01 | WYSI(n)WYG

WYSIWYG is an acronym for What You See Is What You Get. It is used to describe editing software which shows the visual edits of your document, rather than just the plain code.

WYSInWYG is an acronym I use to describe how I feel after being in Juba just for a few days. As you may have guessed, the additional “n” stands for “not”: What You See Is NOT What You Get. Let me explain: 

Driving through the streets of Juba, I see many big steel gates, walls, barbed wire fences, walls with fences on top, security guards, etc. Our base is completely locked during the day and night. It is not permitted to take pictures. Anywhere you go, you will find UN vehicles. What I see, is an environment which appears hostile and dangerous in many ways. 

What I get, is friendly and loving people all around me. 

I think it might be the tension between what I assume to experience because of what I see, and what I actually experience, which confuses me.* Fences, security guards, and never-ending safety regulations point to insecurity, tragedy, poverty, and hostility. But those things are not part of my life here in Juba. (Let’s keep praying that it will remain that way.)

This short reflection made me realize how limited my knowledge about countries like South Sudan is. It is more than humbling to acknowledge how little I understand of the social, political, economic, and cultural tragedies the people in South Sudan had to go through in the past.

It will take much time, many conversations, and a lot more experience until I can paint a clearer picture of my environment. I will keep you posted throughout this process and share what I think might be of interest. I am inviting you to ask questions or leave comments, which will also help me to look at things from a different perspective.

Cheers, Markus

PS: Excuse the picture — it was taken while trying to look like I am just casually walking around with the phone in my hand. I do not know if/when I will be able to use my camera. Certainly not until I leave Juba.