Most Dangerous Place...II

A Nigerian woman has written to me (see comments section), taking offense at my last posting "Most Dangerous Palce on Earth". I tried writing back to her but the e-mail address I have does not seem to work. Here is a copy of my reply to her and to any other Nigerians who may have taken offense.

Dear Esta,

I am sorry if you took offense at the posting on my blog "Most Dangerous Place on Earth". I am an American financial advisor working in a Nigerian ministry in Abuja. I have been here for three months and my stay is expected to last for two years or more. I am enjoying myself very much and I have a high regard for the Nigerian people.

Unfortunately, Nigeria does not have a good reputation abroad. If you have read my other postings, I think you will see that I have tried to dispel some of these negative perceptions and that I have nothing but nice things to say about the Nigerian people and the country. My writing about the "Most Dangerous Place..." is an example of hyperbole - an exaggeration of the truth for dramatic effect and an attempt to be humorous. The message is that Nigeria is not as dangerous a place as most people perceive it to be and that, in fact, driving is the most dangerous aspect of my life here.

It is a fact, though, that compared to the way people drive in the United States and New York City, from where I come, Nigerians drive too fast, recklessly and without courtesy to others.

Finally, the young lady in the photograph was someone who happened to be at Gurara Falls that day. I thought she was a beautiful representation of the beauty of Nigerian women and I admired her hair style. I had never seen her before and have not seen her since. There was nothing more to it than that. I hope this explains my feelings and ameliorates your anger. I want nothing more than to be a friend of Nigeria.

Sincerely,

Jack Delaney

Comments

[Mona]

Yah di yah di yah, Financial Advisor, I can imagine how much you are making there. You say Nigeria does not have a good reputation, says who? In many places yes but not in its entirety, if people like yourself stop putting it in a box and giving it a stereotype maybe that reputation would improve. If I were you I would have kept quiet as a result of how much you are creaming off Nigeria, and waited till you actually left before bickering.

Regards

Lady still not satisfied with your disclaimer.

[Frank]

and people were concerned with John Bolton being the representative at the UN...