Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
-
People and ploughs: from Scotland to Malawi
I come from a long line of farm labourers – men and women – and I grew up on a farm where my father worked as a ploughman and dairyman, so the hard work of farming is part of who I am. Here in Scotland, NFU Scotland estimate 67,000 people work in agriculture. In Malawi…
-
Statue of Malawi freedom fighter shortlisted for fourth plinth on Trafalgar Square
A powerful statute of an African freedom fighter has been short-listed for Trafalgar Square’s fourth plinth. The artwork Antelope by Malawi-born artist, author and academic Professor Samson Kambalu features John Chilembwe, who lead a rebellion in 1915 against colonialists, and is recognised today as one of Malawi’s most important historical figures. Here’s an extract about…
-
Speaking to Radio Africana about The Spirit of Malawi
I spent a very pleasant hour this morning recording an interview for Radio Africana with one of their top presenters Allan Mankind Banda for his Saturday show (5pm start). My good friend Yonah Mtemba joined me to talk about my book The Spirit of Malawi, which is available at all good online booksellers, including Amazon.…
-
My case of COVID vaccine envy
I have a confession to make. I have a bad dose of COVID vaccine envy. Sitting here on my grey sofa, my permanent perch since 23 March 2020, I get a sinking feeling every time I log on to social media. Friends younger than me, but who live in more rural parts of Scotland –…
-
The Spirit of Malawi
Just as Scotland is much more than bearded men in kilts playing the bagpipes against the backdrop of a Highland loch, so Malawi is far more complex than the stereotypical images beloved of well-meaning charities.
-
Feminism is not ‘right-wing’ and the word ‘woman’ is not discriminatory
JK Rowling’s handprints outside the City Chambers are cleaned after they were covered with red paint (Picture: Lisa Ferguson) This article was first published in The Scotsman on 1st August 2020. We are all familiar with the old adage, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.” I recited it…
-
The power of music and fashion to change Malawi
Malawi musician Lazarus may now call Madonna a friend, and is hopeful that his film will be nominated for an Oscar – “I am heading to LA next month,” he says – but he still lives in fear of his life.
-
The power of books here in Malawi
Burton Chirwa leaned forward, eyes ablaze. “You have to read, read a lot, before you can write.” He sat back a little. “I read a lot, and I write. So far, I have written five short stories. So that is my advice to anyone who wants to be a writer. Read a lot.” Burton is…
-
Prince Harry is right to shout about climate change during Malawi trip
Climate change is a terrible fact of life in Malawi. Sixty people were killed earlier this year in the southern region, drowned in floods caused by unseasonable heavy rains. Thousands of families lost their homes, and tens of thousands more lost their crops, and with them their food supply and income for the year.
-
The soul of Malawi: The Temptations live
“This is the first time a famous pop group from the USA has ever played in Malawi,” the MC told us earlier. It appears global rock stars are not in the habit of adding Malawi to their tour schedule, unless, of course, they are looking for an instant family to adopt.
Got any book recommendations?
Susan Dalgety 