The UK Independence Party has asked one of its senior politicians not to use the phrase "Bongo Bongo Land" again, warning that people abroad might find it "disparaging".

The sad thing is, his objection is a valid one. He just didn't have the wit to realise that using a phrase like that, regardless of intent, would sideline the point he was trying to make about misappropriated charity.

That said, his argument doesn't justify not sending aid; even if it does underline the fact that much of the aid doesn't reach the intended recipients.

"Bongo Bongo Land"

That term makes me laugh

I will accept is amusing but still very racist and condescending.

What's more, using the term may get you kudos - not criticism - in Tanzania. "Young people think they sound sophisticated when they use the term," Famau says.

Only in your eyes

What's more, using the term may get you kudos - not criticism - in Tanzania. "Young people think they sound sophisticated when they use the term," Famau says.

That explanation might have helped Bloom avoid controversy.

I did link to that article earlier.

Oh yes - sorry missed that

I expect that, like Lance Corporal Jones’ term “fuzzy-wuzzies”, that the phrase “Bongo Bongo Land” emanates from the pejorative attitude of Empire.

No problem I miss things all the time.


That is it perfectly. The problem is that we live in a multicultural nation now and really should be far more aware of the risk to insult. In some respects the "fuzzy wuzzies" of Corporal Jones were a throw back to an even early age of abuse. The British Army in WW2 was filled with people of many nations who fought for us in Asia.