Denying one’s identity can stem from various complex factors, especially when an individual’s origins or background are perceived as barriers to success or anti-success, Of a truth, Nigeria, have not been fair to its citizens,
Let’s look at possible reasons why someone might deny their identity their people, as well as suggestions on how to prevent future occurrences of such acts:
Reasons for Denying Identity
- Societal Pressure: The individual may feel immense pressure from their community to conform to certain expectations that do not align with their aspirations. This is exactly how it is in Nigeria, This dissonance can lead to a rejection of their origins in favour of a more favourable identity that supports their dreams.
- Stigmatization: If the person’s original identity carries stigmas or negative stereotypes, they might distance themselves to avoid discrimination or prejudice. This is often a defence mechanism against societal rejection.
- Self-Actualization: Pursuing success in a new environment can create a disconnect from one’s roots. As individuals find acceptance and opportunities elsewhere, they might feel that their previous identity is a hindrance rather than a help.
- Fear of Judgment: The fear of being judged or misunderstood by their original community can lead to denial of identity. They may worry that their success will not be accepted by those they left behind.
- Cultural Conflict: Relocating to a new region with different cultural norms and values may cause individuals to feel more aligned with their new environment, leading them to distance themselves from their birth culture.
- Personal Trauma: Past experiences, including trauma related to their origins, can cause someone to dissociate from their identity to cope or move forward without baggage.
- Neglecting people for their faith has pushed a lot of people into such rejection, if your origin does not care about you, and how you survive, is natural to move away from them as you are surviving mainly in another region, not everyone handles hurt same way, some see it as motivation why others see it as neglect.
Preventing Future Occurrences
- Fostering Inclusive Communities: Encourage communities to embrace diversity and support members in pursuing their dreams without judgment. Celebrate different identities and experiences within the community.
- Promoting Positive Narratives: Share stories of individuals who have successfully integrated their roots into their aspirations. Highlight the contributions of diverse identities to larger societal progress.
- Education and Awareness: Conduct workshops and discussions on the value of cultural identity. Promote awareness of the benefits of remaining connected to one’s roots while pursuing personal goals.
- Support Systems: Create networks and mentorship programs that connect individuals struggling with their identity to peers who have navigated similar journeys, providing guidance and reassurance.
- Encouraging Dialogue: Foster open conversations about identity, success, and personal fulfilment within families and communities to help individuals feel more accepted.
- Mental Health Support: Provide access to counselling and mental health resources that can help individuals process their feelings about their identity and develop healthy coping strategies.
- Celebrating Achievements: Recognize and celebrate the achievements of individuals from various backgrounds. This can solidify the notion that success can come from any origin and that diverse identities can be a source of strength.
- Carrying citizens along and catering for everyone no matter how little for a sense of belonging. Kemi Badenoch should be celebrated not criticised, we have failed her
