Let’s groom Ubuntu, patriotic citizens
FROM time immemorial Africa culture has all along promoted the Ubuntu philosophy or practice that emphasises the interconnectedness of people and the importance of community (today read as country). This philosophy values kindness, sharing and generosity as a means of strengthening ties so that all people live in peace in the same geographical area they find themselves in.
Reflecting on this the 26th president of the United States from 1901 to 1909 Theodore Roosevelt once said: “Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children’s children. Do not let selfish men or greedy interests skin your country of its beauty, its riches or its romance.”
His school of thought when narrowed down should teach everyone that patriotism is the feeling of love, devotion and a sense of attachment to one’s country. This attachment can be a combination of different feelings for things such as the language of one’s homeland, and its ethnic, cultural, political or historical aspects.
As Tanzanians, who are the citizens of the beautiful land in the East Africa, home to the highest mountain in Africa and the highest single free-standing mountain above sea level in the world (Mt Kilimanjaro), we should from the grassroots religiously own and guard the country.
This should start from teaching children our great heroes-how the founding father of the Nation, Mwalimu Juilus Nyerere and his team fought the colonialists to bring independence.
We should teach them good morals, ethics and peace which Tanzanians are known for in the Great Lakes Region and beyond. As these are being taught among others, we must tell them to be proud of Tanzanian (African) culture, because no culture is superior to others.
Equally, in the modern world of globalisation, we must point to them the difference between civilisation and westernisation, which are two worlds apart and people often confuse to be one thing. We must tell them the importance of preserving our cultural heritage, because it keeps our integrity as a people.
Repeatedly, we must tell children as they grow up that every country has its own culture and national identity that sets it apart from other societies. It can be defined as the language, beliefs, values, and norms that combine to make up the way of life in any society. Every culture has its unique way of viewing the world, solving problems, and different takes on religion. Culture also identifies who a person is or where they come from. That alone is worth preserving. Safeguarding all the various cultures from around the world will help to protect the native viewpoints. If we don’t stop to consider the importance of cultural preservation, all these age-old traditions and heritage will start to disappear and we will lose our identities.
As parents and elders, we must set examples to our children and juniors that culture is an essential part of who we are. It is the way we (Tanzanians) see the world and our place in it. Culture shapes our thoughts, our feelings, and our behaviour. It is what holds a group of people together and sets them apart from other groups.
