Popular Manhood and its Effects on Africa

In an era dominated by men who want to lead a life void of ennui, the true meaning of the term 'manhood' has been generally abused. Most African men are quick to refer to the word manhood - when speaking about matters of less relevance - without actually thinking of its ideal use.

Although an ambiguous term, the best definition of 'manhood' ought to be shrouded by the assumption of the full responsibilities of a man. This would mean that when referring to manhood, a person should be quick to think of responsibilities - and how to assume them.

However, most men of our society today have mistaken manhood for the sexual organ alone. Those in this school of thought think they are "real men" when they can impregnate every woman and leave them in a 'womanhood' state. Continue....

The effect of this eccentricity is proportional to the rate of the unwanted pregnancies we see today. I remember discussing with an unmarried young man who already had two kids - with two different women - and was going for a third one. He had an odd understanding of the meaning of manhood and he bragged in his ignorance. I had to tell him in an ordinary language: "Bros, manhood no be penis".

Major Effects...

This misconception has led to the high rate of crime and terrorism in the globe - as fatherlessness has proven to be an underestimated cause of crime. By fatherlessness, I do not only refer to the condition whereby a father is dead or not living with his family, but also the state when a father, living with his family, is irresponsible and not influential. Children from such homes end up being victims of anti-social behaviours.

The following facts, as documented by the United States, will help us understand better:

- 80% of rapists motivated with displaces anger come from fatherless homes (Criminal Justice and Behaviour, Vol 14, p. 403-26, 1978);

- 70% of juveniles in state operated institutions come from fatherless homes (U.S. Dept. of Justice, Special Report, Sept. 1988);

- 85% of all youths sitting in prisons grew up in a fatherless home (Texas Dept. of Corrections 1992);

Again, let's think of it; was Abubakar Shekau, the spokesman of the Nigerian terrorist group Boko Haram, raised by his real father?

Poor fatherly parenting will continually remain a cause of crime inn Africa. The lack of parental control, supervision and monitoring equals to the rise of crime and terrorism. Until our men begin to act like REAL men and FATHER figures, we will never win the war against corruption and crime .

Suffice it to say that if we can revive our men, we have, to a large extent, reduced the rate of crime.

The earlier we acknowledge these facts, the better for us. Fathers, not mothers, should run the home and provide for the needs of the family. Being a man or a father figure is not merely a title, it comes with huge responsibilities. Manhood does not merely reduce to sexual man power, but also responsibility. Hence, if you are powerful enough to impregnate her, you should also be man enough to take responsibilities. This is true manhood, and it leads to a society's development.

Our African society will be a better place and the rate of crime and terrorism will be reduced if we understand and practise true manhood.