When I was growing up in Nigeria - and I shouldn't say Nigeria, because that's too general, but in Afikpo, the Igbo part of the country where I'm from - there were always rites of passage for young men. Men were taught to be men in the ways in which we are not women; that's essentially what it is.
This quote highlights the cultural significance of rites of passage in traditional Igbo society, emphasizing the importance of gender roles and the process of becoming a man. It reflects on how societal expectations shape identity and the distinct paths assigned to different genders. Understanding these cultural frameworks offers insight into the values and social structures that influence individuals from a young age, reminding us of the diversity in coming-of-age ceremonies across cultures.
