Anonymous Guest 20 Jan 2025

The phrase “suffering and smiling” captures the paradox of enduring hardship while maintaining a cheerful facade. It reflects the resilience of people who face adversity yet choose to mask their pain with a smile, often out of necessity or cultural conditioning. This phenomenon is particularly evident in societies where economic, social, or political challenges persist, yet individuals find ways to remain hopeful and maintain a semblance of normalcy. On one hand, suffering and smiling can be seen as a form of strength. It symbolizes the ability to persevere despite unfavorable circumstances, showcasing the human spirit’s capacity to adapt and survive. For many, smiling is a coping mechanism, a way to shield themselves and others from the burden of their struggles. However, this duality also raises concerns. Smiling through suffering can perpetuate a culture of silence, where pain and dissatisfaction are suppressed rather than addressed. It risks normalizing hardship, discouraging action and meaningful change. When people mask their struggles with smiles, it can obscure the urgent need for solutions and accountability, whether from governments, institutions, or communities. Ultimately, “suffering and smiling” is both an inspiring testament to human resilience and a cautionary tale about the dangers of complacency. While it is important to remain hopeful, we must also strive to confront the root causes of suffering and advocate for a better future—one where smiles reflect true joy rather than hidden pain.

Anonymous Guest 19 Jan 2025

The picture above is the makeup done for one of the slave of Iyalode Efunsetan Aniwura, which was staged 21 years ago at the PFA theatre, University of Ilorin. The make up presents the character as an indigene of Nigeria, with tribal marks to locate the particular place she comes from. Giving that she is a slave, and also with the knowledge that Iyalode Efunsetan was a successful and rich business woman in her days, it is safe to day that the tribal marks will be different for some characters so that it cuts across the yoruba communities and neighborhoods where Iyalode Efunsetan must have gone to buy slaves. Efunsetan Aniwura is an historical retelling of the Eponymous character Efunsetan Aniwura and it is a play that projects Efunsetan Aniwura as a bitter but rich slave trader who detests any of her slave that gets pregnant and gives birth and punishes them accordingly, her tyrannical activities is however met with stiff opposition by Latoosa who was a major reason why she ended her life.

Anonymous Guest 30 Nov 2024

To be realistic, when you fall under the influence of an authorative individual, whether as a maid or a slave, sufferness becomes inevitable! But that ability to endure and not being too overwhelmed despite the challenges is a good description of resilience. If not being introduced, her identity might not be known since she appears as a normal person and her smile give a sense of comfortability and contentment.

Anonymous Guest 30 Nov 2024

To be realistic, when you fall under the influence of an authorative individual, whether as a maid or a slave, sufferness becomes inevitable! But that ability to endure and not being too overwhelmed despite the challenges is a good description of resilience. If not being introduced, her identity might not be known since she appears as a normal person and her smile give a sense of comfortability and contentment.

Joshua Olaleye 29 Nov 2024

Despite being a slave. Her smile which was captured by a professional photographer makes her more beautiful.