Valerie Bruce wrote:
 
>> Western values such as freedom of expression, privacy, and individualism
>> - some Westerners propose that these values, highly regarded in the West as
>> fundamental human rights, be "exported" throughout the internet - that
 
Abongwa  Ndumu wrote:
 
>In my opinion, freedom of expression is NOT a western value, it is a
>human value.
 
 
I would agree freedom of expression is a human value.  Too bad so many
gov'ts in the world think of it as a privilege they have the right to deny.
 
 
> Prior to colonialism, all Africans could express themselves freely without
fear of retribution.
 
Really?
 
>I will concede that individualism is a western value. If you cannot
>survive as an individual in the west, the state bails you out.  In most African
>soceities the extended family system is our basic social structure.
 
We can certainly learn the value of the extended family system.
 
>The most popular forms of music in central Africa, Makossa and Soukous,
>have ZERO western influence. If you go  to your local record shop and ask
>for Koffi Olomide, San Fan Thomas, Wenge Muisica and you will get pure Africa
>rythms.
 
Thank you very much.  I have a 1975 record of Africa Ceremonial and Folk
Music recorded in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania by David Fanshawe.
 
Valerie Bruce
[log in to unmask]