Muldays Mondays: Water Mythology- Spirits & Deities Nigeria, Thailand & Japan

Folklore & Mythology

Last time on Folk & Mythology, I spoke about the result of the uninterrupted imagination birthing folklore and mythology.  This birth of the uninterrupted imagination shapes the identity of people. It allows us to understand a society's traditional identity but more importantly their understanding of relating to other groups.

What happens to the interrupted imagination of a society after colonialism or war? 

Have you observed the prevalence of Western folklore and mythology in Asian and African Spaces?
What about folklore and mythology from Africa and Asia in Western Spaces? Do you remember learning about panchatantra stories? What about Bantu fables? 
 

“What are the consequences from ”modernization” and technology towards societies that abandon traditional folklore and mythology? ”

— Water & Cassava

Asian countries have made significant strides to celebrate their folklore and mythology out loud in public spaces. They do not feel "uncivilized" or that their "salvation" might end. 

THAILAND

Suvarnabhumi Airport Bangkok, Thailand (Departure Gate)-Samudra Manthan
(The Churning of the Ocean of Milk)

A Short Video on how just how this started

The short movie here: the Churning of the Ocean of Milk, is the introduction to a Keynote/ slideshow introduction on Ayurveda. (The link to view the whole presentation is below). I have tried to present the story of Ayurveda, so that, like its name (Ayu-Life and Veda-Knowledge) the story would give anyone an understanding of the fundamental principles of this ancient Medical system.

Folklore and Mythology are part of a society's cultural heritage and  play a  role in the branding of the country.  Developed countries have mastered the art of making their mythology and folklore romantic and  marketable to the global community.  

Snow White, a Germanic classic fairy tale is currently marketed to young girl as this:

However, this is the Original Story of Snow White

Disney World has mastered the art of marketing European Folklore and Mythology in Western spaces and in Asia with locations in Japan and China. However there are no such theme parks  in the West, or in Asia and Africa that continuously promote the folklore or mythology from those spaces. Disney World resorts worldwide allow guests to meet Snow White, Ariel and even sleep in Cinderella's Castle. Disney World resorts in 2016 made a profit of $4.6 billion dollars. 

The Cinderella Castle Suite at Walt Disney World. 

“Should we blame Cultural Cringe for the absence of theme parks that promote folklore & Mythology originating from Africa & Asia?”

— Water & Cassava

SPIRITS & DIETIES OF THE OCEAN: JAPAN & NIGERIA

JAPAN

As most stories found in mythology and folklore often begin, it stems from the imagination’s desire to survive and create a habitable world in this life and the afterlife. Without further ado, here are the Gods of the Ocean from Nigeria and Japan. 

SUIJIN(SUITEN-水天), GOD OF WATER IN JAPANESE shinto MYTHOLOGY

Suijin Festival

Suijin in Shinto mythology is the force found in water. This force manifests sometimes as a snake, whale or fish and has a pair of funa fish as messengers. Suijin is part of the divinity force that makes up the shinto divinity of water. This manifestation can be found in ocean, lakes, ponds and is god or goddess to all mythical creatures found in bodies of water. Suijin is also prayed to by expecting mothers to be during childbirth. This force is also charged with the responsibility of fertility, motherhood, and easy childbirth. It should be noted that Suijin is described as male or female . 

NIGERIA

OLOKUN-NIGERIAN-THE YORUBA GOD(GODDESS) OF WATER

Olokun Seniade

I grew up knowing this entity as a God(shaped like a merman) but there are populations that refer to this entity as a goddess. As our mentioned Japanese counterpart, he is expected to help women conceive. He appears as a mudfish as well as a black mermaid. Olokun is a manifestation known as a Orisha. Orisha's are manifestations of the universal GOD known as Olorun. He is also responsible for all mythical creatures found in bodies of water. 

Olokun Festival

There is a profitable market for the commercialization of cultural heritage tangibles and intangibles such as folklore and mythology unfortunately African countries have not mastered the art of this unique form of branding.

Cassava Tuesdays: Cape Verde

We will be back next Cassava Tuesday!

Our first Lusophone Country for Cassava Tuesdays will be Cape Verde. There is a reason for the use of Cape Verde and Cabo Verde.... Hrrrggggh, What is in a name? We will discuss next time!

Cape Verde has no Soft Power but there is potential to build on a brand thanks to their Blue Economy.

Are you aware that Cape Verde has the second-best education system in Africa?
 

We will start with Amílcar Lopes da Costa Cabral and end with the branding possibilities for this island country. 

In the meantime, please enjoy the legendary Barefoot Diva, Cesária Évo from Cape Verde

Cesária Évora - Sodade Official music video - corrected and better HD sound

Silk Road Thursdays: Cool Japan and Africa

……MISSING IN ACTION

African Lab- The 1st Young Asian Africanist Camp

Better Together 2017 -World Culture Open Korea

....BACK TO COOL  JAPAN

We will discuss the soft power assets and possibilities of Japan in two series: Cultural Diplomacy and Aid.

You do understand how soft power works by now right? With this song by the Disco Gods...

