EveryWoman

What’s in a tribe?

It is true that we cannot view things the same way because we were brought up in different environments and circumstances. Our ideologies will also be always different; hence, the difference in character and other aspects. But I have often wondered about the stereotyping of the different tribes in Malawi. Each tribe has some widespread connotation that has been passed on from generation to generation. Some even go as far as predicting one’s political future based on where that person comes from.

I am Yao from the populous Ndirande Township where my grandfather’s Mozambican bride settled for years after their divorce. People laugh at me, but that has been the home of my ancestors. Yes, there is the more rural part of me that comes from Ngumbe in Chileka. My father spoke fluent Yao. My point; I have not been spared the rhetoric almost every Yao is subjected to. To belong to this tribe, one has to be Muslim (Msilamu, a tailor, good in bed, a polygamist, come from mainly Mangochi, a fisher, uneducated and in principle, one who is flexible about who they bring closer to them, including in marriage. The list goes on.

I am sure the Sena reading this is already laughing because Senas have their own share of the stereotyping. I have heard of Senas being foul-mouthed, good at juggling the waist (in dance), stubborn; and like Yaos, flexible about who they associate with; hard workers, go-getters and the list goes on. For Tumbukas, I have heard they are determined to getting what they want, educated, intelligent, selfish, hardliners, preference to association is with their own kind, a closely knit society, polygamous, yet united and tolerant. For the Ngulus, well, I have not heard much. Lhomwes, I have grown up to believe that they can be stubborn, unrelenting, and almost like the Senas, are open about their associations. I have also heard about Tongas being a smart and hygienic lot, striving for immaculacy at all times.

Admittedly, this has been based on my scope and, no offence intended, the above is what I have grown up to know and learn. Parents have gone up in arms stopping their children from marrying a certain tribe for reasons based on beliefs. Many of us have failed in various social interactions or fallen victims because we have chosen to wear our cultural glasses to view situations in a particular colour, creed and affiliation.

Well, I ask: Would the country have been any different or better if our ancestors chose to cut the umbilical cord of these silent tribal conflicts at their earliest? Should we say the tribal consciousnesses have averted any danger or crisis? Since the stereotypes continue, is it time for laws to permit each of us to wear our tribal identities to stop ‘outsiders’ from meddling in our affairs to mingle with our own? I have a suggestion. Why can we not change the mentalities beginning with our children? Trust me, I have been a culprit. If we can’t, then we should all move closer to our homes.

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