Every truth needs a believer to always
stand faithfully behind it.
Stop Osu is a solidarity foundation aimed at creating awareness through education and public discussion against silence to help put an end to Osu caste system - a primitive, pegan and discriminatory cultural shame on the face of the whole Igbos of Eastern Nigeria. In what type of society do you want to live in? Consider your involement now to become a part of history. |
What is "Culture and Tradition"?
Culture and Tradition are the glue that bind our communities, organizations, groups, and families together. A healthy culture is democratic and progressive. It allows a group to survive and even benefit from the "perpetual winds of change." When a culture is in positive mode it nurtures and values the contributions of its members; as a result ideas grow and flourish. A positive culture is flexible to change and adapts to meet the needs of its members in a dynamic and constantly changing world. With the combined energy of all its members a positive culture can actively pursue the challenges of the future. A positive tradition should not be static, it evolves, revolves and matches with time.
A negative Culture tends to be oppressive, autocratic, and destructive. When a culture is negative or exhibits a negative trend it starts to feed on itself. Members of the group exploit others for the benefit of a few. This exploitation results in negative reactions from those being exploited. These negative reactions show up as lawlessness, social and political disorder with chaotic results. With the majority of its focus internalized, a negative culture can't anticipate the future and is often surprised by it.
How backward are the Igbos culturally backward?
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Discrimination hurts
This is a fact which not only human beings but also animals know. If you are a black and happens to live among whites (especially in America or Europe), then you probably know what I am talking about. The majority of the Igbo people (the so-called Nwadialas), among them self proclaimed Christians and educated men and women, seem to enjoy an unjust discrimination - cold, mean and without conscience against their own fellow Igbos under Osu, Ume whatever you call it. It looks like the Igbos are not following the pace of modern civilization (sorry to say).
Stop Osu Solidarity Foundation calls on all Igbo people wherever they might be, to speak out and to contribute without prejudice in every small way against this cultural coffin and No. 1 Ndi-Igbo internal problem. Every scholarly analysis, opinion, definition or conclusion directed against Osu caste system, can only achieve positive results in conbination with individaul involvement of every Igbo person - at least those who have sincerely (on their own) realised that the Osu caste system like a wrong and tattered clothe does not suit the outfit of the modern Igbo society.
If you are Nwadiala, be humble and start with yourself. Dignity does not consist of possessing honors but deserving them. Educate your children positively against Osu discrimination (it is not only primitive but unfair) and allow yourself the opportunity to show personal examples. We want to assume that you are one of the many reasonable Igbo men or women who know the ugly aspect of feeding our youths with the message of hate and intolerance. The least initial diviation from the truth is multiplied later a thousandfold. This is the time to draw a line, to speak out for the sake of justice and humanity and for Ndiigbo I believe you want to preserve... (you know it is the right thing). If you are among those "proud" to be Nwadiala under "our culture and tradition", Stop Osu Solidarity Foundation cordially invites you to enlightenment discussion.
If you are among those called Osu, Ume, Oru, Mgbeke, Mgborie and discriminated upon,- "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent". Wake up, you can also speak out. Do not be ashamed of the word O-S-U because it means 'injustice, mean and primitive'. It also means that some Igbos are ignorant and still very much behind. Nobody is untouchable and you should know you are unique. Be bold and do not fail to understand that the most reasonable people around the world see the pro-Osu or other caste groups as flathead primitives and do not take them serious. You can challenge the inhuman done on you against silence. This is the time to stand firm, to sacrifice in truth for your children to come.
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