Respect for Elders in Poland; A synergy with the traditional African value for respect;

Generally, respect for some people could be something one earns as a result of your experience in a field of expertise, or as a superior in a particular field of studies. For instance, people of the same level and of the same age in the same field would have to respect one of their mates who is made a Superior to them. Also, one could earn respect from people for an outstanding work or humane act to the society or to fellow human beings.

In the same vein, while respect could be earned in different ways, the author’s intent is to unveil the respect from the perspective of age that could be experienced in both parallel cultures; Poland and Nigeria.

Whereas Poland shares a homogenous culture across the cities, Nigeria on the other hand has a more diverse but Pluralistic culture. One of the significant bonding features in Nigeria and Africa in general are; sense of respect for the elders, sacredness of life, value for communal living and community integrations.

Nowadays, some of the younger generations give little or no respect to the elders. Well, as it is said in Igbo cultural values, he who gives respect to his elders and elderly is directly and indirectly paving ways for his longevity and greatness.

Drawing strength from my Childhood, I was always enthusiastic and willing to attend to the chores of my elders and especially to my Late Great Grand Mum Late Mrs Bernadeth Omongu Ahaiwe. It is not just the fact that we were born into these cultural beliefs, but more so the strong motivation that comes from such duties goes a long way to motivate us (me and my siblings and my lovely childhood mates)

The blessing of the elders maketh way for good fortune and immeasurable breakthrough. In my native tongue (it is called Ofo or Ivu Onu) which is popularly  accompanied with some spit of saliva into your two hands. And one is often required to rob on his/her forehead after the blessings are invoked. This is done usually when one wants to embark on a journey or after completing some tasks for the elders.

In Poland, respect for elders is clearly visible in the public transports (metro, buses, trams etc) and also in the shopping malls. There is no doubt that technological advancement had influenced a lot in the minds of the younger people of today. Whereas some people no longer see the need to observe some of these basic habits of life.

Finally, this shall serve as a re-awakening call to all younger people like the author to always respect the elderly and give them the required treatment they deserve.





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