African Values and Westernization . By Dr Adetunji Ade-Conde
Sesame Street and its iconic intro tune, a show that undoubtedly shaped many childhoods “down the memory lane of old.” However, reflecting on this now raises some reservations for me. While Sesame Street was an engaging and educational experience, it inadvertently reoriented and subtly “brainwashed” many of us into Western ways of thinking rather than promoting indigenous African values and perspectives.
It’s worth pondering why our forefathers did not prioritize the development of something indigenous to our culture. There were, however, commendable efforts from individuals like Mr. Wole Amele, who created a Nigerian alternative in the form of Animal Game and Jimmy Sholanke, who brought us a African folktales as well as Tales by moonlight on NTA—a cultural gem that celebrated African storytelling traditions.
This makes me question whether we should truly take pride in our childhood immersion into Westernized media. Did it contribute meaningfully to the development of Nigeria, Africa, or the broader Black race? Or did it serve as yet another mechanism to undermine our cultural identity and creativity?
I believe it’s essential to reflect on these influences and consider how we can reclaim, promote, and preserve African narratives that reflect our heritage, values, and aspirations for future generations.
On the flip side, programs like Sesame Street, Fantastic Four, and Charlie’s Angels of those days offered a unique advantage to many of us who eventually joined the “Japa” train. These programs gave us an early glimpse into Western life while we still roamed the streets of Lagos or wandered through the neighborhoods of Shomolu. Despite being firmly rooted in our African environment, we were able to appreciate the intricacies and nuances of life in the Western world.
By the time we found ourselves in those settings years later, we were not taken by surprise. We did not suffer the crippling effects of culture shock because we were already familiar with the dynamics of the Western system. This early exposure even prompted remarks like, “How long have you been here? Your English is very good!” from the average British Caucasian, a testament to how well attuned we were to Western culture.
For those who did not end up traveling abroad and remained in the African environment, these programs still had a significant impact. They ensured that we were not ignorant of global affairs. We could comfortably engage in conversations involving the likes of Donald Trump, Barack Obama, or George Bush without appearing uninformed. We could hold our own in discussions on events and matters shaping the Western world.
In essence, these programs played a dual role: they broadened the horizons of local boys and girls, opening their eyes to life beyond their immediate surroundings, while also serving as an unintentional preparation for those destined to live abroad. They offered us a cultural bridge, smoothing the transition into the “new world” for many and equipping others to confidently engage with global issues without feeling left behind.
By : Dr. Adetunji Ade-Conde is a Nigerian doctor based in Canada
