Introduction.

Careful selection of words that accurately convey experiences and messages is crucial in capturing the
essence of a book. After extensive research, I have determined that the title "Hurdles" best represents
the intended message I seek to convey. In its original usage, the word "hurdle" referred to a movable
frame made of wattled twigs, osiers, or withes, along with stakes or sometimes even made of iron. These
frames were used for various purposes, such as enclosing land, creating gates, folding sheep and cattle,
and even in fortification as revetments.

During the period described in James Edwin Thorold Rogers' book, "A History of Agriculture and Prices in
England," specifically in the late 19th century, the practice of folding sheep was widespread.2 Folding
sheep involved temporarily enclosing them in a specific area using these hurdles. The purchase of
hurdles was a regular expense in the account of a shepherd, reflecting the importance of these frames in
their daily work. Hurdles served as a versatile tool for shepherds in managing their flock. They provided a
means to enclose areas of land, creating temporary pens for sheep and cattle. This allowed shepherds to
control the movement of their livestock, keeping them secure and organized. By using hurdles,
shepherds could efficiently fold their sheep, grouping them together for various purposes such as
counting, sorting, or providing them with shelter.

In its negative sense, the hurdles enclosed livestock and prevented them from doing what they would.
The livestock would have no control over the hurdles and and would just have to remain confined within
them. This is what I apply figuratively in the book to describe societal norms, beliefs and practices that
have bred prejudices in the minds of many human beings and led to discrimination, inequality and
misery to our little world.

We are living in a social world and as social beings are prone to influences and over time form cultures
and norms that form a standard of how we should be living. These cultures and norms are further
transformed to our children either consciously or unconsciously and to a great degree form a template
and guidebook for which they pattern their lives after. To extend it further, those who have lived before
us created cultures and norms and transferred them to us and we have also modeled and patterned
ourselves either consciously or unconsciously after those patterns. And when I talk of those who lived
before us, I am not referring to one generation, century or millennium. We could be modelling ourselves
after cultures developed thousands of years ago.

These cultures may either have a positive or negative effects on us. They may either be good or bad and
their consequences may either bear good results or bad. And we can either be ignorant or aware of
them as being good or bad. In this book I will generally talk about the negative societal norms that have
plagued and crippled the progress of most of the people in the world. Specifically, however I will talk
about the discrimination, bias and prejudice that are exerted on those deemed inferior in relation to
their wealth, race, gender and sexual orientation. The last three components mentioned are much
weightier and more influenced by the first. The discrimination and bias that arise on the basis of these
components form a bigger hurdle for those experiencing them that sometimes pursuing noble, loftier
aspirations of life is relegated to lower priorities.

The twenty first century world has categorized people in to either liberals or conservatives, left wing or
right wing. I have critically analyzed the basis for these categorizations as being based on reaction
towards established standards. While one group seeks to question, examine and criticize old standards,
another group seeks to safeguard perpetuate and establish them. These has led to emergence of many
terms in the world to describe them one of them being the “culture war narrative”. In this book I also
demonstrate how the current culture wars, to use contemporary, word, is integral to the hurdles that I
have described before and why it is necessary to be on the right side of these two groups if the quest to
conquer them is to be pursued.

I have listened to many motivational speakers who seek to inspire people to pursue their dreams and be
valiant to use their wording. I have seen many of them being lauded, cheered and even set as role
models for people and specifically younger generation. I have seen them rise the ladders of social
popularity to the top levels. Yet to all these I have never heard them being much focal on the hurdles
that much of the world is passing through. I have never heard them talk about racial inequalities. I have
never heard them talk about women discrimination. I have never heard them tell their audience that
homophobia is a great hindrance to LGBTQ people.

All I have had from them is that you can overcome your obstacles no matter what. I have heard them
mouth many emotional statements designed to only temporarily numb the frustrations of people and
drown people in a false excitement and wishful thinking and divorce them from reality. I have heard
them criticize those who have tried to be vocal in raising concerns about societal inequality as pessimists
and naysayers. I have at one time fallen victim to some of their advises. ‘go, go, go, and you can make it
irrespective of your obstacles’. I have tried all their strategies in a bid to justify the notion that everything
is possible beside what. None of their strategies has worked and reality has hit me hard telling me such a
course or venture is self-defeating merchandize. What I have realized in my few years of experience is
that barriers, hurdles rather, exist in our world and they impede the progress and success of most of the
people in the world.

As I write this book the top 1.2% of the world’s population own 47.8% of the global wealth, nearly half of
the worlds wealth1. Much could be said concerning this. The inspirational speakers I have stated before
could say those at the top achieved their success through their grit, hard-work perseverance and
determination. They could say the world’s poor are poor because they choose to be so, didn’t hold
positive thinking didn’t work hard and it is their just fate. And they may advance some proofs to show
why they are right. Others might say it is how the society should be and that inequality has existed from
times past and nothing cab done about it. They can denounce those who seek to find reasons for global
inequality to which category I belong as ‘rabble rousers and their grievances as illegitimate and uncalled
for.

