Other than the obvious, throughout history, diamonds have been used as a cutting tool, to transmit sound, and for optical applications. The latter uses of diamonds are ones that contribute to development of industrial societies and civilizations but the most obvious use of diamonds serve as nothing more than to feed the vanity of humanity.

As far back as the kings of Egypt, diamonds were used as barter offerings and as protection on war shields and swords. Then came the invasion of Europeans into South African, (led primarily by Cecil Rhodes) who knew nothing of the uses or value of diamonds until they were introduced by the African kings.

Afterward, it was they, Europeans, who transformed diamonds into a "rare commodity," when in fact diamonds are not rare. There are enough diamonds in the world to give every man, woman, and child in America a cupful. But because of the attribute of greed from the bowels of Euro-capitalism, diamonds have not only become this precious and valued stone, but the cause of international conflict and war.

Unfortunately, many of those wars are fought by Africans with Africans as a means to distribute diamonds to the white man in order for him to continue to fulfill his misplaced greed for wealth. He entices the white woman by placing value on a plentiful natural resource and prostitutes the land from which diamonds come, instigating wars, dissension, and bloodshed.

According to studies conducted the Global Policy Forum whose mission is to monitor policy making at the United Nations, "the connection between diamonds and conflicts goes far beyond rebel groups seizing control of diamond-rich areas and selling the precious gems for arms and war supplies. Large diamond companies are involved in this deadly game, along with traders, transport companies, arms smugglers and financial firms."

Mainstream society through U.S. policy attempts to attribute the past and on-going diamond-related conflicts in Angola, Sierra Leon, Liberia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to internal conflict between tribes when the root of the conflict clearly stems from the fabrication and greed of Western imperialism.

Black women in America whose eyes glisten at the sight of a diamond should consider that millions of Africans - men, women, and many children - died for to bring forth a resource used merely for bragging rights. Contrary to popular belief, diamonds are not a girl's best friend, but are the white man's means for monopoly.

© 2005 by CR Hamilton