Dexter Morgan, our favorite blood-spatter analyst/serial killer, is back once more. This time in "Dexter: Resurrection," a continuation that throws us right back into the messy legacy he's created. We follow Harrison, Dexter’s son wrestling with his own “dark passenger,” an aggressive tendency passed down to him from his father. The show’s desire to understand this inherited trauma, the consequences of Dexter’s actions radiating outward, is what makes it feel so ambitious. So what does this imaginary soap opera spillover have to do with Africa and cryptos? More than you might think.

Crypto's Promise: Empowerment or Exploitation?

Africa is an immensely resourceful continent. Deeply-rooted, systemic problems such as inequities in access to traditional banking and financial services continue to hinder it. Cryptocurrency, with its potential for transparency and access, has often been promoted as that game-changing solution. This provides unprecedented opportunities for young Africans to better engage with and participate in the global economy. This approach gets around traditional gatekeepers and has the potential to create historic economic opportunities. We’re not just discussing the next generation having access to global markets, building world-class startup ecosystems and most importantly being masters of their financial fortunes.

Picture that next global young entrepreneur in Nairobi! Now, they’re able to raise capital and access customers around the world, all without relying on banks or the exorbitant fees they charge. Crypto truly has the potential to democratize finance, impacting lives and offering a financial lifeline to those who have been historically excluded.

Similar to how Harrison inherited Dexter’s “dark passenger,” Africa’s youth are inheriting the chaotic and largely unregulated universe of cryptocurrency. This lack of education and awareness makes them easy targets for fraud. The allure of easy fortune is what makes these scams all the more tantalizing. Countless young adults have actually seen their brief life savings disappear into nontransparent and scammy crypto jobs. This wholly unsurprising turn of events is a vivid reminder of the colonial exploitation that has exploited our continent for generations.

The Dark Side: Scams and Volatility

We know how unpredictable these crypto markets can be, and the aftermath has been absolutely disastrous. One second you’re riding high on the max public financing allowed by the law, the next you’re down to nothing. This unreliability fosters a downward spiral of poverty and hopelessness, particularly for those who can least afford it. The “dark passenger” of crypto, in this instance, is financial exploitation and ruin.

  • Scams: Rampant, preying on the vulnerable.
  • Volatility: Prices can crash overnight.
  • Regulation: Often non-existent or weak.
  • Illicit Activities: Used for money laundering and other crimes.

Dexter had a personal code, a warped set of rules that turned his killer instinct into what he imagined was an avenging work. Likewise, the African crypto space calls for a crypto code – a mosaic of sound regulation and morality-driven application of the technology. We need to learn from Dexter's mistakes. His efforts to compartmentalize his “regular life” from his “dark passenger” just led to a lot of pain and suffering. We can’t miss the mark again, especially not with crypto.

Dexter's Code: Regulation and Ethics

Education is key. Young people need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate the crypto landscape safely. Governments need to implement regulations that protect consumers without stifling innovation. The crypto industry itself is going to have to do better and push to encourage ethical practices and responsible investment.

Just as Dexter’s choices determined Harrison’s fate, our decisions are mighty today. How these leaders act now will determine if crypto is a blessing or curse to Africa’s youth.

Batista’s distrust of Dexter is a stand-in for the distrust everyone has for crypto. Was it really the invention of a force for good, or just an updated tool for the powerful to prey on the defenseless? Angela’s first accusation against Dexter, and her later recanting of that accusation, is symbolic of the confusing, hypocritical, and confusing narratives that surround crypto adoption.

Are we, in DEXTER’s case, trying to fit a square peg into a round hole? We are still figuring out how to make the inherent risks of crypto align with our general desire to make a positive social impact.

The question isn't whether crypto can be a force for good in Africa, but whether we will ensure that it is. It requires us to honestly deliberate, act prudently, and be zealous guardians of those least able to stand on their own. Will we take this opportunity to avoid repeating Dexter’s mistakes? Or will we allow Africa’s youth to bequeath the “dark passenger” of unregulated, exploitative, and predatory crypto practices? Whether the answer will be different than the awful ending of Dexter remains to be seen, but the stakes couldn’t possibly be higher.

The question isn't whether crypto can be a force for good in Africa, but whether we will ensure that it is. It demands careful consideration, responsible action, and a commitment to protecting the most vulnerable. Will we learn from Dexter's mistakes, or will we condemn Africa's youth to inherit the "dark passenger" of unregulated and exploitative crypto practices? The answer, like the ending of Dexter, remains to be seen, but the stakes are undeniably high.