Terror, tourism and odd beliefs: Superstition as a political barometer

The Economist ^ | December, 2003 | The Economist

[propertius]

FEW readers of The Economist (or many FReepers too), one would imagine, have seen a one-eyed dwarf with bat-like wings, pointed ears and sharpened talons. Even fewer are likely to have been sodomised by one. Many of the people of Zanzibar, however, sincerely believe in Popobawa, an incubus who supposedly rapes men who doubt his existence. Isolated sightings are reported every year. Locals say that Popobawa appears accompanied by a puff of smoke, usually on Pemba, the smaller of the spice islands that make up this semi-autonomous part of Tanzania.

At times of stress, Popobawa seems to go on a rampage. So many people report seeing him that ordinary life in some villages stops. Men sleep arm-in-arm outside their houses, in the belief that not being in bed makes them less vulnerable. There were said to be numerous attacks before and after Zanzibar's president was assassinated in 1972, and again in 2000 and 2001, coinciding with a rigged and violent election.

Popobawa may be mythical, but reports of sightings give a useful insight into the Zanzibari mood. The incubus was seen in November, prompting a local spiritualist to predict that “bad men will do bad things here next year [and] people will die.”

It is possible. Tensions have been simmering in Zanzibar since the police killed 39 opposition supporters in early 2001. The island's mostly poor and Muslim population feels marginalised. Secessionist mutterings are growing louder. Tanzania's government has clamped down: last month it banned an independent newspaper, accusing it of fomenting tribal and religious divisions.

Economic woes may make unrest more likely. Too many young men lost their jobs after terrorists attacked Jewish targets in nearby Kenya a year ago. Tourist receipts in Zanzibar fell by 30% in the first three months of this year. Things have since improved, but America says the threat of an attack on Zanzibar remains high, pointing out that two al-Qaeda operatives were born there. Zanzibaris, most of whom are moderates, disagree. “Freddie Mercury was born in Zanzibar,” said one. “It doesn't make us more likely to become pop stars.”

[propertius]

Just found this so forgive me for publishing something that is over a week out of date. But it made me chuckle.

[Carthago delenda est]

You added the reference to FReepers, I presume?

[putupon]

Superstition as a political barometer

I don't believe in no 'Beast

[fporretto]

How have the burgeoning legends about this demonic dwarf affected Zanzibar's tourism industry? Perhaps as regards the sexual orientation of the tourists?

(Naughty of me, I know.)

Freedom, Wealth, and Peace,
Francis W. Porretto
Visit the Palace Of Reason:
http://palaceofreason.com

[Amelia]

Zanzibaris, most of whom are moderates, disagree. “Freddie Mercury was born in Zanzibar,” said one. “It doesn't make us more likely to become pop stars.”

I love it.