In addressing this topic Nigeria should have been singled out. However, I used Africa due to our common root and tendencies.
Africa had a cultural heritage which predates slavery in the 1600s. Some of which have not been eroded by civilization. One can see a number of similarities in concept and form of traditional beliefs and natural tendencies among its people. Despite the variance from one African nation to the other, an unchanged factor is that which is evidenced by respect for our elders even when we pass by each other on a totally strange soil.
The communal structure vary from country to country, within each country are diverse ethnic groups each with its language, religion, and social beliefs passed down from one generation to the other.
When two Africans walk by each other we stylishly look at each other and in most cases would utter a word of greeting. This gesture amazes me despite the existing hostility among us.
Growing up as an African child, I was aware that I was expected to give full respect to not only my parents, but also every older individual. Our leaders at every segment of life were not left out. Education at that time was an exercise that was meant for families with medium to large financial resource, not for those who were yet to provide the basics like shelter, food and clothing. Lack of it did not make our communal existence incomplete.
Lack of basic necessaries did not rob our community of our sense of respect for our elders, we in turn enjoyed free community protection and the prevailing adage then was to be your brother`s keeper. Every kid was well looked after regardless of if parents were home or away.
I am not so used to pointing fingers since we are all endowed with the gift of choice. We choose what we think benefits us even if its damaging effect outweighs its benefits but , I am yet to confirm the key factor that demolished our ancestral beliefs…….to be continued
