Monday MORNING RANT! UZODINMA'S BOOK! NAIJA PARENTS CHOOSING THEIR CHILDREN'S CAREERS!
pix from nowtoronto
Uzodinma Iweala has written another book which we hear made the front page of the washington express!Kudos to him!
However, the reporter pointed out that while he is a writer, he is also going to medical school, with a "little pressure from his parents"
Now one thing I can never understand is why "Naija/African parents apply a "little bit of pressure to their children's chosen career?" Perhaps it could be because other careers especially those in the arts are not seen as real careers? That is of course until they make money. They end up not happy but simply pleasing their parents.
To you reading this blog post, how do you intend to raise your kids. If your son says he wants to study design or your daughther wants to be a model/tv host? Would you say they don't make as much income?Study Law/medicine/engineering/accounting (African chosen careers) instead?
Uzodinma Iweala has written another book which we hear made the front page of the washington express!Kudos to him!
However, the reporter pointed out that while he is a writer, he is also going to medical school, with a "little pressure from his parents"
Now one thing I can never understand is why "Naija/African parents apply a "little bit of pressure to their children's chosen career?" Perhaps it could be because other careers especially those in the arts are not seen as real careers? That is of course until they make money. They end up not happy but simply pleasing their parents.
To you reading this blog post, how do you intend to raise your kids. If your son says he wants to study design or your daughther wants to be a model/tv host? Would you say they don't make as much income?Study Law/medicine/engineering/accounting (African chosen careers) instead?
Comments
thanks so much for stopping by! you are so right on this issue! The premise was certainly about the Nigerian reality in the 80's and 90's
With things changing and people watching big brother nigeria fashion shows nolly wood etc. This may no longer be the case
Perhaps our generation would make that change? who knows?
I remember when i went the technology route it was such a big deal (because I should have studied law)
Now everyone understands when they hear about my experience, I am glad I made the choice back then.
Now I am going to make another choice, in design and I am excited about the future.
thanks so much for stopping by! you are so right on this issue! The premise was certainly about the Nigerian reality in the 80's and 90's
With things changing and people watching big brother nigeria fashion shows nolly wood etc. This may no longer be the case
Perhaps our generation would make that change? who knows?
I remember when i went the technology route it was such a big deal (because I should have studied law)
Now everyone understands when they hear about my experience, I am glad I made the choice back then.
Now I am going to make another choice, in design and I am excited about the future.
Point is, it's not really a bad thing for parents to nudge their children. I think the problem actually comes when parents are insistent on the child towing a certain professional line when their passion lies elsewhere.