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The African Gourmet

The African Gourmet: Explore African Culture & Recipes

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FOOD PROVERBS

African Proverb: Corn Seeking Justice from a Court of Chickens - Unveiling the Inequality of Power and Fair Treatment.

The African proverb Corn can't expect justice from a court composed of chickens means that it is impossible to get a fair trial or treatment from those who have a vested interest in harming or exploiting you when there is a clear imbalance of power and interest between two parties, such as in business, law, politics, education, or media. 

Corn Can't Expect Justice from a Court Composed of Chickens African Proverb.

Corn and chickens

To show the conflict between the oppressed and oppressors, the African proverb uses corn and chickens. 

The African proverb uses the metaphor of corn and chickens to illustrate the power imbalance and conflict of interest that exists between the oppressed and the oppressors. The corn represents the victim, the one who is wronged or abused by the chickens, who represent the judges, the authorities, or the elites. 

The chickens have no regard for the rights or dignity of the corn, they only care about satisfying their own hunger and greed. The proverb warns us that we should not trust or rely on those who have a history of injustice and corruption, because they will never give us a chance to defend ourselves or seek redress. The proverb also teaches that we should seek justice from a neutral and impartial source, one that is not influenced by bias or self-interest.

Those who have more authority or influence than us can abuse or manipulate us for their own benefit, and we should be aware of their hidden agendas and motives. They have also suggested that we should seek alternative sources of information or representation if possible and that we should stand up for our rights and interests, and resist or challenge those who try to exploit or harm us.

The African proverb has been used in various contexts to criticize the lack of accountability and transparency in some African governments and institutions. For example, some news sites have argued that African leaders who commit human rights violations should not be allowed to set up their own investigation committees or regional courts, because they would only cover up their crimes and protect themselves from prosecution. 

They have also questioned the effectiveness and legitimacy of the African Union, which has been accused of being complicit or silent in the face of atrocities and conflicts in the continent. They have called for more international pressure and intervention to ensure that justice is served for the victims of oppression and violence.

Corn and chickens

The African proverb can also be applied to other situations where there is a clear imbalance of power and interest between two parties, such as in business, law, politics, education, or media. The proverb reminds us to be aware of the potential for abuse and manipulation by those who have more authority or influence than us and to seek alternative sources of information or representation if possible. The proverb also encourages us to stand up for our rights and interests and to resist or challenge those who try to exploit or harm us.

The African proverb reminds us to be vigilant and critical of those who claim to represent or judge us, especially if they have a history or tendency of injustice and corruption. It also encourages us to seek justice from a neutral and impartial source, one that is not influenced by bias or self-interest.

Corn can't expect justice from a court composed of chickens is a powerful expression of the need for fairness and integrity in any system or institution that affects our lives. It warns us of the dangers of trusting those who have a conflict of interest or a history of corruption, and it urges us to seek justice from a source that is unbiased and independent. 

It also inspires us to stand up for our rights and interests, and to challenge those who try to harm or exploit us. The African proverb is relevant not only to Africa but to any situation where there is an imbalance of power and interest between two parties.

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DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17329200

African Recipes Organized by Meal Time

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Ivy, founder and author of The African Gourmet

About the Author

Ivy is the founder and lead writer of The African Gourmet. For over 19 years, she has been dedicated to researching, preserving, and sharing the rich culinary heritage and food stories from across the African continent.

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Recipes as Revolution

Recipes as Revolution

When food becomes protest and meals carry political meaning

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African woman farmer

She Feeds Africa

Before sunrise, after sunset, seven days a week — she grows the food that keeps the continent alive.

60–80 % of Africa’s calories come from her hands.
Yet the land, the credit, and the recognition still belong to someone else.

Read her story →

To every mother of millet and miracles —
thank you.

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The name reflects our origin in 2006 as a culinary anthropology project. Over 18 years, we've evolved into a comprehensive digital archive preserving Africa's cultural narratives. "Gourmet" now signifies our curated approach to cultural preservation—each entry carefully selected and contextualized.

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