Some of these problems are easy to resolve but some are difficult. In
the case of a difficult problem people have to make tough decisions
which may involve risk taking. In Madagascar, people don't want to
take risks in their lives. What exactly is a risk? Are we capable of
taking risks? I will illustrate our attitude by sharing some Malagasy
proverbs.
According to our Malagasy way—taking risks is difficult and can create
bad problems in our lives. Taking risks is dangerous and we believe
that risks can lead to death. The risk may pay off or you may fail.
Malagasy people tend to be pessimistic—to look at the bad parts of a
situation. A person trying to take risks is a person who is not
afraid of the results (positive or negative) and a person who is able
to face any outcome.
For many generations, Malagasy people are afraid of taking risks.
This is why there are so many proverbs.
Ny aina tsy ananam-piry. Life cannot be had twice.
Aleo maty rampitso toy izay maty androany. It is better to be dead
tomorrow than today.
Lahy tokana ny aina. Life is expensive.
Mamy ny aina. Life is good. (As it is).
In Malagasy life, people are afraid of taking risks because they may
lose their lives. For them, life is expensive and they do not want to
be in danger. When they hear the world death—they will run away from
it. Malagasy people do not accept business risks. They would rather
be poor than take the risk which could create even worse consequences.
People don't believe they can be successful.
In conclusion, taking risks is the last thing that Malagasy people
choose when they are confronted by problems. Surmounting problems is
difficult in Madagascar because we are afraid of losing our lives and
we are afraid of danger. It is hard to believe there is a chance
worth taking. I think this is the source of poverty in Madagascar.
5 comments:
if someone does take a risk that pays off, is this something they share or is there still shame?
That's a great question...I'm intersted to hear the response.
I find it interesting that people in Madagascar avoid risk. While I understand the fear, I wonder what would happen if someone stepped outside the box and took a risk. Would that person be shunned for "bucking" societal norms? Is risk evaluated in degree of success? Isn't it a pretty big risk to have tourists roaming around your towns?
That is a very good question "if someone does take a risk that pays off, is this something they share or is there still shame?" If there is not a 100% that the "risk" will pay off you wont do it correct?
I find this to be very interesting. It is a belief that I grew up learning the opposite. I see how the other view has very valid reasoning. I can only imagine how my life or even my families life could be so different if we hadn't taken risks.
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