Created on: October 19, 2024 07:55 AM
Misha Fübler (Photo by Akil Simmons)
In preparation for sharing my views on the proverbial “village”, I wanted to check my understanding and investigate the origin of this word. Where did it come from? What kind of meaning or meaning did the inventor try to give to it?
Unfortunately, my research to find its specific origins other than “African proverbs” was unsuccessful. It could be a result of the passage of time, or perhaps my illiteracy towards the language of a people too often categorized only on a continental level: Africa.
But thankfully my search led me to a remarkable quote that will resonate with many of us who grew up here.
“Proverb or not, ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ reflects a social reality that some of us who grew up in rural Africa can easily relate to. As a child, my behavior was of concern to everyone, not just my parents, and any adult had the right to reprimand and discipline me. They will inform their parents of the prank, and they will also be subject to their own “punishment.” The concern, of course, was the moral well-being of the community. ” — Lawrence Mbogoni (Professor of African Studies)
This approach to collective parenting was common in my youth, but I believe it was at odds with the capitalist concept of the “nuclear family.” Even as we as a nation accelerate American capitalism’s obsession with rugged individualism and economic growth, the collectivist approach to preparing future generations must persist. , which in many cases thankfully still continues today.
My observation is that encouragement and positive reinforcement have a better long-term impact on behavior than reprimands, so I learned from Mbogoni’s story that my family continues to gain and experience belonging to their village. I would like to shift the focus to grace. It is constituted not only by family relationships, but also by the families we choose, that is, by social contingencies. Both groups support the myriad roles and responsibilities necessary for the development of a well-rounded human being in overlapping and unique ways.
Of course, there are also specifics. Assistance with transportation, attendance at various school events such as Grandparent’s Day, and those much-appreciated moments when mom and dad are freed from child-rearing duties, such as a date night. But more importantly, the village can play an equally valuable role for both us and our children: friend, cheerleader, compassion, and confidant.
When it is healthy to do so—because some villagers are toxic—to include all of us working together for a better tomorrow. We should strive to expand our villages.
village gathering
The African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” speaks of a deep recognition of the interconnected realities implicit in the growth and development of Homo sapiens over millennia. Masu.
We are somewhat saddened by the reality of how much humanity has “progressed” and how it has led to a culture of “rugged individualism” and a resulting sense of isolation that is widely experienced.
Non-governmental and governmental actors are working together to restore the sense of community implicit in this saying. In this regard, some local luminaries have shared their thoughts on their wisdom.
A “Village Gathering” will be held at Victor Scott Elementary School from 4:00pm to 5:30pm today.
village gathering
The African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” speaks of a deep recognition of the interconnected realities implicit in the growth and development of Homo sapiens over millennia. Masu.
We are somewhat saddened by the reality of how much humanity has “progressed” and how it has led to a culture of “rugged individualism” and a resulting sense of isolation that is widely experienced.
Non-governmental and governmental actors are working together to restore the sense of community implicit in this saying. In this regard, some local luminaries have shared their thoughts on their wisdom.
A “Village Gathering” will be held at Victor Scott Elementary School from 4:00pm to 5:30pm today.
