From: Biniam Haile \(SWE\) (eritrea.lave@comhem.se)
Date: Thu Jul 16 2009 - 16:28:13 EDT
Editorial
Culture: Critical Requisite For Existence and Continuity
By Staff
Jul 16, 2009, 00:30
The Eritrean National Festival that has been integral part of the
Eritrean people's cultural fiber since the days of liberation struggle
has already begun being celebrated in different countries of the world.
A nation is not defined only by geographical borders as well as the
people, government and the defense forces within, but rather the most
important factor that constitutes a given nation is the common sense of
identity ingrained within the minds of the citizens. Sovereignty and
independence more than any other place should first be rooted in the
minds of the people. The common lines of though and sense of identity
that are the basis for any country are embedded within the culture and
values of the people. In short, culture is the basic definition of a
given community's identity and existence. Without culture one cannot
establish any form of social life or organization.
Undaunted by the cultural invasion of colonial forces, the Eritrean
people preserved their cultural heritage and values for generations for
they are proud of their culture and origins. One of the factors that
enabled the Eritrean people to secure their freedom regardless of the
odds against them is this love of culture and origin. Had the Eritrean
people not developed their cultural diversity into one united national
culture and promoted their national identity, Eritrea today would not
have been an independent country.
Ensuring the continuity and development of a given society is in itself
a culture. A society cannot ensure continuity only by producing the next
generation but should also be able to equip that generation with its own
culture and values. Hence the biggest responsibility of a given society
is to nurture its children and youth, and more importantly to instill in
them a deep love and pride in their origin and identity. Besides
highlighting one's own identity, culture occupies a center stage in
creating a common vision and aspiration, thereby building a strong
national unity and civilized thinking.
The current period of globalization is a period during which technology
is used to cultivate hatred in one's own culture and identity while
promoting migrant slavery. In such an atmosphere, the biggest obstacle
for developing countries is not securing economic development but
actually participating in the international arena without compromising
their culture and identity. Because, achieving economic development
alone without securing one's own culture and identity cannot guarantee a
country's existence. Thus, the preservation of culture and identity
should be given equal priority just as political and economic
development.
The Eritrean Festival that had developed during the struggle period and
became part of our communal culture is thus an important factor that
helps us evaluate the progress we have achieved in our endeavors to
preserve our identity, culture and values. It is also an important stage
in which we highlight our diverse culture, national unity and harmony,
history and way of life as well as our common vision and endeavors.
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