CULTURE is the totality of a way of life of any people. It embraces the mode of production, distribution and consumption of goods and services. Culture is also exemplified in the form of language, music, dressing, eating habits, shelter, norms, values and the ethos upon which a particular society is built.In Africa and indeed Nigeria, hospitality for strangers, care for the extended family and other members of the community are rich aspects of our culture. However, with increased scientific and technological advancement, culture has been a subject of dynamism. Thus obsolete technologies and archaic ideas are daily being discarded.But a radical departure from the very fabric upon which a society depends and a complete substitution of its culture with aliens culture, has resounding repercussion on the dignity and pride of any people. The people of Nigeria have been deceived to believe that anything African is evil and uncivilised and have come to accept western and to some extent oriental culture as the best standards.Indeed, we have seen how our local languages are being neglected. Some of our children cannot communicate in their mother tongues today and the only language some understand is English.Thus, these types of children are aliens in their own land. Besides, African names, proverbs and music always have an underlying meaning which has a bearing on the life of the people. We are gradually witnessing a decline in African names, music and literature. We have also seen how our decent mode of dressing has been giving way to the culture which recognises public nudity as part of a growing civilisation.Now, we are left to face the problems arising from the kind of music, pictures, films and immoral alien cultures, passed to our youths through the cable networks and internet. This has led to disrespect for elders, upsurge in various crimes such as prostitution, armed robbery, kidnapping, drug abuse and trafficking. Thus, the nation is caught up in the web of cultural imperialism of the West.In order to free ourselves therefore, some measures have to be adopted. First, the government should introduce the teaching of history and culture and make same compulsory at least up to secondary school level. This will make our youths to understand our glorious past and the need to preserve it. Such countries like the United States have similar programmes for all her citizens.Secondly, there should be a deliberate policy like that of the Indians to promote the positive aspects of our culture – language, mode of dressing, music, works of arts, hospitality and high moral standards both in our schools, institutions of higher learning and every other segment of the society.Thirdly, the Ministry of Culture, National Orientation and Tourism and the media should adopt collaborative approach to educate the Nigerian people on the need to preserve our cultural identity. Our re-branding and nationalism begins from our national identity-namely culture.Comment
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