I have decided to put my blog on stand-by for a while

The reason is that over the weekend I have been receiving comments, e-mails, text messages and a phone call telling me various things, which I am far from comfortable with. Someone even made a Facebook group with the aim of boycotting my blog.

Basic message is that I am not giving the right impression of Tanzania. That the image I display of Tanzania  to the world is damaging Tanzania's image. To me there simply is no right impression, but apparently there is, and I am not meeting these standards. I am highly aware that Africa is not just Africa, that Tanzania differs from other African countries and vice versa. I also know that the image of Tanzania in for instance European media often does not correspond with the one of the Tanzanians. But again 35 million Tanzanians do not make one idea, but many. I am an ex-pat, I blog from my perspective.

I find different viewpoints expressed on different blogs inspiring, which is why I read different blogs. I have only ever intended to reflect my impressions, which I have emphasised over and over. I have also emphasised that my views are mine and do not necessarily correspond with the NGO I work for.

I don't believe that this kind of group pressure should shut someone up, but I also feel I have no choice.  However, in the mean time - until I figure out if/when I will return to blogging with a public identity - I will be happy to provide you with more detailed information if curious. I will also be interested in - and happy -  to hear from other bloggers who have experienced the similar. I am still interested in dialogue, but I will not tolerate that people dictate me what to write on my blog, or comments where people i.e. name themselves 'Killer' or call me 'dog'.