At the heart of global inequality lies a pervasive divide—not merely between races or tribes, but between the privileged and the marginalised. This division is perpetuated by humanity’s instinct to prioritise comfort over confrontation. Privilege, in any form, often leads to the exclusion of those deemed “inconvenient,” revealing a universal truth: the avoidance of discomfort drives discrimination far more than innate prejudice.
Convenience as the Root of Discrimination
Racism, tribalism, and other systemic “isms” are less about inherent hatred and more about preserving convenience. Consider apartheid: its architecture ensured the comfort of the privileged by marginalising the “inconvenient” black majority. Similarly, people naturally distance themselves from disruptions—whether beggars intruding on a quiet meal or groups perceived as threats to stability. Labelling this behaviour as purely “racist” oversimplifies a deeper pattern: the human tendency to favour ease over equity.
Even in Zimbabwe, accusations often directed at white minorities are mirrored among Black leaders. This suggests that the issue isn’t solely race but convenience. Framing these tensions as purely racial obscures the real problem: the refusal to address systemic inconvenience.
The Misdiagnosis of Problems
A problem occurs when a false assumption goes unchallenged. Consider the analogy of taking a wrong turn: progress becomes impossible until you retrace your steps and correct the mistake. This idea captures the essence of a “problem” and its solution. Complicating matters only leads to despair. For decades, Zimbabweans have attributed their struggles to the racism of the colonial era. However, 45 years after gaining independence, challenges continue to persist and have become more complex than ever. If racism were the sole cause of these issues, why do they still exist? The real challenge lies in identifying the missteps that have brought us to our current state as a nation.
Beyond Race: The Human Role in Problem-Solving
Humanity’s purpose is to solve problems—regardless of race or tribe. Those who prioritise personal convenience over collective solutions become the problem. True problem-solvers confront discomfort head-on. They innovate rather than blame. But several traits hinder this, such as the following:
- Pride
The arrogant believe that superiority exempts them from collaboration. A skilled farmer who scorns novices, or a leader threatened by better ideas, fuels jealousy and division, often manifesting in destructive behaviours like witchcraft or sabotage.
- Laziness
Criminals and exploiters often stem from laziness. Their philosophy—“receiving is better than giving”—which breeds dependency without responsibility. Substance abuse and aimlessness follow when purpose is replaced by entitlement without input.
- Lack of Education
The uneducated aren’t inherently lazy or proud, but they’re vulnerable. Without awareness of their potential, they fall prey to manipulators: cunning politicians, criminals, or false prophets. Education’s role isn’t just literacy—it’s empowerment. Proper education enables a person to be responsible for what they are able to create; being what is peculiar to them.
- False Religion
Misguided faith preys on the uneducated, promising wealth without work. Concepts like kuromba (using occult means for gain) thrive where diligence is undervalued. This distortion turns spirituality into escapism.
The Diaspora’s Paradox
Many Zimbabweans fled the nation’s problems, seeking personal convenience abroad. Yet their identity—and responsibility—remains tied to their homeland. Avoiding inconvenience doesn’t absolve them; it perpetuates the cycle. Moreover, it is possible that at some point those countries in which they take refuge may experience, if not worse, problems. True freedom lies in confronting challenges, aiming at bringing solutions, not escaping them.
The Path Forward
Become aware that greatness involves being inconvenienced by others, rather than inconveniencing others. Convenience enslaves. Free societies are built by those who embrace discomfort, aiming at improving the environment, aware that it is impossible to solve a problem by avoiding it. To solve Zimbabwe’s—or the world’s—problems, we must:
- Reject convenience as an excuse: Privilege isn’t inherently evil, but using it to marginalise others is evil. In short, privilege bestows responsibility, so that a person who feels privileged is expected to add as much value to others as possible.
- Redefine problems: Racism is a symptom, not the actual disease, that results from the inability to confront inconveniences. The real issue facing our country is a collective reluctance to address root causes, stemming from the inability to confront problems.
- Own our role: Every individual, regardless of gender or race, has the capacity to solve problems without supervision. Using our different skills and abilities, we can make our country one of the great nations of the world. Diligence, not blame, creates progress. The culture of sharing, rather than that of greed, is what makes a nation great.
Humanity’s greatest flaw isn’t associated with physical appearance—it’s the illusion that convenience justifies division. What is the solution? The answer is as simple as choosing to be inconvenienced rather than choosing to inconvenience others. It is a question of what one can do for others, rather than what others can do for one. Life is interesting and more valuable when everyone realises their role in contributing to the betterment of humanity. Racial consideration is promoted by a desire to avoid inconvenience, rather than confront it.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilisation, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing relief to those who have witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions, leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
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