A viral photograph capturing a Caucasian woman confidently selling Mandazi on the streets of Kisumu has sparked surprise among many Kenyans. In the image, the woman is seen carrying two transparent buckets filled with Mandazi.
The prevailing perception among most Kenyans is that street vending is typically associated with the unemployed or those facing economic challenges. In Africa, there persists a mindset that perceives Caucasians as somehow superior and exempt from engaging in certain manual tasks.
Despite the presence of white residents in Kenya, the economic challenges affect them as well. The sight of a Mzungu woman hawking Mandazi is a reminder that, at the core, everyone is striving to make a living, irrespective of their racial background.
The photograph has elicited diverse reactions from online users. It is intriguing that many still hold the stereotype that all white individuals are affluent, making it startling to witness a white woman engaged in the street vending of Mandazi.
Some online comments reflect the following sentiments:
@Lydiawarui humorously observes, “haha black man anaona hio nikama ni something to wauuu ….hustling haitambui rangi” (translation: “a black man sees this as something extraordinary…hustling knows no color”).
@LaQueenJ questions the novelty, stating, “Some men do this every day. So what’s new here?”
@ChrisLinfird humorously suggests a conspiracy theory, “Hivi ndio CIA wana operate hii dunia 😂😂😂” (translation: “Is this how the CIA operates in the world? 😂😂😂”).
@fazlim19 praises the lack of shame in the hustle, “One thing about them is that they are not ashamed of their hustle…that’s why they make it. Let’s learn.”
@FezilOgola challenges stereotypes, “Who said blacks are the only ones who should hawk mandazi in the streets of Kisumu?”
@callmevicky questions the significance of race in such work, “Is it such a big deal for white women to do this work?…ni wangapi masisters wetu hufanya hii kazi?” (translation: “How many of our sisters do this job?”).
In essence, the photograph has prompted a reflection on stereotypes and preconceived notions about race and economic roles, emphasizing the shared experience of individuals, regardless of their racial background.
