I find it interesting that most proverbs, especially African proverbs, are quite practical in their nature.
They are mostly derived from our natural surroundings and through our everyday activities.
There is nothing superficial about them, or imagined troubles or scenarios.
In a world where life is lived through the lenses and reality is curated by clever-marketing, on the ground, we tend to be out of touch with what is real and what is not.
Even worse is when we normalise and accept things that are just unnatural at their core – like gender identification.
How practical is it to be born a man and identify as a woman, or vice versa?
Those who have lived longer than most of us and have more years behind them than ahead of them seem to be just as confused as those who seem to think they can supersede what they have lived and experienced as practical.
To them, it is an abomination to the others; it is freedom of choice.
However, we do not have to debate and agree with what the popular opinion is or what the law has to say on some issues.
Some things are just impractical; they might not be right or wrong – they are just impractical – nothing more.
The Baobab tree’s strength is in its roots – and it does not matter what we do or think; its strength and basis will always be stronger when it is rooted in nature. We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children. No matter how much we complain about what is impractical or what is right or wrong, those gone before us are of no concern to what is happening today. As a matter of fact, they are not even affected; they are long gone.
After all, the danger lies there for the children and those still to come.
What we do today is not only a reflection of who we are today, but it will, at some point, become a reference point for future generations.
Can you imagine in the future if we tell the young generation that males can get pregnant and give birth like the opposite gender?
Not everything is always black and white, but the truth and honesty in its most raw form will always be that.
Love the truth – even if it hurts you.
Hate lies – even if they help you.
Truth is always bitter – but it pays a lot in the long run.
Lies can succeed in a short time, but the repercussion may be very disastrous.
•Olavi Popyeinawa
• Twitter: @olavipopyeinawa
•Email: olavipopyeinawa@gmail.com