Here are the Signs. (PART 1) May 2002 With the influence of western civilization, the concept of "my child this" and "my child that" has replaced the African communal concept of "our child." Ordinarily, a child in a typical African cultural environment was seen as a gift and investment of the society. Therefore the whole community contributed positively to the raising of the child. Parents were allowed to have the priority of dealing with their children in some areas but generally, the child's character was molded by the culture and tradition that obtained in the societal environment wherein the child was raised. |
Here are the Signs. (PART 2) June 2002 In PART 1 of this article, I pointed out that much as we need to love our children, we must endeavor to accompany such love with the tenets of responsibility. Life is not a bed of roses and to give our children the impression that it is simply amounts to setting them up for a catastrophic collision with the realities of life. Just like love, hardship and disappointment are part of the factors that make up life and they are essential to making us more responsible individuals. |
by Oliver Mbamara, Esq. May 2002 |
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE "Commentaries" is published monthly on page 3 of the African NewsReel Newspaper under "Reflections with Oliver" The African NewsReel has its head office in New York. For subscription or more information on the African NewsReel, go to BUSINESS/CONTACTS. |
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE "Commentaries" is published monthly on page 3 of the African NewsReel Newspaper under "Reflections with Oliver" The African NewsReel has its head office in New York. For subscription or more information on the African NewsReel, go to BUSINESS/CONTACTS. |
by Oliver Mbamara, Esq. May 2002 |
RECENTLY, the world marked the anniversary of the the transition of Robert Nester Marley (Bob Marley), the Jamaican born reggae artist whose music did and continues to transcend race, culture, and even religion. Many regard Bob Marley as a prophet, while some others have their reservations. Opinions will always vary, but who is a prophet? This is the motivation for this brief piece. |
Many religious teachings have carved out a niche for prophets among us, and thereby suggested that others are not prophets unless they are so recognized by standards set by religious organizations. It is not the intention of this piece to exploit the incidents of sex-abusive- priests in the United States today, but it is always important to learn the lessons of life from such incidents. In this case, the coming into light of the abusive behavior of some ordained priests who were hitherto revered by members of their congregation as being next to God has given credence to one fact at least THE HOOD DOES NOT MAKE THE MONK. |
Here are the Signs. (PART 2) June 2002 In PART 1 of this article, I pointed out that much as we need to love our children, we must endeavor to accompany such love with the tenets of responsibility. Life is not a bed of roses and to give our children the impression that it is simply amounts to setting them up for a catastrophic collision with the realities of life. Just like love, hardship and disappointment are part of the factors that make up life and they are essential to making us more responsible individuals. |
Here are the Signs. (PART 1) May 2002 With the influence of western civilization, the concept of "my child this" and "my child that" has replaced the African communal concept of "our child." Ordinarily, a child in a typical African cultural environment was seen as a gift and investment of the society. Therefore the whole community contributed positively to the raising of the child. Parents were allowed to have the priority of dealing with their children in some areas but generally, the child's character was molded by the culture and tradition that obtained in the societal environment wherein the child was raised. |
Many parents are quick to say things like "he will get over it when he gets old," "I do not want my child to suffer like I did," "I love my child and want the best for him," I want my child to be confident and outspoken." Yes, these are all positive objectives but too much of everything is bad, so goes a popular saying. Some of these type of parents can hardly be convinced to concede otherwise and most of them come back to regret it when the child turns out to be far from what they have hoped. |
Even in those few areas of life where the parent(s) had priority rights in making decisions affecting their children, such parent(s) took into consideration what effect such decision would have on the general society. In such an environment the child was taught to develop love and respect not only for the parent(s) but the entire society. It is pertinent to note hear that past traditional African societies have no place for organizations like the Administration for Children Services. The society acted as the watchdog and a child that was too wild for the parent somehow succumbed to the pressures and checks of the general society. |
Commentaries is a newspaper article on Africa, and contemporary issues by Oliver Mbamara, Esq., |
COMMENTARY ON CONTEMPORARY ISSUES |
