Mereja.Forum

I recently came across a book titled HUMANS by Brandon Stanton.

On its front cover, the book shows a list of many cities across the world. It reminded me of what I call the conundrum of the British man in America and led me to ask myself if the story as symbolized on the front cover of the book is complete.

The conundrum is he says "In God We Trust."

He fashions the expression "The First African American ..."

It is not clear if it is clear to him that the root of the very word God is likely to exist in Africa in its most organic and authentic sense.

I think this is a real conundrum that any man can ever face.

Naga,

You are not a man of few words. So, why don't you elaborate on what you are trying to say.

Abe Abraham,

Thank you for reading my long scribbles in the past if you have taken the time to read them. I was thinking a few words would suffice for this observation.

Here is what I was trying to say.

The dictionary states the following about the origin of the word God: God (Dutch, Middle English, Old English;) Gott (German;) Goth (Old Norse;) Guth (Gothic.)

I know the word Gofta/Goita in Afan Oromo and Gheta in Amharic. I have read a while back that the word Goitom in Tigrigna has a similar meaning. I understand there are some sentimental differences in the meanings of the words in these languages. The sentiment in Gofta includes generosity and mercy. I feel like the sentiment in Gheta can sometimes be viewed as mercilessness. I am not sure how it is felt in Tigrigna. I have been wondering how the variations may have changed over the ages, including in the Bible.

So, I simply put these words (Gofta/Goita/Goitom/Gheta/Guth/Goth/Gott/God) side by side and suggest that the similarities are not coincidences. I stand to be corrected if a British man, or any person, can prove otherwise.

Assuming my suggestion stands, at least until proven otherwise, then I remember the phrase on the dollar bills and written on the walls of various government buildings here in the U.S., which can be seen on TV if you haven't been in one.

I also remember Hollywood's annual award ceremonies over the years where they say this is the first African American person to win this award. I have viewed Hollywood as a frontier of fashions.

Given this understanding or perception, I recently came across the book by Brandon Stanton that I mentioned above. He lists many global cities on its front cover page. Neither Addis Ababa nor Asmara is on the list, at least in the edition that I saw.

The effort at writing and selling the book and the two common phrases I mentioned above, put together, jumped out to me as a conundrum. I hope you now have a better understanding of what I was trying to say.

Thank you for sharing the video. I don't remember seeing it before now.