In a deeply saddening story shared earlier last week, a vitamin ad revealed the astonishing tale of an African woman who chose to remain a virgin for 103 years, waiting for her beloved white man.
Miriam, a resident of the coastal parts of East Africa, decided to keep her virginity for over a century, saving herself for a white man who abandoned her when she was much younger.
In a Be One documentary reposted on July 15, the devastated woman opened up about her choices and how she regrets them.
The documentary began with the striking confirmation that Miriam had maintained her purity for over a century, all in the hope of the return of a white man she met during her youth.
“I saw that white man, and he ran away. I saw him again,” Miriam poignantly recounts.
Adding context to her story, the narrator elaborated, “She [Miriam] once met a white man whom she fell in love with. They had big plans together. Despite having a wonderful time, she chose to remain a virgin until marriage.”
Miriam’s love for the unnamed man was so profound that she committed herself entirely to him. “However, the boyfriend mysteriously disappeared,” the narrator revealed.
Heartbroken but still hopeful, Miriam couldn’t envision herself with another man, and according to the Be One documentary, she continuously “turned down African men who showed interest in her” and waited for her white lover.
“But to this day, he has not returned or even communicated with her. She stayed celibate, but in the end, she felt betrayed,” the narrator added.
View this post on Instagram
Needless to say, netizens on social media had much to say about the story, with many pointing out the undertones of self-hatred and a deep colonization mindset in Miriam’s story.
“This is top-tier self-hatred. I’m not shocked by many things, but this right here definitely wowed me,” one user wrote.
Another added,” He went back home to his wife and kids…the definition of being fully colonized.”
A third commentator noted,
“Maam, you betrayed yourself, your body. Love lets you love yourself first. This is obsession. I’d have gone to a nunnery so I could at least have three free meals, a roof over my head, and a decent “retirement plan” while waiting. You know, to make the sacrifice count for something at least.”
But while we might be quick to judge, Miriam’s story highlights complex issues stemming from colonialism’s lasting impacts on some African communities.
Though her individual experience is extreme, it points to broader patterns of internalized racism and the idealization of whiteness that persist in various post-colonial societies.
Many African women, particularly in rural and underdeveloped areas, view white men as saviors and are willing to do just about anything to win favor in their eyes.
There are actual stories of some women enduring harsh and demeaning experiences (sexually and physically) in their pursuit of white love, money, and a ticket abroad.
However, it’s crucial to understand that these attitudes are often rooted in a complex history of colonization, lack of education, poverty, and media portrayals that elevate Western lifestyles.
Many of these women have been raised to believe in the superiority of the white man, a tragic legacy that continues to impact communities today.
It’s important to note that this mindset is not universal. Many African women and men have strong cultural pride and reject colonial mentalities.
Nonetheless, the path to true liberation lies in addressing these root causes—increasing access to education, creating economic opportunities, and promoting positive representations of African cultures.
Ultimately, healing from historical trauma and building strong, self-determined African societies requires a multifaceted approach.
By empowering African women to see their worth beyond the color of a man’s skin and reclaiming their dignity and autonomy, communities can work towards breaking free from the lingering shadows of colonialism.
