From: Biniam Haile \(SWE\) (eritrea.lave@comhem.se)
Date: Thu Aug 07 2008 - 21:53:53 EDT
Progressive Culture and Values: Basis for Development
By Staff
Aug 6, 2008, 12:13
There are certain specific moral and psychological qualities that people
should posses in order to secure sustainable development by promoting a
healthy community free from cultural corruption. Progressive cultures
and change-oriented values are thus crucial elements in this case.
Having change-oriented values does not necessarily mean inventing or
adopting new traditions or values but rather it means promoting and
strengthening one's existing cultural heritage in a manner that reflects
and emboldens the common aspirations of all community members or
citizens.
Patriotism and love of freedom are traits that have their roots in the
individual values and identities of communities and thus have a strong
cultural eminence. The common popular aspiration of working together for
a brighter future should be accompanied by progressive and modern values
if they are to succeed. As is generally known, European colonialism had
robbed many communities of their cultural heritage and compelled them to
reject or loath their own identities. Even after the end of colonialism,
rather than revive their stifled and suppressed cultural heritages, the
governments of the former colonies further belittled their own values
and traditions and lead their people towards cultural degradation in
their zeal to imitate and worship foreign cultures.
Fortunately, the Eritrean people withstood the onslaught of such
cultural invasion and degradation and proudly held on to their culture,
language, values and traditions. They were not lured into worshiping and
blindly imitating foreign culture in the name of modernism. On the
contrary, the Eritrean people not only preserved their traditional
values and the ones cultivated during the armed struggle for
independence but are also now engaged in promoting a progressive
national culture that caters to the aspirations of all nationals.
In many countries of varied cultures, diversity is most often a
political problem that becomes a basis for conflict. However, the
Eritrean people have proven through their own experience that as long as
there is fair and just outlook, cultural diversity can never be a
political problem. The Eritrean people's experience is an exemplary feat
that proved that cultural, ethic and religious diversity can be turned
into one remarkable common culture characterized with respect and
admiration of one another's traditions. Nonetheless, the development of
this cultural harmony had not been a gift from the Heavens; it was made
a reality thanks to the policies of the Eritrean government that created
an environment where citizens could upgrade their awareness and get
acquainted with one another's culture and traditions. The annual Eritrea
Festival conducted inside and outside the country is therefore not only
one of the stages that provide vital ground for the development of the
afore-mentioned cultural unity but is also playing significant role in
the drive towards promoting a progressive national culture. Victory to
the Eritrea Festival 2008!
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