It is harder now for people of Yoruba descent living outside of Yorubaland to learn about their culture. They spend half their time learning about their host nation's culture and immersing themselves in that. Having done an essay on Yoruba language, I've really come to appreciate the works done on exploring the Yoruba culture, language and politics. I've learnt things in the past week that my father never took the time to teach me in all my life but I don't blame him, he was brought up to know more about British culture than his own.
I just feel enlightened. I can set my own personal worldview in this hybrid of heritage and environment. I feel like I have a better understanding of how my parents think and this is because I've had to take an objective, academic approach to the culture I'm only just discovering. If you've got library admission look for
Yoruba Creativity by Toyin Falola and Ann Genova. Read as much of it as you can, it has many wonderful contributors with wonderful stories and great explanation.
Once you are finished with that, for the more politically inclined like myself,
Yoruba Identity and Power Politics also edited by Toyin and Ann. Both books are great compilations and to be honest they've helped make this essay less work, more journey.
