3 Reasons I could Not be a Dinka
28 02 2007After watching a very interesting documentary on National Geographic last night makes me realize how unprepared I am to live with the Dinka tribes of Africa.
1. Collecting cow dung with bare hands. The boys collect their cows dung each morning and put it in a pile to dry. They use the dry cow dung as a sort of firewood. I find it unlikely that I would pick up cow dung with a shovel, let alone gloves. So bare hands is out completely.
2. Stimulating cow’s sexual organs. In order to keep a cow producing milk, which is important considering the limited opportunities for food, a young man will use a variety of methods to stimulate the cows which causes them to lactate. To do this requires a level of commitment that some people don’t even have for their spouses. (If you know what i mean) Yes, this is a big reason why I couldn’t make it, living with the Dinka.
3. Cow Urine Shower. What is considered to be a very trendy look among the Dinka is the bronze colored hair. This effect is produced by bleaching agents in cows urine. How does the cows urine get into someone’s hair, you may hesitate to ask? First you have to wait until one of the cows is peeing, then… you have the third reason.
I have a tremendous amount of respect for the Dinka. They are doing well in very difficult circumstances. And I’m sure they would view many of our traditions and customs as bizarre. I sit staring at a computer screen all day. That’s pretty weird if you think about it. Nevertheless, I am grateful for who I am and where I live. Because I wouldn’t make a very good Dinka.
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I also saw this on NG but I had the TV muted. But, tell me, did I REALLY see that young man doing what I think he was to that cow? I mean, was he giving the cow “a professional” (if you know what I mean) and then bathing in the urine? I love a refreshing shower just as much as the next gal but to make out with a cow and the get a golden shower is even a bit too freaky for me!!!
Yes, it was what you think it was. Ugh. I would just try to ask the cow nicely to produce more milk. There’s no need to get too friendly.
I saw the special as well. Dinkas are special, fer sure.
Well, having been a witness to how you actually live your life, I would say you’d fit right in with the Dinkas. Hell a urine shower would be a step up for you. However, that being said, don’t switch tribes man, some tribes leaders like to do bad things to people that switch tribes, they get on their satalite phones and call other tribes and inform them on what a bad tribesman you are and not to accept you into their tribe and you can quote me on the quote.
Poor Gordon, He’s a bad tribesman. (that’s what I hear anyway.)
[...] appealing. But any dye you buy is more or less a fancy, packaged version of the same stuff that dinka tribesmen dye their hair with. But I must say, I’m happy with my results, the color did lift my spirits momentarily, [...]