Africans tend to treat the whites in the most welcoming, loving and revering manner possible, anytime he visits the continent. And I bet, the question lingering in the minds of the current generation is ‘why is it so?’ it has reached that point in life where we are asking ourselves what it is that makes us treat the African man different from the white man. Lately the African man has been filled with the need to interrogate himself on the reasons behind this predominant behavior.
As it will occur to you in this article, interestingly, the white man’s deeds earned him all the respect and love we express to them. It all dates back long ago during the colonial eras. And as a result, the behavior was passed on from generation to generation to date. Read along to get the clarity that most Africans seek today.
Two worlds divided apart: Whites and Blacks
It should occur to you that during the colonial system, there was no free interaction of the whites and the Africa natives. This went further even to be portrayed in their places of residence. Segregation between the whites and the Africans was the way of living. Not to mention of how better placed they were living in those beautifully constructed houses at the time.
The colonialists hence secluded themselves from the natives. Reinforcing the armies to protect them from the alleged uncivilized natives. As a result, the Africans were left to yearn to live in the areas of the white man. The only way to join this places was if you adhere to the rules and regulations set in order to be branded a civilized person. Then and only then will a native granted the permission to relocate from the shanty areas that most Africans were living in. Moreover, one had to be ready to be subjugated by the white man.
Most Africans saw these as kindness rendered to them by the white man. Hence they were in awe of the white man for allowing them to stay with them. To this day Africans believe they were saved from their primitive way of living and it is all thanks to the white man. Why not show gratitude to them for their kindness?
Western education model
The formal education system in Africa was introduced by the white people. Most Africans believe the white man to be smart and of great knowledge enough to come with an education system. For this reason, Africans believe that all that they learn is in relation to Europe. And therefore need to be grateful to the Whiteman for sharing the same with them. What most people are not aware of is that the whites did more literature on the continent than its inhabitants.
The economic superstructure
It all started in the colonial times. As long as you were a white person, you are rich. And you can only be rich if you are white. That was the norm. This was established by the white man’s avid government in efforts to astound the local natives. Well I must say it worked. Africans view the white man to possess power over the economy and hence the need to treat them with the respect that comes with the power he has over the economy. After all, it is our economy that dictates our livelihoods. In fact, it accounts for the main reason that makes many African nationalities to depend on the foreign aid by the white man to date.
The white man’s church
The whites came baring a good message of salvation to the African man. As a result, churches were established and the message was passed on. To some extent the church played the role of impacting people with knowledge that helped the African man to be civilized. Well aside from bringing more people to know Christ, they were also taught the white man’s way of living. From the dressing code to the art of the new language. All this for the white man’s charm.
Western cultural imperialism
This has greatly aided in the Africans culture erosion. We have become too dependent on the white man unable to use our own resources and thrive as a continent. Consequently, Africans today are living to achieve the livelihood of the white man. The Africans systems and norms are gradually taming those of the Europeans. Formal education as since weakened our cultures.The creativity score has since recorded a low confidence. This has collaboratively worked well enough to give the white man all the privileges that are granted to him today.
Last words
All this factors work in handy for the Africans to reach that level of seeing the Whites as a better version of themselves and the human race at large. Although Africans are currently free from colonization, the inheritances still roam within us. They are experienced through various economic system like the IMF, World Bank, donor aids and foreign debts, which keep on reminding Africans that the white man still is in control as much as he is not in the continent. Maybe if Africans embraced their cultures more, and believed in their creativity to sustain themselves, they would be independent and civilized in the right way. In so doing Africans will realize they are no different from the white man and will start treating each other with equal measure.
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