The Global South

Restrained Greatness

The Uncanny Feeling of Powerlessness in the Third World

I know what it’s like to be physically willing and able and even ambitious enough to work, but its not enough.

Powerlessness is seeking to grow financially and spiritually but no matter how well you do in your local economy it’s never enough to save. Even if you could save, the banks are corrupt and offer no interest in your deposits and there is not much that you can lucratively invest in.

That’s how it was in the Dominican Republic.I’ve heard the rain as it trickled and tickled the tin roofs. That’s what would often wake my cousin in the summers of the Dominican Republic. The morning showers never had much thunder, but the rain was enough to start the day off in a dreary mood.The rain meant cousin Francisco’s baseball practice would be canceled that morning. The rain meant the food would be late to the market and would delay Auntie Maria from starting preparations for the most popular lunch in town.The family business would be down and out that day and my cousin’s dream of becoming a world class baseball player was one practice session further.