@FabrizioRomano Spain have shown that you don't need a traditional striker to score goals. Their midfield controls games, creates chances, and every player contributes in attack and defense.
Portugal, by contrast, have excellent individual players but didn't function as a cohesive unit.
Yorùbá Culture and Respect: A Balanced Perspective
In Yorùbá culture, one of the most prominent and enduring values is the profound emphasis placed on respect for elders. This principle is deeply ingrained in social norms, family structures, and community interactions, serving as a cornerstone of harmony and continuity across generations. From childhood, Yorùbá individuals are taught to honor those older than themselves through gestures like prostration (ìdọ̀bálẹ̀ for males, ìkúnlẹ̀ for females), using honorific titles such as "Ẹ̀gbọ́n" (elder sibling) or "Bàbá" (father/elder), and deferring to elders in decision-making. However, this respect is not a one-sided obligation or an unconditional "blank cheque" that absolves elders of responsibility. Yorùbá philosophy recognizes that respect must be earned and maintained through reciprocal behavior. As the saying goes, "To whom much is given, much is expected." While younger people are enjoined to show deference, elders are equally expected to conduct themselves with wisdom, dignity, and integrity befitting their age and societal status. This mutual accountability ensures that respect flows naturally and sustains the social fabric.
To illustrate this view, Yorùbá oral tradition which is rich in proverbs (òwe), riddles, and folklore provides timeless wisdom. Below, I explore several proverbs that highlight the expectations placed on elders, emphasizing that their behavior directly influences the respect they receive.
1. Àgbà kìí ṣorò bí èwe
"An elder does not behave childishly."
This proverb underscores the expectation that elders should exhibit maturity and restraint. Childish actions, such as impulsiveness, pettiness, or frivolity, erode the authority and respect that come with age.
2. Àgbàlagbà kìí ṣe láńgbáláńgbá
"An elder does not behave in an uncivil or unseemly manner."
Here, the focus is on civility and decorum. The term "láńgbáláńgbá" evokes erratic or inappropriate conduct, which an elder must avoid to maintain societal esteem.
3. Àgbà tó sàgbàdo mọ́dìí, yóó di aláwàdà adìẹ
"An elder who ties corn to his waist will become the mockery of chickens."
This vivid imagery warns against acting in a way that will make the elders lose their respect or make them a laughing stock.
4. Ibi gẹ̀rẹ̀jẹ̀ là ń bá àgbà
"Elders must always be found in positions of honor and respect."
This proverb stresses the importance of self-positioning. Elders should comport themselves in ways that naturally command admiration. They should avoid scandals, conflicts, or situations that could tarnish their reputation. It implies that respect is not demanded but earned through consistent honorable conduct, ensuring they are "met" (encountered) in dignified circumstances.
5. Àgbà tó jàjẹẹ̀wẹ̀yìn, yóó nìkàn ru ẹrùu rẹ̀ délé
"A miserly elder will carry their own load home alone."
In Yorùbá culture, generosity is a hallmark of elderhood, as elders are expected to guide and support the young. A stingy elder will find themselves without helpers or successors.
These proverbs collectively paint a picture of elderhood as a role laden with duties. Far from being passive recipients of adulation, elders must actively embody virtues like wisdom, fairness, and benevolence to uphold the cultural ideal.
Tainkyu ✌🏾