South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Aluong Maker Aluong
Gum Maker Nar, a youth and student at the University of Juba, has raised concerns about the perceptions of various cultures in South Sudan.
He emphasised the need for greater understanding and respect for the country’s rich cultural diversity.
“Our various cultures, which we often blame as the driving force behind violence, have nothing to do with igniting violence, as some may think; rather, they are affiliated with numerous benefits,” he said in an interview with The Dawn on Sunday.
He explained that cultures are linked to a range of advantages, such as providing stable frameworks for personal and social advancement.
Maker reiterated that culture fosters intercultural understanding, allowing citizens to learn about different cultures. This, in most cases, is the pathway to eliminating judgement, promoting acceptance, and building bridges between diverse groups within the country.
“Whenever citizens make their own cultures visible and accepted, they will be admired, and those interested will invest in them. Here, positive impacts arise from cultures, contributing to revenue generation and enhancing the nation’s image.”
He cited the Bahre-el-Ghazal Counties’ Peace Tournament (BCPT), along with community football, cultural activities, and wrestling events in South Sudan, as prime examples of how culture fosters social cohesion and unity.
Maker stated that when something adds value to one’s life rather than jeopardising it, one should embrace that new aspect as a positive influence. For instance, while football does not originate from South Sudan, its positivity has led to widespread adoption by Africans, particularly South Sudanese, due to its importance.
He emphasised the importance of adapting to positive cultural influences from other sources while retaining the values of one’s own culture, as this strengthens the community and promotes growth.
He noted that the negativity often associated with cultures is abstract and does not lead to violence. Such negativity typically exists within a smaller context and does not affect the country on a broader scale.
Maker pointed out that practices such as marking one’s head and the removal of lower teeth are not considered good within Dinka culture and are gradually being abandoned. He stressed that these practices have nothing to do with violence if critically examined.
In conclusion, Maker asserted that our cultures are vital, as they guide behaviours through norms and values, ultimately fostering social ties among citizens.
