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How Individualism Takes Over the Spirit of Togetherness

Published by Daily Reporters
https://dailyreporters.net/how-individualism-takes-over-the-spirit-of-togetherness/

Our dear parents are losing it nowadays in terms of moulding the family and the community together. They are gradually losing the moral responsibility of uniting their own children. This immensely adds to the growing individualism in our society.

I don't know of other societies, but I grew up seeing grandparents and parents forcing their children to do virtually everything together, particularly eating food. I recall it with nostalgia how my late grandfather used to eat with my uncles, and whenever I visited them, he would force me to eat together with them. My father also planted such culture in the family. No matter how a child would cry in denial, his plate could never be different.

It used to be the practice that whatever a child brought home, he/she could never eat/drink that alone, it had to be shared with the rest no matter how little it was. My father used to tell us that if we could not share it with our siblings, then we better not bring it home.

I also grew up seeing elders, particularly our male parents sitting and spending much time together. In the morning, I did see them together till they were ready for market and their workplaces respectively. So also in the evening, I could hear their voices while at home. Because of this, we regarded everyone as a father. And these parents greatly tried to make their various children friends and brothers' keepers.

During ceremonies, I used to see big plates for people to eat together. But today, the popular 'take way pack' has taken away the culture. Yes, it means to take it away and promote individualism. Then was a time of strong and united relationship both at family and community levels.

However, the reverse becomes the serious case of the situation nowadays. I hardly see male parents in the morning or evening discussing at leisure like before. In fact, some people do not even know their neighbours much less of talking about their wellbeing. Children of the same parents no longer eat and share things together talk more of eating with children from other families. Our parents used to reserve (an) empty room(s) in their various houses for (un)expected guests or visitors, particularly those coming from afar. But now, the rooms available are only for living, eating and sleeping.

Finally, it will be very hard to talk of a true unity, togetherness and brotherhood in state, national or international relationships when such is not forced or planted at the most proper levels— family and community. I therefore, urge our dear parents not to surrender themselves and their children to the culture of individualism. We need ourselves to survive and succeed.

By Abdul Mutallib Muktar

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