Africa day has been upon us. Still being reminded of who and what we are as Africans. Celebrating the diversity, culture and beauty of Africa and it’s people.
Invested with the Modern day world, Africa is not as it was hundreds of years ago. Modernisation and the expansion of technology has clouded many to forget and refract themselves from the true African culture.
The core question for most of the south african youth is : who am I? What does it entail to be a true African man?
Over the years, many have debated about the core things that manifest if you are to be an African man. Such have pointed out what a man should be, and not how an African man is ideal from that of an American or Asian man.
On a Saturday, South Africa watched as president Jacob Zuma gave his Africa Day speech in Pretoria. With millions of eyes lingering at what he had to say and how foul it would sound. But something sentimental was raised through his speech. He emphisized on the diversity and richness of the African culture and heritage. That we should instill the morals and values of us Africans to those that are to come after us. But one would argue how is the future generation going to divulge such attributes if their fathers and forefathers do not know them?
The Modern society has lost all of Africa’s teaches, and so they would raise their voices that they are still practicing them even though they do not do them fully. It is pointless to be well adjusted to a society that does not have the values and attributes of life, I believe.
What does it take to be a true African? Do we need to be well adjusted to the old ways of living without embracing what technology and civilization has brought to us?
What is the true meaning of being “African”?
Is it spiritual? Is it a course, a journey, a deep sense of hope of healing, reconciliation, or a birthright based inclination? Is it a responsibility for just Africans, or for all humanity to define what it means to be African?
Wale Idris Ajibade questions the true sense of being African. Africa has become home for many foreign cultures that have developed a secondary African heritage that is due and undeniable in their respective sovereignty.
“Many people from other cultures seem to reserve the option ‘to-be or not-to-be’ African. In fact they have this choice as much as persons who have non-native African heritage. Those who were born in Africa often opportunistically opt for ‘other’ heritages when presented with the choice.” He says.
In contracts to South Africans who are European heritage but are still proud Africans. They have adopted a culture of being part of the rainbow nation. A culture that is South African , but not African, I would say.
As the diversity of African people continuously grows larger, many people suffer from chronic identity crisis. And many more are quick to denounce their African heritage. This is one of the reasons why it is important to promote African identity.
African identity comes with leadership and authority. Of which we cannot all possess. Does that distinguish those who are witty and impalpable to be sidelined from the true African identity?
We are all responsible to help each culture resort to its own customs and attributes. Helping to share it across the world.
“Unique cultural identity should be an asset for growth rather than a stigma for crises.”
What is the true identity of an African?
How are our ethics different from that of a European and Asian man?
Written by:
Agisanang Disemelo
PRuth Magazine 