addition to hearing from both immigrant groups, the Africans express resentment towards the foreigners who they feel take their resources. One African says that the Chinese represent a serious world power and cannot be "messed with." The insights this film offers will be useful in many contexts: economics, business, cultural anthropology, and African studies.
OCLC:
(OCoLC)820966474
Locations:
OVUX522 -- University of Iowa Libraries (Iowa City)
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.