The harmful traditions of the future

As the world continues to modernize, the longing for traditions increases. More effort from elders to create long-lasting practices and rituals that will fight through time and the future of our world. But at some point, this wholesome practice turns heinous. The pressure on the younger generations to follow this path in the name of tradition creates a sour taste in one's mouth. The traditions that were once meant to unify, protect, and create love, instead create isolation in the means of "community", a community that has gone corrupt. This can cause young people to often feel trapped between their loyalty to their families and their own life and emotions encouraging them to leave a toxic community. 

In Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's 'Purple Hibiscus' the main character, Kambili is stuck and brainwashed by the heavy religious morals placed on her by her father, who tries to harshly instill the values of Christianity into her. Kambili is often placed at a crossroads throughout her relationship with her father when contemplating the new life she finds at her aunt's house. This dilemma she faces opens her up to a world of new possibilities she didn't know existed. 

The community that her father had built was only good for the status it exuded but not for the emotional support or protection that Kambili needed. This harsh cut in the religious side of her life just continues to push her into the corner of confusion, not knowing or understanding the depth or the beauty of her religious side and only participating, learning, and keeping her roots alive, due to the fear put in her through the pressure of her father. 

Kambili's experience represents a lot of young people's lives. Having to keep up with the standard of a practice that doesn't emotionally or physically connect with one, only joining in to create a peaceful home life. 

But this knowledge of religion and traditions will grow short if the only way young people learn more about their roots is through pressure and fear. To elongate the presence of our traditions should be shared lovingly and create communities of strength not fear.  

Mini Hibernation #3: Unfortunately, the universe did not allow me to indulge in restful sleep filled with ASMR, instead I am forced to continue a few more hours of homework and studying. Wish me luck :(


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