Furthermore, National Geographic also says humankind traveled north; some went west toward Europe, and others went east toward China. Africa has 54 nations. Though someone may have been born in London and have a British accent, it is not racist to inquire about the origin of their family's ancestry.
This author's ancestors traveled from Italy and Spain to the United States, though the accent is from San Francisco. And don’t call it San Fraaaan-cis-ko. However, that is how the falconry guide in Scotland pronounces the place. He is not being racist or stuffy. He is doing his best (though he has been corrected numerous times).
Lady Susan Hussey, the late Queen's lady-in-waiting, was not being racist. On the contrary, like the falconry guide, she was doing her best. Indeed, Lady Hussy could instantly identify the British accent. She knew where Ngozi Fulani was born and educated. Lady Hussey may have been curious about which of the 54 African nations Ms. Fulani's ancestors may have originated. Though London-born, Ms. Fulani was clothed in an African dress, and her hair was arranged in dredlocks.
Curiosity is the basis of knowledge and conversation.
Once someone travels to Africa, the memories remain like vivid snapshots. It is good to reminisce with someone who has traveled or may have ancestry from Africa.
Imagine sharing once again and being swallowed up with the memory and beauty of the Masai Mara, where clouds appear to hang so low one imagines they can almost be touched. And the moon? What is the moon doing up there, far away from home in San Francisco?
The controversy is unfortunate—a misguided big deal merely about curiosity and conversation.
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