Story by Tobias Mudzingwa
AS Zimbabwe continues to celebrate Culture Month, observed throughout May, concerns have emerged over what some describe as a decline in cultural values and consciousness among the younger generation.
The discussion has increasingly centred on the so-called “Ama2K” generation, which has in recent years drawn social commentary and controversy over shifting lifestyles, behaviours and attitudes seen as drifting away from traditional norms.
With Culture Month running from May 1 to May 30, the debate has resurfaced on how best to preserve Zimbabwe’s cultural identity in the face of changing social influences.
Parents say modern influences, particularly from digital platforms, are shaping youth behaviour in ways that are difficult to regulate at home.
“It is disheartening to see our morals go down the drain like this. These youths get their behaviours from the internet, such that as a parent, there is little you can do to teach them otherwise. They think they know it all, yet they are going down the drain,” a parent said.
“These kids boast of children’s rights and all sorts of stuff, so it becomes difficult to discipline them. All they need is the whip, which may bring them into line. This new thing of not beating children has really done us,” another parent said.
Social analysts believe that for this Ama2K generation to uphold the country’s rich culture, there is a need for stakeholders to come together.
“The youths themselves must have a mindset change so that they can assimilate into their daily living, our way of ubuntu. Parents and the community, on the other hand, must be patient with these children and understand that they are living in times different from theirs,” Methodist Church in Zimbabwe National Youth and Children’s Ministry Coordinator Reverend Marry Chiwara said.
There are unwritten cultural norms that used to be entrenched in society, including respecting all elders besides one’s biological parents; dressing modestly; and helping the elderly- but all this seems to be going down the drain.
Culture month is therefore a time to reflect on what makes us stand out as Zimbabweans, and the Ama2K generation is being encouraged to go back to the roots of what it means to have unhu/ubuntu.
