Cultural degeneration a cause for concern

Maitseo Mololwane
Correspondent | Monday April 18, 2011 00:00

Today concern has been raised about the ways of the young generation, who have resorted to modern and so-called 'foreign practices'. They have embraced these practices in spite of the troubles and problems that come along with such.

Issues termed 'modern' such as engagement, cohabitation and homosexuality, are nothing strange nowadays.

Peedzani Letsholathebe, a man of 22-years regrets that most of his peers have brought nothing but shame and disregard to their culture. He says many ignore what used to be practiced by their forefathers, whom he says lived very happy lifestyles, influenced by good norms, values and taboos.

'Homosexuality has become so fashionable as if there is something interesting to it. It has brought conflict and misunderstandings in a lot of families, resulting in the perpetrators living unhappy isolated lives as the society, in particular parents find it hard to come to terms with the choices they have made,' adds Letsholathebe.

Onalenna Rabatshabeng (23) opines that being ignorant to what our parents have practiced and believed in is not productive for the youth. She points out that if the young generation is going to give respect to cohabitating then they should be ready for more disappointment and embarrassment. 'Cohabitating is not such a bad thing to do, there is a procedure that can be followed to make it a lot easier like involving parents in your decision of moving in with someone you are not married to. Failure to do so has led to the rise in passion killings, spread of diseases and suicides,' Rabatshabeng explained.

Lindiwe Mozola (22) says that cohabitation has resulted in men stalling in matters of marriage. She notes that the fact that the elders are not involved makes matters worse. Conflicts and misunderstandings are bound to be there in every relationship and it could be a lot easier if elders are there to unite parties. She also believes that passion killings have become common because of this. 'Everything is all about choice, that is the phrase that is on every youth's lips. They say only they know what is best for them even though the outcome of their choices only brings out the worst,' said Boitumelo Sefalana.

She maintains that engagement for marriage has become so common and popular among the youth. She further explains that young men place rings on women's fingers symbolizing that they are eventually going to get married. The saddest thing is that parents in most cases are not involved like in the past where a procedure of 'Patlo' was followed and the bride price was paid. Today young woman gets an assurance from the ring someone placed on her without anyone as a witness.

Maatla Chawilane (28) says that abandoning our culture and turning to foreign practices is behind almost every decision the young generation make. She said that culture is there for a reason and it should not be ignored or taken for granted. 'The youth need to open their eyes and realise that following such will not get them anywhere and they must turn to their elders and get back to old practices,' said Chawilane.