Emphasizing respect for elders in African homes is an ingrained cultural value we are taught. But it’s essential to recognize how this emphasis can sometimes hinder family fortunes and derail progress.
This reverence for elders can unintentionally stifle innovation and creativity within the family. The children or young members of the family may feel hesitant to challenge established norms or propose new ideas if they perceive elder authority as absolute.
Furthermore, when elders are always deferred to in decision-making, younger family members may have limited opportunities to contribute their points of view. This lack of involvement could lead to feelings of disempowerment and frustration, hindering the family’s ability to adapt and thrive in changing circumstances.
Emphasis on respecting elders may foster resistance to change within the family. Even when adaptation is necessary, a strong attachment to tradition may impede the family’s ability to embrace new opportunities or technologies. I have seen families with brilliant youngsters with valuable skills and insights that go untapped because their contributions are overshadowed by deference to elders. This underutilization of talent potentially limits the family’s ability to innovate and diversify, potentially impacting long-term prosperity. Even critically, prioritizing traditional roles and duties over education and career advancement for younger members can hinder the family’s overall financial stability and progress.
One of the advantages of international schools over local ones is the training of young children to always have their voices heard. To challenge the status quo. To ask why more often regardless of who is in the room because true progress is about both context perspective, and not a narrow view of context only. The elders should be respected for the insights and value they bring to the table not because they are old.
Of course, anyone who is educated will respect the elders. They have been in this world longer. However, it is irresponsible to respect a visually impaired elder driving a car at high speed and about to ram into a parked trailer! As a youngster, you must take over the driver’s seat. That is respect for the elderly.
Back to the question: are our traditional values still relevant in this era? The answer is yes. But don’t do so blindly. Now is the time to make your voice heard. Listen to the elders and where they get it wrong, correct them. Failure to do so will continue to stagnate Africans.
Copyright Mr. Strategy of Summit Consulting Ltd. 2024 All rights reserved.