Soft Power is understanding that attraction is key to get what you want and not by force. Countries are only as attractive to others based on culture, policies, and ideologies the country holds dear. 

EXPECTATIONS

Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD)

We will touch on an incident that involved TICAD & the U.N Security Council. This is very important to understand the piece of Aid in our series as a soft power tool. While this is a strong soft power tool for the country, it is also a challenge for Japan.

Cultural Diplomacy

Japan does not have a strategic plan in this area for Africa. There is no fluidity in cultural diplomacy of Africa countries and Japan, but this is not unique to Japan. However, this could be the golden ticket of applying “Cool Japan Diplomacy” to Africa. Anime and Manga in Africa is not cool but infused some of African Myth and Folklore, I got you your Cool Japan!

See you next Silk Road Thursdays

Cassava Tuesdays: The Curious Case of The Republic of Botswana

President Ian Khama (He is living next year)

Map of Botswana

Capital: Gaborone
Languages Spoken: English, Tswana
Religion: Majority Christian
Prime Minister: Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi

Bostwana Currency: Pula

“Bostwana is one of the 32 African countries that Baobab Trees call home. They can live for up to 5,000 years, reach up to 30 metres high and their trunks can hold up to 120,000 litres of water”

— Water & Cassava

Baobab Tree

Botswana Map and Flag colors

Botswana is home to 2.25 million people and is considered one of the safest countries in Africa with a stable democracy. It continues to rate low in global corruption scales. Botswana is a active member of the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, Southern African Development Community (SADC), World Bank, and World Trade Organization.

Baobab Fruit

“Botswana has a huge Metal Rock subculture. ”

— Water & Cassava : The more you know

There is something about Botswana that is just, yadi.. yadah. What is Yadi Yadah? I will let Seinfield & Co explain

“In 2013, Botswana started actively building on a National Brand Identity .........”

— Water & Cassava

BRANDING & BOTSWANA

ASSET #1: ATTRACTIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH & INVESTMENT

Botswana in 2013 started actively building on a national identity. The goal was to position itself as an economic force to be reckoned with, among neighboring giants such as Angola and South Africa. This brings us to asset #2.....

ASSET #2: TREAT YOUR POWERFUL NEIGHBOR WITH TLC  

Our friends in Botswana realize, when your neighbor is a middle power state that wheels regional and global diplomacy, you will need to be a very dear friend. As luck would have it, they both are home to the Tswana population. This mutual background and “power” allows South Africa to enjoy very lenient policies with Botswana:

    *No foreign exchange controls

    * Double Tax Avoidance agreement

ASSET #3: TOURISM SECTOR

Botswana's tourism sector continues to thrive amidst the country's stringent conservation policies and its growing elephant population. Our reporter Njanji Chauke and cameraman Sicelo Hlanula went on a river Safari at the Chobe National Park - home to Africa's largest elephant population For more news, visit: http://www.sabc.co.za/news

ASSET #4: REGIONAL PLAY- THE SPECIAL CASE OF CHOPPIES

Botswana's biggest supermarket is set to receive a boost. Choppies wants to widen its presence on the continent -- and increase the number of its stores to 250. It's eyeing southern and East Africa as potential markets. CGTN's Maria Galang has more.

....SOMETHING IS MISSING... 

Botswana looks great on paper but something just does not add up....

IMPROVEMENT #1: LEAVE THE DIAMONDS ALONE

Our theme for this section, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and that guy

suggestions: AGRICULTURE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

IMPROVEMENT #2: MAY YOUR CURSE BE YOUR BLESSING

“The World Bank approved a $145.5 million loan to the Republic of Botswana for the Emergency Water Security and Efficiency Project. This will help Botswana cope with increased water stress, arising from a number of factors including chronic drought”

— World Bank, March 1 2017

“Adolescents and young adults constitute a large population that has been largely neglected and left behind by the national HIV response. HIV and AIDS services targeting adolescents and young adults are inadequate and often perceived by the beneficiaries as “unfriendly”. HIV testing and counselling uptake among adolescents has remained unacceptably slow;”

— UNAIDS

SUGGESTION: OPEN THE HEALTH SECTOR & EDUCATION FOR INVESTMENT

IMPROVEMENT #3: GO GREEN!!

Why can't the country send all the coal elsewhere?? Oh I will guess here, China!!! Though this blogger stays in Asia and could really appreciate cleaner air....Tswana people send away!!! In return, invest in solar panels. 

IMPROVEMENT #4: AIR BOTSWANA NEEDS HELP

As we have discussed earlier, the proper branding of a country needs a respected airline. The airline must be safe, attractive and must go to two locations first: Your neighbors and your business partners.  The airline needs a major makeover including getting out of the red fiscally. 

WE FOUND THE MISSING PIECE... 

Read this article below to understand just why it seems forced, like this piece I wrote

This snapshot of Botswana is frustrating because it is a country with so much opportunity. We brought up Botswana to show that a country can “ideally” look one way in theory (positively) but without a cohesive message it is just as bad as the other country. This circumstance is not unique to Botswana as majority of African countries underestimate the importance of Branding and Soft power.