I must honestly say

 Poverty- Africa’s longing
When discussing any subject, the weight and meaning of words can vary greatly depending on individual
experiences. Nowhere is this more pronounced than when delving into the topic of poverty. For those of
us who have grown up in impoverished conditions, poverty has a different resonance. It is deeply
ingrained in our lives, shaping perspective and altering perception of the world. It is not an abstract
concept but rather an inescapable reality which permeates every aspect of life. To us, the world is a
different place – a place rife with scarcity, limited resources, and persistent struggles. Poverty is not a
mere term, but a formidable force that shape our existence in profound and lasting ways.

Personally, I have experienced poverty and have a first-hand experience with it. I was born in rural parts
of Kenya characterized by scarcity of resources and abject poverty. Like JK Rowling I can confidently say
poverty is only romanticized by fools.

The Struggle for Basic Needs:

One of the most poignant aspects of poverty is the constant struggle for basic necessities. Insufficient
access to food, clean water, and adequate shelter became ever-present hurdles to overcome. Hunger
became a constant companion, a nagging reminder of the barriers poverty placed on our ability to
thrive. The pursuit of basic needs consumed our thoughts and actions, leaving little room for the pursuit
of higher aspirations. Poverty, far from being a romantic notion, strips individuals of their agency and
perpetuates a cycle of deprivation that is difficult to break.

The Impact on Education:

Education, often touted as a pathway out of poverty, is affected profoundly by the constraints of
impoverished conditions. Limited resources, overcrowded classrooms, and a lack of infrastructure create
significant barriers to quality education. As a result, many children in poverty-stricken areas are denied
the opportunity to develop their full potential and break free from the cycle of poverty. Education
becomes a luxury rather than a right, perpetuating inequality and hindering social mobility.

The Psychological Toll:

Poverty exacts a heavy psychological toll on those living in its grip. The constant stress, anxiety, and
uncertainty erode self-esteem and render feelings of hopelessness. The weight of poverty becomes
suffocating, as aspirations dim and dreams are deferred. Society's perception of poverty further
compounds this burden, as stereotypes and stigmatization add an additional layer of hardship. It is a
disheartening experience that drains individuals not only financially but also emotionally, straining
relationships and dampening the spirit.

Challenging the Romanticized Notions:

Amidst the romanticized notions of poverty peddled by uninformed observers, the truth of its
devastation must be acknowledged. Poverty is not a choice, nor is it a character flaw. Rowling's remark
that poverty is only romanticized by fools encapsulates the stark reality. It is a state of prolonged
adversity, robbing individuals of agency, opportunity, and dignity. By shining a light on the authentic
experiences of those who have personally encountered poverty, we can dispel the illusions and cultivate
empathy and understanding.

A Call for Empathy and Action:

Understanding the lived experience of poverty is essential in spurring action and effecting meaningful
change. It requires moving beyond sympathy and viewing poverty through a lens of empathy.
Recognizing the complex web of factors that perpetuate poverty, from systemic inequality to lack of
access to resources, allows for the development of comprehensive solutions. By providing opportunities
for education, access to healthcare, and economic empowerment, we can break the intergenerational
cycle of poverty and create a more inclusive society.

Conclusion:

Personal testimonies have the power to breathe life into discussions surrounding poverty, unveiling the
true realities that exist beyond the romanticized narratives. Growing up in rural Kenya, poverty shaped
my perspective, creating a profound understanding of the struggles faced by those trapped in its grasp.
Poverty goes far beyond a mere term; it is a lived experience that permeates every aspect of life. By
embracing empathy and understanding, we can strive towards generating impactful change and creating
a world where the weight of poverty is lifted, enabling individuals to ascend to their full potential.

The definition of poverty has long been focused on the inability of individuals to meet basic human
needs such as food, shelter, and clothing. While these necessities are vital for human survival, solely
defining poverty in this way can lead to inaccurate conclusions and misguided approaches. It is true that
poverty directly impacts the ability of individuals to survive and thrive. However, the purpose of human
existence is not solely to exist but to pursue greater, more meaningful goals that enrich our lives and
contribute to the betterment of society as a whole
 Insecurity-Shadows in Syria
social isolation-North Koreas story
psychological distress, and
lack of freedom of choice-The meshes of patriarchy on Women
Climate change-Nature’s unforgiving blows
Health Care: Broken Systems and Barriers to Care
Disinformation-Crippling mental progress
“Where do we go from here”
A call to action- Mobilizing for a better world.
1) https://moneytransfers.com/news/2022/12/19/global-distribution-of-wealth
2) 1882, James Edwin Thorold Rogers, A History of Agriculture and Prices in England, volume
4, page 414: