I Choose An Africa Defined by Its Culture any Day of the Week!

As the World inches by the day towards globalization and a more integrated way of communicating, doing business as well as growing economies, there emerges a myriad of merits within which lies a number of demerits to be acknowledged and addressed.

2018 is well, almost over and as a new year lies in wait promising new challenges, surprises and expectations, there is need for Africans to reassess what makes us African beyond our ancestral origins. There is a common thread which unites and defines us, what we do and how we do it. This constitutes the fabric of our being which is constantly under attack and continues to be eroded as global integration seeks to sell what is considered cool or current or progressive.

There is an old saying that constantly reminds us that all that glitters is not gold reaffirming that  external appearances do not necessarily reflect true natures. We can use many personal experiences that illustrate the fact that things aren't always what they seem.

The above brings me to my argument today and my mass exhortation to all brothers and sisters out there within the realm of this medium. The fabric of our nation(s) is defined by our traditions, culture and institutions. These traditions may at times seem cumbersome, long and meaningless when not understood but they have held us together for centuries, provided us with ways of conducting our businesses, helped us win and calm both external and internal conflicts as well as set precedences within which we have always fallen back to in times of need.

Western influences may glitter, but I can say with certainty they are not all golden. Our own culture gives us a unique identity defined by our traditions and values system which are not meant to be replaced just because there is a new value system In our midst. The continuation and aping of all things Western erodes the staunch institutions our forefathers moulded whose guidance provides for a way of doing things that is unique, valuable and one which provides a social safety net in turbulent times.

I am not in anyway advocating that we do not borrow anything from the Western World which adds value to ours. I actually encourage a study of all cultural norms that may be helpful in enriching ( not changing) ours. For instance; I encourage everyone to borrow the Western sense of urgency and time keeping, a written down and orderly way of doing things not to replace what we do but just refine how we do it to avoid pitfalls that hamper our progress and successes.

Yes, I choose an Africa defined by its traditions and values any day of the week and twice on Sundays!