Branding is not advertising, it is an ongoing process and government must be front and center of the brand. Citizens, Business Community, Non-profit organizations must all be part of the branding process. The committee must have a shared understanding of just what the country’s makeup is about be it culture, religion, tradition, location, nature, history (good and terrible). The brand of the country must speak to all the citizens and be fluent in all the positive elements that make up the entire nation.

Until next Cassava Tuesday
 

Cassava Tuesdays: Sega Branding of Mauritius

“Red- Freedom and Independence
Blue- Indian Ocean
Yellow- The new light of Independence shining over the island
Green - Agriculture of Mauritius and the colour of the country throughout the year”

— Mauritian People to the World

Capital: Port Louis
Languages Spoken: English, French, Creole and variety of Asian languages
Religion: Hinduism, Christianity, Islam,  Buddhism
Prime Minister: Paramasivum Pillay "Barlen" Vyapoory

President:  Ameenah Gurib-Fakim

“Mauritius ranked # 50 out of 176 countries”

— Corruption Perceptions Index 2016

Currency: Mauritian Rupee

“Mauritius is one of the most stable and successful economies in Africa with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of USD 11.8 billion and per capita GDP over USD 9,400. ”

— export.gov (2016)

We must take a moment to remember, our friend the Dodo. The Dodo was a unique bird because it was only found in the country of Mauritius. Hunters from other spaces and hunting in Africa will forever be the death of our ecology system. The Dodo became extinct in 1662.  

BRANDING IS NOT SOFT POWER

Our 5th country for Cassava Tuesdays will be the Republic of Mauritius. Mauritius is home to over 1.3 million people and belongs to quite a few intergovernmental bodies such as: Mauritius belongs to the: Small Island Developing State (SIDS), The European Union (EU), the World Trade Organization (WTO), Southern African Development Community (SADC), Common Market for Eastern and South Africa (COMESA) and the United Nations (UN) and maintains strong economic ties with the BRICS.

The small island country of Mauritius is actively working on branding tools. We will discuss nation branding today, this is not the same thing as soft power. It is an arm of Soft Power but not Soft Power. Do you need a refresher on the term Soft Power? Simply go back to any of our entries: Mulday, Cassava Tuesdays, Public Health Wednesdays, or Silk Road Thursdays. 

“Applying corporate branding techniques to countries. ”

— Nation Branding

nation branding visuals

WHAT DOES MAURITUS HAVE SO FAR AS AN ASSET?

• Political Stability
• Economic growth 
• Investment & Secure Friendly
• Bilingual Workforce 
• Open market for foreigners and talents
• Multiethnicity 
• Ocean Statehood *(I will touch on this another day)
• Intergovernmental Relations (I mentioned that earlier)

TOURISM ECONOMICS: BRANDING TOOL #1

The white sandy beaches and turquoise waters of Mauritius lure tourists from around the world. The tourism sector is vital to the island's economy and this year is set to grow again. CGTN's Clementine Logan reports.

HOW DO WE VISIT, ARE YOUR SKIES REALLY FRIENDLY?

Remember in an earlier entry, I stressed the importance of "Flag Carriers". Check out the last entry on Ugali meet Kimchi. The Airline of a country must be safe, attractive and sky friendly. 

“Flag Carrier Safety: Have you been banned from the safe skies of another country?”

— Water & Cassava

 BRANDING TOOL : AIR MAURITIUS #2

Air Mauritius is accessible to visitors from Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. This is also strategic based on their economic ties. The airline is IOSA-certified (IATA Operational Safety Audit) airline and approved by EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency). Secondly, using an airline as a branding tool only works if your regional neighbors also respect your brand. Read this letter below to understand the role Air Mauritius will have in Ghana’s new brand. We discussed Ghana on an earlier entry. You will have to read that to appreciate this letter. 

Thirdly, The brand must be respected internationally, read this letter below to understand KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Air Mauritius new partnership. Make sure to read this letter with the background of branding and soft power. 

HOW ATTRACTIVE ARE you?

Did you know that Air Mauritius has helicopter services? By services, I mean premium services. 

What about Air Mauritius holidays?

Do you have a in-flight magazine? In-Flight magazines are there to sell the "BRAND", "PROPAGANDA" of a country, city or region. It is a very impotant tool in the visualization of the country's brand to the passenger. Check out the bilingual Air Mauritius's Islander Magazine

BRANDING TOOL: CULTURE #3

What is Sega? Sega Music was created by the escaped slaves, it was their expression of all their new and old experiences.

There is also a new trend of blending sega, zouk and reggae, check it out! 

BRANDING TOOL: LOCATION, LOCATION #4

BRANDING TOOL #4: REGIONAL INFLUENCE

Mauritius is hosting the first African economic platform forum. It's aimed at economically transforming Africa through industrial development and intra-Africa trade. The two day forum is being attended by heads of state and governments from across Africa. CGTN's Girum Chala is in Mauritius following up on the latest

BRANDING TOOL #5:  CONDUCTING BUSINESS MINUS THE HASSLES 

This is just the beginning of Maurtius! I hope you appreciated this example of branding . 

See you next Cassava Tuesday