In Nigeria, there's a saying that goes, "What an elder sees sitting a child cannot see even while standing." However, this saying often translates to an unquestioning respect for elders, which can be both a blessing and a curse. Growing up in Nigeria, you're taught to respect your elders, and that's it. Don't question, just obey and yes we should respect our elders, i dont disagree but then this culture of unquestioning respect has seeped into our thin societal fabric, manifesting in our relationship with authority or government. We rarely challenge authority, and when we do, it's often seen as a taboo.
This has led to a society where people are hesitant to speak up, afraid to ask questions, and more afraid to challenge the status quo. I'm not saying we should disrespect our elders or authority figures, but rather, we should strive for a balance between respect and critical thinking. In contrast, the some first world countries lilke the USA has a different approach. Children are encouraged to question authority, and think critically from a young age. Sometimes, this can come across as rudeness, but it is more likely to breed a generation of bold, confident individuals who aren't afraid to challenge the system and be bold in seeking out life goals and aspirations.
Now, which approach is better for the development of a society? It's a double-edged sword. On one hand, respect for authority can maintain social order and stability,but such order in the hands of corrupt leaders can be detrimental to society and such blind obedience can stifle innovation, creativity, and even progress i dare say. Perhaps the key is finding a balance. We can respect our elders and authority figures while still encouraging critical thinking and open dialogue. After all, a society that encourages questions is a society that's not afraid to evolve. This belief starts from when a child is young, ive seen instances where a child was shut down for asking “why” when he was asked to stop something, now putting this into perspective would it had been to the benefit of the child if he had stopped what he was doing at the time? Yes, but the thought process behind telling him to stop I feel should also be explained so that the child can have a better understanding as to why he should stop doing that thing. And so if everytime a child asks “why” he is shut down, eventually the child will stop asking why and just go with whatever he is told and this will continue throughout his life until he is unable to be independent and rebellious in thought. And I dare say it is this not questioning authority that has lead to some of the extremism and brain-washing worldwide but that is a topic for another day. What do you think? Is it time for Nigeria and some developing/underdeveloped countries to reevaluate its approach to authority and critical thinking?
