Hey. For the sake of this article, let’s define big people as adults and parents/ Aunties/ Uncles and all the other big people.
Now, many a times we see memes describing how African parents behave and react to certain situations and we laugh. Or those for the evil aunties who don’t mind their business. Yes, it is funny. I laugh myself. Different people have blown on different social medias due to these videos and memes that have been made on this subject matter. But while we laugh and point fingers back to certain people that we know behave in such manners, how many of us actually sit back and evaluate our own attitude?
The normal African culture is one of respect and the art of respecting has been imbibed in us from birth. The usual; "Greet your elders", "Do not talk back at them", "Be obedient and courteous" blah blah blah. Yes, respect is important and must be given to whom it is due, but now reflect on the last statement, read it slowly – "respect should be given whom it is due."
Why do you think it is difficult to “respect” elders? Some may give one or two unsubstantial reasons, and others would tell you that there is no real reason. Respecting isn’t hard, the difficulty is in the taking advantage. Taking advantage of the younger or inferior person.
The 21st century is the most technologically advanced century yet, with the access to information at an extreme speed. The younger generation has gotten more exposure to information that our older generation cannot understand or fully digest. Now, with this easy access to information comes certain prices, if which in the absence of, bobo lies comes in.
Who remembers those tales we were told about how certain things came into being? Or the explanations that we were given for our adults’ irresponsible actions? Just so they could cover their backsides. Yes, all those tales and bobos no longer hold water, due to the increase in information access. But our African big people have kept us quiet, knowing fully well how accurate the younger generations are, and I am sure that every African small person has surely tasted the sour taste of this mistreatment. We grumble and we pout and we sulk. We make memes, videos, write articles and what not to further inform us of these mistreatments that have been imposed unto us under the umbrella of “having respect for your elders."
You, yes You reading this; are you sure you aren’t well on your way to becoming one of these African big people?
Do you give your younger siblings a voice to offer their own opinions? Do you actually listen to that cute little girl who lives in your compound when she says “No uncle, this is the right way”? Or do you just shun her? How much do you listen to the younger ones before you start screaming and calling down wolves to tear them to pieces?
You, you laugh at memes of the typical Nigerian aunty who calls the entire family when she sees you talking or walking with a member of the opposite sex, but do you also mind your business and try to understand the situation before you jump into conclusions? Do you not call a town hall meeting with your friends when you see someone else (your age range or not) doing something seemingly not right?
Ehen, you again, when the children living in your friend’s compound see your footprint near the compound, don’t they say "Oh, the amebo aunty is here."? Or you that laugh at the African big uncles who promises stuff, but never delivers. Are you sure the little ones don’t already call you Amaka or Ebuka (that didn’t show up for the agbada challenge)?
Generally, evaluate yourself. Are you making life easier for the younger generations? Or is there going to be a continuous trend of the African big people memes even after you are gone?
Hey! What do I know? I am just a growing adult and I don’t want to be that African big person.
Give a voice to the next generation. Start from now, don’t wait till you are big. Help them, help you, help them help you grow.
A Yoruba adage says "The hands of a small child cannot reach the top of the shelf and that of an adult cannot enter the calabash."
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Sometimes, I recall certain experiences I've had with the "Big people" and just laugh about it (some of which I could actually try on the "small people" 😂😂😂 when I become one of the "big people") still, some other experiences are still pretty annoying till date (those of which I won't even dream of trying) Well "experience IS the best teacher".
ReplyDeleteTo whom respect is given respect is expected. The "small people" do deserve their own respect as well.
Wow! This is a great article and my view on this issue is; we should stop pointing fingers at others and remove the dirt in our eyes first and stop this hypocrisy to enhance good rapport with the upcoming generation. We should not become "bro/sis amebo or CNN. I love this article........
ReplyDeleteThis article has so much reality concentrated in its lines.
ReplyDeleteIt's a real work of literary art 🤩🤩.
Just reread it now