SAPEUR FASHION, WORLD WAR 2 And PTSD

 

When you hear of the Congos, the first thing that comes to mind is probably wars and conflicts. Although rich in natural resources, yet, poverty abounds. Unfortunately, many places in Africa are associated with poverty and disease, but if you are well-read and traveled, you would also know this is just a minuscule fraction of the story of the continent and the Congos.

If you have ever visited the Congos, you'd notice the love of fashion permeates everywhere. And Les Sapeurs, a sub-culture in the formerly French colonized countries is more popular than in other Francophone countries like Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Togo, Mali, Niger, and Chad.

Sapeur culture in The Congos thrives despite the lack in many of the communities. So, what do these gayly dressed men have to do with the second World war? Sapeur in the Congos: Congo Brazzaville and Congo Kinshasa, originated at that time. And has been passed on to the new generation and will probably continue despite the high costs of acquiring these colonial outfits in economically struggling Central African countries. 

Countries where the average person lives on less than $2 a day. Is it crazy? Yes! absolutely! But it gives these people some form of joy. A coping mechanism? or a straight-out colonial mentality? both of course. Although I see nothing wrong in adopting progressive and beautiful cultures from around the world. But certainly not at a cost you cannot afford. 

Recently, I read the details of world war 2 to get an insight into why and how this culture started in the Congos. Its unfortunate impact on these African nations cannot be ignored. The second world war happened between 1919-1939. At that time many African nations were under colonial rule and therefore conscripted to fight in a war. A war they did not understand, many had no choice nor say. But were drafted by colonial Europe — France, Britain, Belgium, and Spain. 

When African soldiers returned from world war 2, some started to emulate the fashion they saw in parts of Europe. A stylish European way of dressing, which over the years has been tweaked and maintained. Sapeurs spend thousands of dollars to look the part of a European. The impact on the people of Congos can not be ignored. Historically, Sapeurs, sometimes called "Dandies" of Congo, used to be mainly associated with men, but these days, there are women and even children participants.

How can these folks afford to spend so much on clothes in countries where many struggles to have three square meals a day? If you do a Google search, DRC is said to be one of the poorest five countries in the world. Where 60 million of its almost 90 million live on less than 2 USD a day. One out of six people living in Sub-Saharan Africa lives in DRC. Congo Brazzaville on the other hand is even worse off.

That many Africans still suffer from colonial mentality is not rock science. This is an outcome of an era of trauma. A post-traumatic disorder that is expressed in wanting to mimic the colonials. There are things we prioritize because of colonialism that do not make sense today. A post-traumatic effect of colonization which we have not received therapy for and process in various ways.

Not until many Africans leave their home continent for Europe do they come to a realization, that their mindset is warped because it was brutalized by colonialism. This fact is not exclusive to Africa, and Africans though. Many parts of Asia and the Caribbean/Americas suffer the same. But as an African, my focus is on Africans.

So, why spend so much money, perhaps even go into debt just to adopt a colonial fashion style. How does it benefit the community and to what progress? Perhaps, a community psycho-therapy is needed in the Congos, in fact in all of Africa.

Some people often tell Africans and African Americans to get over slavery and colonialism and get on with their lives. This is going to be difficult as a group until we all accept the great harm and damage to the psyche of our communities and seek Mental health help. We are all suffering. Some have managed to create coping mechanisms, but the majority are still suffering from the trauma. And until they have fully processed their feelings in therapy. My people are going to keep wandering in the wilderness.

What the continent needs is mental health care more than financial aid. Because when the mind is right, people can achieve anything they put their mind to.