African Food and Art

This blog explores the wisdom of African proverbs, the depth of folklore, the beauty of art, the stories of history, and the flavors of timeless African food recipes.

Difference Between Voting and Influence

Voting is when people choose someone to represent them or make a decision based on what most people want. Influence is when people try to change someone's mind or make a decision go their way. 

Voting in Ghana

These two ways, voting and influence are similar, but they have differences. 

Voting and influence are two ways of affecting outcomes, but they differ in their formality, regulation, and means of exerting power.

Voting aims to elect a representative or make a decision based on the collective will of the electorate, while influence aims to sway the outcome of a decision or opinion in one's favor.

Voting and influence are not mutually exclusive and can complement each other. Voting and influence share some similarities in their ability to affect outcomes, but they differ in terms of formality, regulation, and means of exerting power. Influence can equal power because it allows individuals or groups to shape opinions and decisions without formal authority.

The key difference between voting and influence is that voting is more formal and regulated, while influence can be exerted through various means, such as persuasion, negotiation, or networking.

Voting requires a certain level of organization and infrastructure, such as registration and ballot counting procedures, while influence can be exerted anywhere, including through social media, personal relationships, or mass media.

Interest groups may use influence tactics such as lobbying, public demonstrations, and social media campaigns to shape public opinion and gain support for their agenda.

In contrast, voting can be a powerful tool for enacting change and holding leaders accountable, but its power can be limited by factors such as voter turnout, electoral systems, and the influence of money and interest groups.

In African countries, economic and social inequality is a major issue that impacts the voting process. When certain groups have more resources and access to information than others, it gives them an unfair advantage in the election.

Voting in Ghana

Additionally, when people are struggling to meet their basic needs, they are less likely to prioritize participation in the electoral process. This can include barriers such as restrictive voter registration requirements, limited access to polling stations, and the use of violence or intimidation to discourage certain groups from voting.

Candidates in African countries use both voting and influence strategies during election campaigns to win support and secure votes. They may use traditional campaign tactics such as canvassing, rallies, and ads to reach voters directly and encourage them to vote.

They may also use influence tactics such as endorsements, social proof, and emotional appeals to sway voters' opinions and gain their support.

Individuals and communities in African countries may use both voting and influence strategies to participate in the democratic process. They may use their vote to express their preferences and hold elected officials accountable.

They may also use influence tactics such as civic engagement, community organizing, and social activism to shape the issues and policies that affect their lives.

Week’s Best African Culture Posts

Kru Tribe Fine Boy Tradition

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Dream-nightmare story from the Kru people of Liberia: the newly chosen Fine Boy is temporarily celebrated with fanfare and pleasure. Kru Tribe Fine Boy Tradition Fascinating stories emerged during the Pepper Coast's glory days. Beginning in the 15th century, European traders established outposts along the Liberian coastline, drawn by its wealth of humans, spices, and other commodities.  Centuries later, in the 19th century, the American Colonization Society (ACS) founded settlements in Liberia and began journalling native stories.  Among these tales is a dream-nightmare story from the Kru people of Liberia, a story so intriguing it almost seems too good to be true because, in some ways, it is.   The Kru women periodically held elections to select a young, handsome man as their “Fine Boy.” The announcement of his selection was celebrated with a vibrant procession featuring music, singing, and dancing.  The newly chosen Fine Boy was placed at the front of the para...
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What is the difference between ugali and fufu

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How to make the popular African recipes Ugali and Fufu and what is the difference.  Ugali is a starch dish in Kenya and Tanzania made of fine cornmeal cooked in boiling water into a soft dough. Fufu is a thick, dough-like West African food made by boiling then pounding a starchy vegetable such as yam, plantain, or cassava or a mixture of starchy vegetables. The main difference between fufu and ugali is fufu is boiled first then pounded while ugali is simply boiled. Ugali recipe. Easy Ugali Recipe Prep time 5 minutes Cook time 30 minutes Total time 30 minutes Ingredients 4 cups finely ground cornmeal 8 cups water Directions Heat water to boiling in a saucepan. Slowly pour cornmeal into boiling water stirring continuously. Add more cornmeal if necessary until it is thick as soft bread dough. Serve immediately with vegetables, stew, or any dish you would use a spoon with to soak up the sauce, ugali is purposely bland tasting on its own. What is the difference between ugali ...
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Why Study the Kingdom of Kongo When It Failed

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A Kingdom Torn Apart: The Forces Behind Kongo’s Collapse. Why study and honor defunct ancient African kingdoms? These kingdoms no longer exist, they were failures; hpwever, they were once thriving societies with remarkable achievements. Before the arrival of Portuguese explorers, the Kingdom of Kongo flourished as a prosperous and powerful African state.  It boasted a sophisticated social structure, strong economic systems, and rich spiritual traditions. The King of Kongo was regarded as a sacred intermediary between the gods and his people, embodying the kingdom's deep reverence for spirituality and governance.  This existence, however, became a battleground as the Portuguese wielded their “divide and conquer” strategy with precision, exploiting internal rivalries and introducing advanced weaponry that disrupted the balance of power, deposing the king. Economic pressures intensified as the Portuguese fueled the transatlantic slave trade, transforming allies into rivals and co...
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Berbere Spice Popcorn Topping Recipe

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Berbere Spice North African Popcorn Topping Recipe The best African spice for fresh popped popcorn is Berbere, a flavorful and aromatic bold spice blend from North Africa you buy at the local supermarket or online. Berbere is known for its bold mix of spices, often including chili peppers, garlic, ginger, fenugreek, cardamom, coriander, cinnamon, and cloves.  Berbere brings a balance of heat, sweetness, and earthy depth to any dish including fresh popped popcorn. The spice mix symbolizes community and hospitality, often prepared at home with slight variations to suit family preferences. Its fiery yet balanced flavor profile mirrors the complex and vibrant food of North African culture . In cities across Africa, popcorn is a common street snack and is often sold in cinemas, at markets, and by roadside vendors.  Berbere Spice Popcorn Topping Recipe Ingredients ½ cup poped popcorn kernels  2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 teaspoon Berbere spice blend   1 teaspoon salt ...
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