Opinion

Only Morons Respond To Appellation That’s Not Theirs…

Only a moron responds to a name or appellation that is not theirs. However, there is an Igbo adage that says, “a tuo ilu nkirika nkata onye tara ahu elegharia anya”. Let me try to translate this; “when an elder describes a basket as scraggy, the scraggy looking person becomes uncomfortable”.

It wasn’t everyone in the time of Jesus Christ that shouted “crucify him”, so whatever derogation passed at those who did would naturally not bother those who didn’t. It’s more like me getting angry when someone says, “this generation of yahoo boys”… As long as I am not a yahoo boy it shouldn’t incense me for any reason unless the person comes more direct to say, “young man you are a yahoo boy”.

The Headless mob shouldn’t bother anyone or group who do not belong to such category. Where people respond whenever it is used only confirms that the description may just be apt after all.

Another Igbo expression also admonishes that we must strive never to look like our object of ridicule (a di kwa na ka ihe ejiri ko gi onu). Peace be unto you all.

— Mazi Ejimofor Opara writes from Awka, Anambra State.

Alinnor Arinze