Thread by @asnesebli

He is well raised, went to a private school, and has a master's degree from a European university. Speaks four languages - two foreign, his native, and Amharic.
He is willing to guard ethnic politics with his life.
''Why,'' I asked.
''Because we have suffered,''
#Ethiopia

''What do you mean by 'we'? You got the best of everything this country has to offer, and some more. So tell me how you suffered,''
''Your ancestors were cruel to mine," he said with a straight face.

''My ancestors were dirt poor. My parents are the first generation to leave their villages. Tell me how my ancestors could be cruel to yours,''
''The war;'' he said.
''Which war''
''The Emporer had with my people,''
''How do you know my ancestors fought alongside the Emporer?''

''It doesn't matter. They took pride in the victory. They agreed with what he did''. He said.
"The Emporer was running around asking opinions? How democratic of him,'' that was me suggesting for him to take it easy.
''One way or another, they stood by him'' he was serious.

''Okay, let's say that's true. But It was a war. This country is still ravaged by wars and cruelty. And many groups lost - even the direct ancestors of the Emporer lost the war with Italy and then Derg killed them one by one.''
''This country was disrespectful to us,'' he said.

''But everyone was/is disrespected. Throughout history, you gotta be the ruling elite to gain any respect in this country."
We didn't agree.
That's what identity politics does. It makes a perfectly fine, well-raised, talented young man feel like he is a victim.
#Ethiopia