Names I have been called on the streets of Ghana

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Obruni (means white person)
White Lady
American woman
Baby Girl
Baby Doll
Obama's Daughter
Love
Queen
AMERICA!

This used to be a very confusing and frustrating ordeal for me. First of all, it is exhausting to stand out all the time. I hated that I couldn't walk anywhere without getting a lot of attention. Second, I was very aware of the history of Ghana, how the people have been indoctrinated to believe that the white race is superior (a consequence of colonialism). I noticed how the Ghanaian people idealized white people, and it made me extremely uncomfortable. I didn't really know how to respond to it, and I was afraid of perpetuating this false idea that white people are more civilized, more intelligent, and more beautiful. 

I should also note that back in 2010 I lived in a building designated for college freshmen. That means I was surrounded by obnoxious 18-19 year old boys. I began to associate the names I was called with sexual harassment. So whenever I was shouted at I would get angry and embarrassed. If I was truly being harrassed, I would get quite angry and a little hostile.

But it's not so bad anymore. Today when the children yell Obruni, or shop owners shout "Beautiful Queen," I laugh it off. I giggle and I shake my head. Sometimes I even wave hello. I don't know why it's different now... maybe I am less sensitive, or more forgiving. Maybe I am more confident than I was and can therefore handle the attention more. Maybe now I understand that not everyone is trying to harass me, but many are only trying to welcome me. After all, Ghana has a very social culture. 

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