Cultural Interview with Vernessa Oraegbu
Introduction
Sitting in the ODU Student Government’s office was the first time I met Vernessa. Instantaneous, we were acquainted and became friends. I always knew her family was from a different country, but I never questioned her background. Regardless, Vernessa became a student government senator with me as a freshman at Old Dominion as a marketing major where she hopes to eventually work in real estate. Although we were friends, I only knew the surface of her personality and background. In fact, I did not take the opportunity to get to know her more about her cultural background until this interview which I appreciate.
Vernessa was born in Lagos, Nigeria and her and her family moved to Richmond, …show more content…
In fact, this had nothing to do with Vernessa, but her education in Nigeria. Nigeria is a country that practices many languages but does not have a national language much like America. However, the difference is that there is an underlying understanding that many speak English and use this on a day to day interactions which Nigeria does not. Vernessa explains, “Depending on where you are in Nigeria there is a common language, but this is based on a state by state.” This can be crucial due to the fact that language is the tool that is used in conducting culture, norms, values, and beliefs from generation to generation remains an essential component in defining the inclusive standing of a nation (Yusuf, H.O., 2012). But, the pressure of the language identity seems to be based on external forces and cultural globalization. In other words, the reason that many critics argue that cultural globalization will result in cultural dominance and supremacy. Leading to the loss of “inferior” cultures where it will eventually be replaced with a universal culture. Where this culture will promote disproportionate consumption and domination of the monetary and information technology authorities of the world (Babran, S. 2008). With this type of pressure, it is understood as to why many believe Africa and its countries are underdeveloped because they are fighting to survive in the current global affairs. This is the reason it is vital that to teach that every culture is important and that no culture is better than another because if it is the world loses diversity that makes this place interesting and
Introduction
Sitting in the ODU Student Government’s office was the first time I met Vernessa. Instantaneous, we were acquainted and became friends. I always knew her family was from a different country, but I never questioned her background. Regardless, Vernessa became a student government senator with me as a freshman at Old Dominion as a marketing major where she hopes to eventually work in real estate. Although we were friends, I only knew the surface of her personality and background. In fact, I did not take the opportunity to get to know her more about her cultural background until this interview which I appreciate.
Vernessa was born in Lagos, Nigeria and her and her family moved to Richmond, …show more content…
In fact, this had nothing to do with Vernessa, but her education in Nigeria. Nigeria is a country that practices many languages but does not have a national language much like America. However, the difference is that there is an underlying understanding that many speak English and use this on a day to day interactions which Nigeria does not. Vernessa explains, “Depending on where you are in Nigeria there is a common language, but this is based on a state by state.” This can be crucial due to the fact that language is the tool that is used in conducting culture, norms, values, and beliefs from generation to generation remains an essential component in defining the inclusive standing of a nation (Yusuf, H.O., 2012). But, the pressure of the language identity seems to be based on external forces and cultural globalization. In other words, the reason that many critics argue that cultural globalization will result in cultural dominance and supremacy. Leading to the loss of “inferior” cultures where it will eventually be replaced with a universal culture. Where this culture will promote disproportionate consumption and domination of the monetary and information technology authorities of the world (Babran, S. 2008). With this type of pressure, it is understood as to why many believe Africa and its countries are underdeveloped because they are fighting to survive in the current global affairs. This is the reason it is vital that to teach that every culture is important and that no culture is better than another because if it is the world loses diversity that makes this place interesting and