MONDAY MUSINGS; The Pros and Cons of Civilization: Through African Eyes

Civilization has done a lot for us, especially as Africans. We can’t deny the good, but it would also be unfair not to mention the bad.

Let’s start with the bright side. Today, people are making real money from things that were once considered unserious like comedy, vlogging, reality TV, and social media skits. Just having a phone and creativity can turn someone into a millionaire.

That was never a thing back in the day. Back then, you either became a doctor, lawyer, or engineer to be respected in society. But now, someone can be a content creator or a meme curator and still earn more than a banker.

Civilization has widened the definition of success.

Civilization has also connected people farther and wider than we ever imagined. You can FaceTime your cousin in Canada or attend a class happening in Germany, all from your room in Accra or Lagos. It’s beautiful.

Relationships are no longer restricted by borders. Opportunities now reach people who would’ve otherwise never stepped out of their hometown. With a single tweet, someone in Kenya can land a freelance gig in Dubai or collaborate on a project in the U.K. Global connection has become real-time, and it’s empowering.

Health-wise, we’ve come far. Take Cesarean sections, for example. In the past, some women didn’t survive childbirth just because there was no other option asides vaginal birth, but today, science and medical advancement are saving lives.

Matter of fact, CS was once considered a death sentence in many rural African communities, now, it’s a standard medical procedure that saves both mothers and babies.

Women are no longer forced into impossible birthing situations. Life expectancy has gone up. Children that would have died from infections or complications are now thriving because of access to proper health care.

Knowledge is now at our fingertips and no longer reserved for the privileged few. You can now learn graphic design, coding, how to fix your generator, or how to start a business, just by watching YouTube.

Information that used to be locked up in universities is now being shared freely online. A village boy with a smartphone and data can become as informed as someone in the city. This is powerful.

And let’s not forget convenience: washing machines, dishwashers, electric cookers, food processors,  things that make everyday life less stressful, especially for women and caregivers. Our mothers used to hand-wash mountains of clothes, pound yam manually, and cook for large families on firewood. Now, you can set a timer on your rice cooker and clean the house with a robot vacuum. Time that was once wasted on survival is now being used for productivity, rest, or creativity.

And honestly, they deserve it.

Women now have more voice than before, even though the fight for balance is still ongoing in many cultures. Women can now speak, vote, own property, and be heard, even in spaces that were once shut to them. We may still crave full equality and representation, but there’s no doubt that progress has been made.

The girl child is being educated. Women are becoming CEOs, engineers, politicians, and changemakers, not because they’re lucky, but because they’re capable and finally being seen.

But let’s be honest. Not all that came with civilization has been positive.

For one, we’ve lost a chunk of our values. Respect for elders is fading. The way some young people talk back these days, it’s as though culture and home training have packed their bags and left. Once upon a time, you couldn’t even sit down in a room if an elder was standing.

You spoke, only when spoken to. Now, it’s normal to see a child arguing aggressively with their parents. In some cases, it’s become “cool” to be rude, as if humility is now outdated. This is not progress. This is erosion.

The communal way of living, where everyone looked out for each other is slowly being replaced by cold independence. There was a time when you could leave your child with your neighbor without fear. A time when everyone in the compound celebrated your child’s graduation like it was theirs. Now, people barely know the names of those living next door. We’ve gained privacy but lost unity. We’ve gained technology but lost touch.

Even our dressing, language, and sense of identity are being affected. Young people now often prefer foreign names, foreign accents, and foreign trends. It’s not bad to be global, but not at the expense of your roots.

We’re forgetting who we are to become what we think the world will accept. We need to be reminded: Civilization is not a license to forget your culture.

So yes, civilization is a blessing. But it’s also a reminder: don’t throw away the good in your culture while trying to be “modern.”

Growth is great, but only when your roots stay strong. Let the washing machine help you,  but don’t forget to teach your child how to greet properly.

Let the internet educate you,  but don’t let it replace the wisdom of your elders.

Let us move forward, but with intentionality,  so we don’t trade our soul for speed.

With love,
Titilayo