This morning, I was going to write about how this generation is the most socially conscious (woke) of all. I was going to write exactly this;
“If you ask me, I would say this is the most socially conscious and book smart of all the generations. Granted, we don’t have the Einstein’s and the Edison’s, but you have versatile people with multiple academic degrees and endeavors. Everything is on the rise, people are starting to stand up against the norms of religion (which may or may not be a good thing), feminist spirits are at an all-time high, lots are owning and expressing their individualism in whatever way they choose. It feels like there’s a mental and ideological revolution coming so the wind of change is blowing, and I’m so happy that I’m here for it. So much expressionism in alternative art, music and other works of life”.
I intended to kick off with a bang, just like that. Undeniably as a race, we’ve had so much success thus far. But it’s still a wonder how with all our technological advancement, people can’t go to a library or get on the internet to find out facts. In 2018, some people still think Nigerians can’t and don’t speak English. It is also widely believed that in Africa, we ride on elephants and converse with fire and sign language. Are you serious?
American rapper JCole was in Nigeria over the weekend for a concert, and Instagram sensation ‘the shaderoom’ which is based in America but owned by a Nigerian had its comment section filled with so much rubbish Like; ‘Do they (Nigerians) understand what he’s saying’, with other similar ridiculous statements. So, I’m thinking to myself; at the end of the day, we might not be as woke as we think we are. If the technologically advanced and information-savvy ‘West’ can be as ignorant as this, and at this point, you can’t read a book or conduct quick research or Google to find out more about a continent, country, or people, then you’re stupid.
Wait, so all the Nigerians that are trooping to Europe and North America, are not representing us well when they get over there? Are they going around acting all local, and wearing Agbada, sweater, head warmer, and Timbs at the same time, while speaking ‘mubulu mubulu’ like cave men? The idea that Africa is a country and not a continent is amazing. If you think, this is just the uneducated ones, even the so-called educated ones think like this too. Remember that French journalist that asked Chimamanda if there were libraries in Nigeria, alluding that we didn’t know how to read? Ignorance like bad breath.
There’s a finite amount of still underdeveloped civilizations in the world and they are properly documented. Yes, media portrayal has a lot to do with shaping people’s perception, but in a bid to be better, people need to improve themselves outside what they see on television. Africa is not a country, and we fear Lions just like everybody else. I’m not going to say we have this and that, every civilization has its strong points; but it won’t hurt to get your facts right. Peace and Love.