"Igbo people don't respect elders. They don't bow to greet their elders— lack of respect".
The topic was raised at NYSC Camp, Nsit Atai Akwa Ibom State by some platoon members comprising of the Yoruba.
An Igbo guy said: "It's true. I'm Igbo but..."
"Shut up my friend", I said.
The topic was raised at NYSC Camp, Nsit Atai Akwa Ibom State by some platoon members comprising of the Yoruba.
An Igbo guy said: "It's true. I'm Igbo but..."
"Shut up my friend", I said.
This statement sparked attention of everyone. I wasn't part of the discussion or the group. I was telling my fellow Igbo to shut up. Yes, he should shut up very well.
I asked a question:
Define a culture?
People's ways of life right? Igbo have their identity so as the Yoruba.
I asked a question:
Define a culture?
People's ways of life right? Igbo have their identity so as the Yoruba.
It's the culture of the Yoruba to bow before the elders. They can even lie down. It is culture. It has nothing to do with respect. One can lie down before you and still stab you, spread rumour, conspire against you. This is where individuality comes into play.
A woman in Lagos called me sir this minute, next minute I turned to oloriburuku because I wore my shoe to her shop to buy finger battery. Does it mean she has respect for me? Culture demands she greet me. She even lowered her head. But now, I became a thief for wearing shoes.
It is not in Igbo culture to bow to anyone. It doesn't also show lack of respect. An Igbo might not even greet you at all, but still respect you. An Igbo might greet you, and still deal with you. It's a matter of individuality not collective case.
I once walked into an office with an Igbo man. He is old enough to father me. He was my superior. Bowing to a small northern boy. For what? It's uncultural. How can you be bowing to anyone, not to talk of a small boy? I stood firm and greeted the guy who was curious to know me.
An Igbo child can be walking on the road and greet you. You don't expect him to bow before you, or prostrate, before it shows he's being respectful.
I respect Yoruba culture. Culture is like a firewood of a nation. It cooks their food. Igbo culture too should be respected.
I respect Yoruba culture. Culture is like a firewood of a nation. It cooks their food. Igbo culture too should be respected.
After my sermon, they were quiet. That was how I got many Yoruba friends in the camp. They wanted to know more about the Igbo. The misconception they have had via hearsay and movies went off.
My best friend in the camp—a Yoruba lady became too close to me after this very sermon.
My best friend in the camp—a Yoruba lady became too close to me after this very sermon.
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