One of the things that cause most anguish and disgust amongst us, is to see foreigners coming to our countries, exploiting our poor in photos and stories in order to gain sympathy and collect funds from donors back home. They pose in photos with vulnerable people to show off their own superior quality and generosity, all wrapped up in a disguise that is aid. This white savior complex is truly awful and should be called out when encountered. Now we find ourselves in a potential crisis. In the midst of this ongoing pandemic, we should come together for the sake of those in need, also within our own country. At the same time, those who now rush to help the poor should take advantage of an opportunity to exemplify true philanthropy. They can show how the poor can be helped with dignity and respect and with selfless care for others instead of focused on the donor. Those who have more should share with those in need within our country, especially now during this difficult time of the coronavirus outbreak that has left a number of people without work during the ongoing lockdown to contain the virus. It pains me greatly to see examples of self-serving actions, exploitation and poverty porn executed by those Rwandans more fortunate such as posting degrading photos of their less fortunate countrymen for the world to see on social media. This is another disgrace and must be called out with the same strong voice as those comparable ethical violations perpetrated by foreigners. We should lead by example, take care of our people, and come together in this time of crisis. By telling our own story, avoiding stereotypes, and not allowing ourselves to be defined by others, we will overcome the threat that is imposed by the new coronavirus on our people and society. We will show Agaciro and that we can once again come together and overcome. The writer is a Rwandan living in Sweden. She is the co-founder of www.littlehills.org.
