The Sunday Mail
Life Issues with FGK
DOES it matter how one carries themselves in public?
Well, different people have varying opinions on this.
However, there are certain things that we need to understand when we look at others and how they conduct themselves.
People can easily be recognised by their ethnicity — the state of belonging to a social group that has a common national or cultural tradition.
This usually guides one’s behaviour in public or private.
Each ethnic group has its own norms and beliefs.
For instance, in Zimbabwean culture, we have people that are taught from a tender age to genuflect when greeting elders as a sign of respect.
However, this does not apply to every community as different tribes have unique ways of greeting and showing respect.
Also, in our different local cultures we are taught from childhood to unfailingly greet others, be it at home or when we visit.
This simple gesture is one of the things that clearly distinguish Zimbabweans from other people around the globe.
However, the advent of technology seems to have adversely affected us as a nation.
Norms and values are now blatantly being disregarded as some people are now opting for foreign traditions.
It is sad to note that some children no longer recognise the importance of greeting or respecting their elders.
Similarly, it is now rare for a stranger to greet you warmly or even offer ‘genuine’ assistance when you are in trouble.
Where help is rendered, it is usually for a fee!
Could it be our busy schedules or levels of education that are forcing us to abandon our culture and identity?
We should not shy away from grooming our children in good ethical values.
We need to teach them the importance of gratitude even for the smallest of things.
This is the only way that they can continue getting the necessary support in life.
A well-groomed individual is guided by ethics, which are the moral principles that control or influence a person’s behaviour.
No person in their normal senses wants to be associated with a wayward individual.
It is a fact that we all have different ethics but we need to adopt good traits that make it possible for us to co-exist.
Sharing, caring and respecting one another regardless of differences should not be a problem.
And, this is the only recipe for a peaceful society.
Quote of the week: We should not shy away from grooming our children in good ethical values.
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