TwoCents | WOWZAS!!!! - by Queensley Okon

Do you ever just feel the need to scream at people because of the box they love to put you in? Yeah, me too Like when they tell you, "Ah, Akwa Ibom girls go sabi knack oh", "oh, you are Igbo? Una too like money" You know, the typical stereotypes that pervade societal that have become societal norms I hate them too Matter of fact, I often wonder why preconceived notions are the bedrock of a lot of societies but the truth is, it is inevitable For example, if you met ten Igbo men or women and out of the ten, nine are business-oriented, what would be your first thought? You would make a typical assumption that it is something peculiar with their tribe. It would then come as a shock to you when you meet another six who do not lean towards that area but it becomes hard to convince you otherwise because most of the Igbo people you have met have that tendency. This could be described as cognitive dissonance Where am I heading? Somewhere interesting people Why do we tend to dwell on an idea until it kills us? Is it conviction or stubbornness? Would you believe those same things if you were given clear cut evidence of the opposite? What if you were shown something that challenged your doubt? Or is this just your way of a cult leaning? For example, why would a woman believe all men cheat or a man believe all women have to offer is sex and be so surprised when she or he meet someone who doesn't fit that box they are clinging to? Why is that doubt there? Have you sincerely lost hope to that point that you would not give the benefit of the doubt? And what happens when this doubt has been cleared? Is it okay to make snap decisions? How about more research or at least some questions asked? Why do some Nigerians believe that we cannot make a change with our voices? Why do we believe that the status quo is better accepted than fought? You might say Stockholm Syndrome and you may not be wrong. I mean, when something has happened over and over and seems to become culture, you stop fighting and start getting desensitized. It's why a lot of topics or social issues that were taboo have become widely popular and more are joining the fray. It's the reason why the media would push something not so populär and make it so(*inserts Demi Lovato identity crisis emoji*) My advice: Open your mind but have limitations. Learning is great but not everything needs to change. And yes, even some stereotypes. There are some good ones after all, like left-handed people being creative or men being physically stronger than women. Sometimes, let normal be normal By the way, today is my brother's birthday so I am just making a quick shout-out to him. Love you Johnny Boy

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