Persuasive Speech to the Royal Colonial Institute:
Good morning,
I am Rob Smith, speaking
on behalf of the Igbo people, an ethnic group situated in Nigeria. It is unfortunate
to say that this vulnerable group of people are soon to be victims of
colonialism due to the ignorance of the European and British; yes, it is indeed people like
me and you that are disrupting the harmony and synchronization of such a distinct
and unique community.
Despite having a positive
mindset for colonialism in regards to supporting the Igbo people economically and socially by ending the enigma of twinship, women abuse, and supplying with European resources, there are more superior factors such
as religion, traditional customs, and culture that are more potent in their lifestyle; it is easy to say that their life hinges on it.
As a result, through colonizing their territories and the Igbo themselves, this
is tearing apart their society bit by bit, consequently leading to the
loss of their identity. Therefore it is necessary for us to consider and
evaluate the consequences of colonialism on the Igbo, whom retain their own
distinct religion, social and political structure, associations, and way
of life; as opposed to neglectfully seizing such possessions of theirs and
converting them to ours, let us learn more about them and their standard of living.
Firstly, a major product
of colonialism that needs to be mentioned is the loss of diversity, specifically cultural diversity, to this
planet. The adoption of European culture is a threat to the Igbo culture, as it leads to its extinction. Secondly, an additional product of colonialism is the destruction of religious
backgrounds by attempting to convert the Igbo people to Christianity; this
shift in religion is destructive to their sanity, as their entire lifetime they grew up believing that their god is Chukwu. This sudden change in belief may result in dangerous confusion and a change in many of their religious and cultural
practices, that all in all will have a detrimental impact on the close-minded people. Moreover, the social and political structure is destroyed since it is the foundation of relationships between families, tribes, the elderly, and
chiefs; specifically it could result to loss of value and authority of the
elderly and chiefs, which the Igbo community is greatly built upon. Furthermore, associations such as the
Igbo women association, in which have been previously built and evolved are fully disordered. Why rupture such strong attachment to the well-built Igbo culture? I would simply like for
everyone to take a moment to rethink their standpoint on colonialism. Do u
accept for the Igbo culture to turn to ashes as a result of setting the wild fire of colonialism?
It states very clearly the intention of wanting to provide a new perspective and approach on colonizing other countries. It does well to mention the importance of the Igbo's cross-cutting ties and how they are affected and destroyed once European rule comes in. This is a point that stands out as the Igbo communities already have working social and political structures with a very strong religious system that is ignored by the British and instead preferred to go with their more familiar hierarchies of kingdoms and empires.
ReplyDeleteWell written speech. It was clear how your speech successfully portrayed a new perspective towards the colonizing countries. I liked how you mentioned how the Igbo’s were affected and even destroyed from the Europeans entering Africa. Well written, keep up the good work.
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