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Today western culture is spreading across the African cultures with speed, facing out African norms and cultures in favor of the West. Elders in our communities have nothing to do or say but to watch in disguise as the new generation is embracing western way of life.
Africa has never been an orphan of culture since time immemorial. We have our own culture that gives us identity, which marks our significance as Africans. But the big question is, why is African culture dying with ease? Today in Kenya for example few communities still practice traditional circumcision. We often look at them with knowing looks, viewing the practice as archaic and conservative.
It is quite clear that very few African communities in Africa want to share their culture with the world. Elders in our communities are not willing to share the information concerning African cultures.
Some elders will frown at you when you request to know some cultures. This has made it difficult for African traditions to be preached to other generations. Most of African cultures have never been documented and if so, very shallow. This makes it difficult for one to refer the information.
The young generations, who want everything in digital form, are not spared. They have no time to sit with their grandparents to narrate to them this culture. The information that could be on the internet to make it easy for one to access is so shallow. The young generation quests for knowledge about their culture but the information is not sufficient.
Further more information on other cultures across the world has been made available in mainstream media which facilitates its spread easily.
However, others argue that lack of political will among the political elite and successive regimes have curtailed the efforts to help African cultures to stay intact. Politicians have no interest in promoting their cultures.
Support by the political elite is paramount in instilling cultural norms among communities. In addition more information on African culture should be documented in books, videos, audio and even posted online to save it from the danger of being faced out.
