DREAM YA KUTOKA KWA BLOCK

I came across a tweet the other day that said that the worst thing that was brought about by social media is that people no longer want to go through the stages of life. That 23-year-olds want to afford the same lifestyle as 33-year-olds. When they can’t, they think they’ve failed in life. But I don’t think social media is entirely to blame. I believe that society has successfully socialized the youth to go after the American Dream. That anyone, regardless of where you come from, you can be anything you want. I’m here to tell you that is utter rubbish and real life doesn’t work like this.

Because in reality, we are not at an equal level. This isn’t the Amazing Race where we all start at one point and chart the trajectory of our lies. In this race of real life, some people are behind, others way ahead and some, cannot even get to the start line. Yet, every teacher, motivational speaker or religious leader told us repeatedly, that we can be anything we want. To this, I ask; that street child that accosts you on the streets, on your way to work, or as you exit the supermarket, has dreams of becoming a doctor, a pilot, a lawyer, or any other nine-to-five job. Are they ever going to be this? Doesn’t the fact that they live on the streets negate their capability to achieve this? Does it not predispose them to many disadvantages? Will this child ever achieve this? Did you guys read that story that female street children in their teens are spouses to fellow street kids? That they are in a kind of marriage where the males come home to their wives? Mtoto wa thirteen ni wife? Maisha gani haya!

For you who don’t live on the streets and have a roof over your head, uko afadhali. But I reckon that you too have challenges of your own. When I think of a dilapidated shack, with poor lighting and no water, I think about the Wings To Fly program by Equity Bank. They are dedicated to affording some children if not all, a means to realize their dreams. You probably have friends who were beneficiaries of this program. Not everyone gets an opportunity like this. The rest of us, our parents made it through and it took their blood, sweat and tears. But what happens after we get through all of this na bado hatuna pesa? Isn’t this the proverbial crossroad where we consider crime to solve our problems? Ama niwache tu?

Then again, there’s a smaller group that almost slips through the cracks. The one who’s parents afforded them a comfortable life but they want more. This is where the people with audacity are! They will go out to party, socialize and make deals that will earn them millions. Anaishi two-bedroom Kasarani, ako na this big TV, one hell of a couch, fully stocked fridge but never goes to work. Always on the laptop pale sitting room na ukiuliza anasema he does online writing. Unprovoked lies! This is an individual who dared to risk it all and is reaping the benefits. All I want to know is this, tuliacha kuogopa DCI lini guys?

Finally, I say this, yule ako na mingi ndio anaongezewa juu yake. Which is perhaps why the rich keep getting rich and the poor, even poorer. It is why, as a 23-year-old, I want the life that a 33-year-old has. I am willing to risk it all. I want a lot of money and I want it now. When I think of everything it can do for my family and I, I’m ready to risk it. Have you read that tweet of ata mimi mniingize shughuli za fraud niseme small girl big God? This is where I am. But I am not willing to live dangerously enough to get myself a mubaba, be a stripper or do wash wash. Ama niuze kidney? Anyway, this isn’t about me. How far are you willing to go ndio utoke kwa block? Everybody for himself, God for us all.