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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
 Posted - 19 Jun 2006 : 22:32:32
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Not only FGM. MGM is also shrouded in mystery and traditionally it is not spoken of. I went through atypical tradition, which lasts for three months of camping outside the village in the forest. We never visited the village and were taught survival both as a male but it also tested one's strengths and respect for societal structures. It howver taught male dominance. One key change was after the training, you never sat with women or ate with them. You had your own house which was usually built before came back officially designating you as a man.
Only those who have been initiated could attend certain functions in the village. Those who have not are considered as "SOLIMA" fit for only menial responsibilities but who cannot be trusted with information. We could communicate in a crowd and only the initiated could decode. This was essential in times of war or to pass on secrets as couriers.
It also serves as a means of dominance and control. It was more or less like a cult. Unfortunately i cannot go beyond that. Jayanfara knows why. My blog name Kondorong is key to this secret, which traditionally would initiate any person who has come of age but who has not gone through this phase. As such he was always feared for his abilities to wrestle. There are claims that some have seen it but it remains just that. A short figure supposedly about a meter tall, feet twisted backward, long beard, having a calabash on the, head, likes bitter tomatoes and moves with cattle, and active mostly when the sun is hottest. Add all these, you get a being quiet dreadful. It is supposed to be nearer to you than you could imagine. Yet, it remains to this day elusive but present.
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serenata
Germany
1400 Posts |
Posted - 20 Jun 2006 : 16:02:42
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Kondorong, I would not like to meet the 'real' kondorong, but you are a lucky man. I think these traditions are basically very important for young people, and the knowledge and the practise should be kept up. Certain things, like FGM, can be changed without giving up the tradition as a whole. Initiation rituals and tests are found all over the world, and the fact that mankind held unto them for such a long time shows their importance and their value.
Coming of age in western societies is really difficult, as these societies don't provide rituals. What do we have? Not much more than questionable role models, like pop stars or movie stars, athletes who are doped up to the brim, and so on. School can help a lot, but this is not the same. |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 20 Jun 2006 : 17:20:14
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My role models were my parents and then my other adult relatives and then other adults in my community such as neighbours and teachers. My parents and indeed ALL the other adults I knew as a child worked hard, looked after their families and were honest. If they could help another person they did. Part of the great 'decent' english working class.
My grandma is 93 tomorrow. She is a brilliant role model.I have tried to follow my families example. I put my children first and focus on their needs. Then, when that job is ALMOST done I am looking outwards to other peoples children to see what help I can give. In UK as a teacher and in Gambia as a sponsor.
It is sad when all over the western world the only role models children have are pop stars and footballers , but who is to blame for that? They only fill the gap that parents leave behind........ |
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serenata
Germany
1400 Posts |
Posted - 20 Jun 2006 : 18:24:20
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| Gambiabev, my role models were different, too, and I agree that many parents in the industrial countries today fail at being strong, appropriate role models. But like everybody in this world at any time, African children also had/have role models. What I mean is something additional, a marking point which tells you that from now on you are regarded as an adult person. |
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