In a continent where culture, heritage and tradition is precedent, tribalism is the offspring of the aforementioned. The world may define tribalism as the state of being organized in a tribe or by tribes. But what is the real “live-in African” definition of this word which has become derogatory?
1.Tribalism is being stereotypical against others.
2.Tribalism is having superiority complex over other tribes.
3. Tribalism means reserving all privileges for your tribe.
4. Tribalism means choosing to stick within your own tribalistic circle in terms of work, friendship, living environment and marriage.
These are some of the side treat of this native dish known as tribalism that has stayed around for too long. It has become a way of life that has caused more harm than good, driven people apart, caused wars and other catastrophic situations that could have been avoided. This is no recent development and can be dated back to our very beginning. It prevents the right people from getting positions and ruins relationships to mention but a few. Tribalism has never bought any sweet taste to the meal and I wonder how long we will allow it stay with us.
What if we accept that we are first human, African, Nigerian and then from our tribe respectively. What if we discarded some ideals and come together to become a strong nation, a nation where we love our differences and see the beauty in our unique tribes. If we can come together and do these while throwing away prejudice and stereotypes we will be unstoppable. What if with time, the definition of tribalism evolves to become:
1. Tribalism is a state of being equal with other tribes.
2. Tribalism means giving same privileges to all that is deserving of it.
3. Tribalism means no stereotypes.
4. Tribalism means stepping out of your own circle and embracing others in work, friendship, living environment and marriage.
Won’t that be a treat?
Impossible? I think not!
It starts from you and I.
For now, we know the poison that is tribalism and it is enough. For now.
What part of this dish have you experienced? The good or the bad? Share with us below.
Written By: Ani Salome Ada
Twitter: @DevelopingAfrika
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Thanks for the write up. This is very thought-provoking
Thank you Peter.
Great article! The outcomes of tribalism can indeed be positive as well as negative -depending on who uses the tool and to what gains. As a society, we can do better and be more accepting of those who differ from us.
Yes Mercy. Being more accepting of those who differ from us is necessary!
Very powerful message indeed!!! there’s a repeated mindset of tribalism that is still being passed. But as you stated; we are first human, African, Nigerian and then from our tribe and we must! treat ourselves so.
Absolutely Seyi!. Thank you.
We live and experience tribalism everyday, sometimes we are the perpetrators. Like you suggested we have to move beyond here and first treat each person as human before any other label. Nice writeup.
Thank you Ogochukwu!