Why do Nigerians think our parenting style is so great when our country is so broken?
Nigerians uphold our parenting style as a key factor in producing disciplined and successful individuals, yet this belief often contradicts the reality reflected in our country's current state.
Notable Achievers Abroad: The accomplishments of Nigerians in the diaspora are over emphasized, but this group represents a small subset. For every “successful” story there’s probably thousands more with destroyed talents. Stifled growth by systemic issues. Lack of support for emotional growth and creativity. We live in our potential not our reality.
Cultural Denial: Nigerians cling to traditional parenting myths as a way to avoid addressing deeper societal failures, leading to a form of cognitive dissonance where reality is overlooked.
Victimhood and Accountability: There's an over focus on our past through the lense of victimhood without proper digestion and internalisation of the roles our past leaders and society played in our downfall.
Prioritizing Appearances: In cultures where maintaining one's image is critical, admitting mistakes can be seen as a weakness. This results in a culture where individual needs are suppressed to preserve collective pride, often at the expense of personal growth.
Misguided Discipline: Nigerian parenting is often lauded for instilling discipline, but it can also perpetuate trauma, stifle creativity, and undervalue emotional intelligence—traits essential for societal development.
Historical Overcompensation: The lingering impact of slavery and colonialism defeat has led some Nigerians to overcompensate by projecting superiority, avoiding the real issues that need to be addressed.
Systemic Barriers: Nigeria faces systemic challenges that prevent many from thriving. Strict parenting doesn't address these barriers; rather, it may reinforce them by prioritizing obedience over critical thinking and innovation.