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Are Traditional Rulers Still Relevant Today?Are Traditional Rulers Still Relevant Today or Should They be Discarded?
Personally, I do not see a need to discard of our traditional rulers as they do serve their own purposes in the progress of the societies over which they rule. Many a conflicts have been resolved by these rulers and the fact that as individuals some of them may have shortcomings and self-interests is not sufficient a reason to discard of their value in totality. Those culpable should be individually chastised and befitting solutions sought and effected.
Traditional rulers have no place in politics, but have roles they play in the tradition and culture of society at large. While Governors are appointed to govern politically, Traditional Rulers are chosen as culturally leaders, seeking among many other duties, to abridge differences and resolve conflicts that may arise due to cultural differences. Historical ignorance (as regards certain cultural knowledge) may make it easier for one who does not understand their purposes or value to society (regardless of how they were formed) to view them as dispensable, but for those who do, they are much appreciated.
Furthermore it is erroneous and sometimes downright dangerous to misconceive that western ways are always the best for every other society, hence I can agree with Maverixz' deduction that colonial mentality (accepted or denied) continues to cause some of us non-westerners to believe that that which was initially forced upon us, as well as that which some of us have now chosen to adopt is always the best. While it may be the best for the western world since their settings are inherently different from ours, it does not necessarily have to be the best option for us.
To date the continuing effort to assimilate all that which is not traditional ours, has tended to cause more confusion rather than solutions to non-western societies.
Some of us were exposed to mostly foreign concepts since birth and as thus see no purpose or value for that which we see the countries we're assimilating not having, as burdens rather than as blessings which we need to carefully nurture and preserve. Some others having had the opportunity to reside elsewhere have shunned their own and in assimilating the western society believe it's God's gift to man, and thus believe everyone else should see things through western eyes, but then there's always the option of changing one's citizenship rather than devaluing that which we no longer appreciate, or never for one understood, let alone valued.
Every tradition has a purpose and while some may have served theirs others have not, and should be of cultural pride rather than disdain. Traditional rulers also act as custodians of some of our cultural values, which otherwise could have eroded considering the fact that many raised today are adopting colonial mentalities without having it forced on them.
An average city child for instance may not be able to dance to an African tune or speak their native language, but will hop and bop to mostly meaningless tunes they're exposed to on television because they want to look, sound like and be American.
Traditional rulers have been since time immemorial and even Christ acknowledged their existence and differences when he advised his disciples that 'they would be brought as a testimony before Governors and Kings for His sake' [Matt. 10:18].
If there are aspects of their roles that their subjects find no longer fit, it is more sensible to reevaluate, change and modernize (if need be) those particular aspects, rather than discarding all. Change is inevitable in all aspects of life, but changes should be implemented with wisdom only after the solutions for that particular problem have been sought.
Interestingly, regardless of why tribal marks where initially introduced, some cultures and people still find them to be marks of beauty and differentiation, while others (obviously depending on the sizes and position) may find them shameful.
While some European and African countries still value and hold on to their traditionally honoured representatives, recognizing that they serve purposes separate from politics, roles for which even the US respects and adores them, (it's no secret that they are fascinated and enthralled by the titles and positions these royalties hold, as well as the ceremonial duties they officiate in their varying capacities); some of us are quick to devalue that which others envy.
Cxsm
18th April '05
© Cxsm 2005 All Rights Reserved
A prophet is not without honour EXCEPT in his own country and in his own house. Matt. 13:57
Please partake in the poll and discuss your reasons why.
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