OK folks, here's the dealie-o: I just gotta know what's up with this "mzunga" business. Most (distance) runners are at least passively familiar with the term, but what does it really mean/translate to? I ask this with the utmost sincerity. I'm genuinely curious--don't know why, just am.
So, is "mzunga" an inherently pejorative term? Does it only refer to "white" people or any "non-blacks"? Or can someone black be deemed a mzunga if viewed/defined as a foreigner? Is it on par with "gringo" (which I view to be pejorative, insensitive at best)? Just what is the deal?
I realize that the term "mzunga" is used outside of Kenya, but it's usually someone Kenyan that I hear using it. Any Kenyan bloke/blokette I've ever come across has been the picture of warmth and hospitality, so I can't imagine them knowingly using a disparaging term such as "mzunga", if in fact it is derogatory. So what gives here?
Any insight out there?