What Works for Africans

Africans have come a long way. 

Now is the time to start re-thinking about their values of old, despite the infusion of foreign cultures and going by the fallout of the well worn cliché: the "world is a global village".

Certain things work for a people. 

In addition, for those who have embraced the latter, they make the best out of the shared common values. 

For instance, Africans have been struggling with the idea of individualism that is foreign to them; this form of social behavior though has its own advantages.

African's collective or communal approach - in their worldview - serves as a check on anti-social behaviour, which also works in reducing conflicts.

Presently, the struggle has been on how to inculcate the rudiments of individualistic behaviour, an attitude that is strange to a typical African. Unfortunately, Africans have not made a success of it.

If we look around us, there are signs of our innate behaviour. 

Let us consider a typical Nigerian experience (some beneficial, some unwelcome): 

Think of the 'aso ebi' fad (that is, acquaintances dressed up in the same fabric for an event).

Imagine the loud music emanating from a neighbour's compound across the high secured fence (forceful sharing of the noise).

Again, think of a party taking place right in the middle of a public street which restricts free movement of human and vehicular traffic.

Think of the traditional communal kitchen (the act of sharing and conflict resolution) 

These are our ways! 

However, the habits are becoming unpopular among the younger generation who continuously imbibe a good dose of 'MTV'. 

That is not to say culture ought to be static.

There isn't anything wrong in the individualistic idea of social behavior, it is just that it is not natural with Africans; the intricacies are not embedded within us. 

So, we get confused even more. 

We cannot stand firm on any side of the fence which we bestride. 

Therefore if we cant decide where to stand, then it stagnates our own human development.