Humility, per the Oxford Dictionary, means modesty and lacking arrogance, but the African society brings in a twist, rooting humility in communalism (Ubuntu, meaning ‘I am because we are’) and respect.
So how do these values pre-empt ‘African humility’?
Communalism in Africa has always emphasised the collective over the individual and discouraged self-promotion to maintain group harmony.
Despite its beneficial qualities, it comes with many setbacks.
And so in my study group and lecture halls, I have to choose to be either part of the uninformed collective or endanger my social relationships by breaking out of the multitude.
And sadly, many times I have chosen to remain with the pack. It is not only me.
The talented singer in the church has had to pretend to be shocked that he is actually good or feign reluctance when the church is looking for the very talent he possesses, just so he does not appear too forthcoming or a ‘pick me’.
In the corporate world, you do not even try to be opinionated. In the words of your typical HR, “This is not how we do things here. Learn to know your place!”.
Respect in Africa is another culture on its own. Respecting elders and authority defines your entire persona as an African.
If you do not want to be termed uncultured or be told that you lack ‘home training’, then be respectful. But what does respect in Africa look like?
Respect often means silencing your voice and feigning ignorance to appease elders or authority.
Thus, self-assertiveness and acknowledgement of personal strengths are out the door.
Hence, ‘African humility’ is the societal conditioning of the African to play to the gallery of the communal in his deeds.
To learn to be less seen, less heard, less known, to blend in with the multitude, stop trying to stand out, stop knowing your rights too much, be the sheep and follow the programme. The comfort that comes with knowing that we are all low achievers becomes shaky when one of us decides to speak the language of ambition and self-actualisation.
Rise, be seen
The path ahead is simple: be unapologetically proud.
There are only two audiences you must play to in your entire life: God and yourself. Everyone else is the sideshow.
Break free and celebrate your victories.
With dignity, shut down lies and look deception in the eye, even if it seems more powerful and older.
Strive to be seen, to be heard, to be known, to be you.
I will conclude with the words of Marianne Williamson: “We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’
Actually, who are you not to be…We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us...
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same...”.
Level 200 student,
University of Ghana.
