Every race and ethnic group has stereotypes. As members of these ethnic groups our actions and inactions either reinforces these stereotypes or helps to dismantle them. The Urhobos are often called Urhobo wayo because they tend to outsmart competitors by means some see as superior intelligence and others see as craftiness. Jews are seen by many worldwide as people who are very smart and often game systems to their benefits. Some see Jamaicans as pleasure-seeking people whose males are often gangsters. Virtually all Nigerian comedians would have performed a joke that portrayed the Igbo man as someone who is very money conscious. The list of stereotypes goes on and on. When Chief Arthur Eze recently said Igbos do not help themselves and sited personal examples, he was voicing a stereotype that was strange to the generality of Nigerians.

Nigerians from other ethnic groups have always admired the business mindedness and apprenticeship model of the Igbo nation. A concept that has helped to create skilled Igbo men and women who are very competitive business owners with remarkably diverse businesses. From pharmaceuticals to electronics, Igbo men and women hold sway as small patent medicine store owners to larger pharmaceutical company owners like Emzor Pharmaceutical. So, it was a shock to many when Chief Eze made his remark that was widely reported in the media. He sited instances that included the fact that his business dealings had prospered because of favors he had enjoyed from non-Igbos. He went further to say that “no Igbo man can do for him what northerners have done for me “.  Often, I wonder how such so-called successful men like these emerge. It is a reminder that we should never use wealth or age to judge someone’s intelligence or wisdom. To use the phrase “NO IGBO” is the height of irrationality and insensitivity. One begins to wonder if this man is truly Igbo.

In hindsight, we have many Arthur Ezes around us who denigrate their family, tribe, nation, and race at the slightest provocation or opportunity. They use the limited prism of their biased experience to make proclamations that create new stereotypes or reinforce old and untrue ones. Recently, there were instances of Nigerians undermining the candidacy of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for the position of Director-General of the World Trade Organization. We have seen cases of siblings having a similar mindset where they believe that their families have not been there for them when they needed help and hence, say all sorts of unprintable things about their family. The question you should ask yourself is, have you been there for your family, tribe, or race? The musician Mr. P from the Psquare brothers was recently tackled when he said Nigerians are not helpful. He was reminded that Nigerians supported his former group PSquare to continental stardom. We must not emulate individuals like Arthur Eze who often site one or two examples to substantiate their negative opinion of their family, ethnic group, or race. No race, nation, tribe, or family is perfect even though there always exist areas of improvement.

Ata Ukuta, Editor  – www.towncryyers.com