The Shona people live amidst corruption, mostly spread throughout Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Most have no money, and hyperinflation has ensured that those who do, won't. There is very little of anything to go around: Food, water, shelter, clothing. Zimbabwe has one of the shortest life expectancies in the world at only 44 years. What's more, the crippling AIDS epidemic is expected to cut it to 27. Mozambique isn't much better off.

So maybe they're not so well off. Maybe that's not really the point. It is unhelpful and downright condescending to point to those less fortunate in pity. The Shona live their lives, and there is more to a people than its prosperity. For example, I've always been a fan of their national greeting. How are you?" it begins; most good greetings do.

"I am well if you are well," says the greetee.

The greeter replies with a smile. "I am well, so we are well."