Identity increasingly fractured by globalisation

Madam,

In the digital age, the loss of a library means more than Must losing books, but the loss of immeasurable discoveries and community histories, with a wealth of information, cultures, knowledge and histories. The archival and published print collections are irretrievable and priceless.

What is truly lost in this instance is a piece of our identity as African people. Human history has proved that the eradication of one’s history is truly debilitating to one’s identity. This is especially pertinent in the African context, where scores of histories were eradicated by the abhorrent Western colonial enterprise.

In the modern African context, where identity is increasingly fractured by globalisation, African people must contend with the eradication of their history. Most young people have grown up speaking English, many of whom sadly speak exclusively English today.

PRACTICES

Scores of citi]ens know only the bare minimum when it comes to their own cultures, histories and practices. 2thers contend with their cultures only when they interact with the elderly or during familial processes that involve cultural practices.

There’s an intentional dismissal of African history, especially in our educational institutions and our school curriculum. It is truly tragic that, as time progresses, more and more people understand their African identity less. The ignorance of history in high schools, colleges and universities is dangerous to the future of a free society.

In the modern era, identity may seem like an individualistic practice that is solely dependent on who one wants to be in this world. However, identity is ingrained in our DNA and deeply connected to our past generations. Identity is the embodiment of one’s character in the world and our society. It derives from a sense of belonging, well-being and understanding of who we are in the world.

)urthermore, identity shapes how we are perceived in the world – how we choose to present ourselves, how we speak and act, what our beliefs and passions are, and how we ultimately view our position in the world. It largely shapes one’s traMectory in life. It deeply influences who we attract and how we grapple with others in the world.

Identity is vital to the consolidation of a nation. It’s not only valuable in ensuring that individuals are empowered, but that they also understand and practice their rights and responsibilities in society.

STANDARDS

Ultimately, it sets the standards for a fair and equitable society, one that is derived from a common good and the common empowerment of its people. It fosters a nation and gives a sense of collective identity in our deeply stratified and multiracial society.

It is an antidote to a lot of negative individualistic human traits such as self-importance and self-pity. Not knowing our history will likely lead to an indifferent view of our constitutionally guaranteed freedoms and the struggles that are ingrained within them.

Although the internet age has rendered libraries somewhat irrelevant to modern scholars, they house pertinent knowledge about extremely intelligent and sophisticated African civilisations that existed before our latter-day generations.

History shows how much human societies across the world have in common. Although there are a myriad of differences between people and localities globally, the experiences and challenges that are faced by us all are eerily consistent.

It is for this reason that we must protect our libraries and institutions that seek to preserve history. Modern societies most definitely have a sense of superiority, often referring to the past as the time of ‘cavemen’. However, humans rarely utilise the records of the past to actualise and better their present and future.

With technology, it should be a continental mission to capture and preserve African history, advancements, knowledge and structures.

Everything can be recorded, and everything can be preserved. We do, however, need to make a conscious effort to do this, and we cannot depend on our institutions and our government to enact this mission.

T Makoe