THE WESTERN CULTURE: A BLESSING OR A CURSE?

   I supposed this question is best answered on the basis of an individual's view point of the subject matter. 

Westernization is a term used to denote the process of adoption of the western culture, style, language, and philosophers. And to a larger extent, it has affected our society in both the positive and negative way. It actually gave rise to acculturation (assimilating or adapting to a different culture) as it also improved on the value system of the African society. 

But, I would also like to state that prior to civilization, the African society has an existing culture that is rich and distinct. Rich cultural heritage, art and craft, sense of community life as well as standing social structures. This further buttresses the point that the African society was not void of cultures and social system.  The westerners were only able to build upon the already existing culture which aided social-cultural advancement.

 

With the one set of a globalized world, the stepping in of the western culture was a boon to the society with a single mode of communication. As we all know, the African society is a multilingual society, but the western culture now made communication easy through a common language. 

Also, the advancement in technology, philosophy, the sciences and the arts are evident products of western culture. We now enjoy much of the comforts and conveniences in our modern society as a result of progressive ideas and inventions western culture continuously provides. 

It further helps people find out more about other countries' history, this ultimately leads to a sense of camaraderie between them. Also, alliances may form between these nations influenced by the western culture. This partnership is specially beneficial for ensuring peace between the countries. 

Hygiene has also greatly benefited from western culture. Prior to this time, hygiene wasn't as developed and given much importance. Thanks to inventions like the flushable toilet and improvements in modern sewage system, we now enjoy a more hygienic environment. Even in the recent out- break of the covid-19 pandemic, our awareness of proper hygiene practices has curbed what could have been a wider spread of the virus. 

Better economic relations are achievable due to western culture, as relations between countries progress,  they are more likely to engage in mutual trade agreements that benefit them both. These agreements include relaxation in trade tarrifs, joint resource explorations, and free trade agreements.

And then on the flip side of the coin, the western culture can lead to the adoption of negative practices from other cultures. The western culture encourages individuality.  On the extreme, it could lead to selfishness and further impede a person's ability to work on a team. 

Also, continuous exposure to western cultural influences can be disastrous for the young generation. A country's culture fades into obscurity and becomes lost and forgotten if knowledge isn't successfully passed on to the younger individuals, and at the end the identity of the country and it's people will be lost in the process. 

The issue of brain drain is another problem attached to western culture, this practice in itself is not bad, but the problem lies in if a significant number of a particular country's workforce does the same. If left unchecked, the country will inevitably lose a whole lot of skilled and qualified workers and this can be disastrous to the country's economy. 

It can also result in colonial mentality.  This is a situation where foreign goods and products become more available in the market.  People become fascinated and attracted to these products, leaving the local products to suffer. 

In summary, the western culture is akin to a coin. It has both positive and negative effects on the countries and people it influences. Hence, I do not disagree with the western culture, as it is good to adapt to changes. But while at it, ensure you do not forget your roots; where you evolved. 

Augustus Awajiriso Atiko

OS/21B/3811

Sociology 

University of Port Hacourt 

Rivers State.