EDITORIAL: Not everything western glitters

The increasing westernisation of our country, at a pace we can barely keep up with, is a cause for concern. What is even more worrying is the elevation of such culture above our own. The self-loathing and disregard for our own heritage and identity is deeply shameful. Being westernised can be both good and bad. Concerns about cultural imperialism, the erosion of traditional values and practices, and the homogenisation of global cultures are valid. Parents in Namibia proudly flaunt their children stuttering in their mother tongue while speaking English with finesse. Apparently this is a sign of some social status. True, there are elements of Western civilisation that are worth emulating. Democratic values, equality, freedoms and personal liberties are all good values to have. Just like advancements in technology and improvements in living standards such as clean tap water as opposed to infested brown water from a well where people defecate when nature calls.But there has to be a balance. In Africa, we have recognised the need to rid ourselves of some harmful cultural practices. Aawambo people, for example, originally viewed falling pregnant before marriage as an abomination of sorts, and those guilty of it were thatched with grass and set alight to die. It was a backward, murderous practice that has no place in any society. Therefore, calls for things like polygamy to become formalised in Namibia are fairly legitimate. Society is already teeming with promiscuity, so polygamy will not introduce anything new – except a more orderly and formalised practice of what is already happening on the ground.

EDITORIAL: Not everything western glitters

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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EDITORIAL: Not everything western glitters

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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