Analyze/Just as ecumenism goes beyond Christianity, the national identity lies beyond cultural identities. In such a context, cultural diversity is a national identity. There are no peoples more important than others or traditional festivals more important than others. Each cultural element of a Territory is a component of the national heritage of a Territory.
Despite its drawbacks, globalization teaches us daily the need to live together. Even if this cohabitation is not without hypocrisy, in a world that has become a “global village” or a set of interconnected Territories, there are no longer several cultures but only one serving a common interest which requires constant exchange in all areas. On a national scale, in a context of ethnic or cultural plurality, it is one of the best ways to overcome tribalism. Indeed, if we are at home everywhere, we must be able to contribute to the development of the Territory wherever we are without being accused of wanting to prosper in a space where we are not from. How can we develop better without copying what is done elsewhere? A multicultural platform is an asset for anyone who wants to innovate.
The social bond in Cameroon
The multiple social networks that exist today in the world and in Cameroon in particular are only new forms of the social and cultural bond which has always characterized several peoples in the world and in Africa in particular. Like many other peoples in the world, Africans have a broader sense of social connection. In Cameroon you can no longer just rely on a person's name to know what region that person comes from. It may happen that having been marked by the behaviour of someone, another decides to give the same name to their child from another Region and another Terroir. Moreover, in Africa and in Cameroon in particular the meaning of the name has a very important spiritual value to the point where we no longer necessarily need a "Christian name" because the cultural name, whatever the Terroir, is just as important.
Also read: Cultural diversity and overcoming prejudicial identity considerations for good progress towards unity
The awareness of belonging to the same people allows for true inclusion favourable to the pursuit of common interests despite the pre-eminence of divergent interests which sometimes threaten national cohesion. A cultural identity or a people cannot be hit by a disaster without others feeling concerned. In fact, in a State with ethnic plurality if the misfortune of some makes the happiness of others it is a curse. This is the reason why in solidarity with all the nationals of the economically devastated regions and enormously impacted by conflicts and wars, all people denounce what constitutes an obstacle to the national cohesion of one and only one Territory where the populations are all called to embrace the values of living together which involve respect for the lives of others.
The need for dialogue
“What is difficult about living together is that the encounter with others is naturally tense.” But since living together requires continuous dialogue, additional efforts are necessary for the return of peace.
But when particular interests take precedence over common interests, it is not possible to dialogue. However, it is through dialogue that we are led to “learn to manage cultural diversity in the double dynamic of differences and the right to similarities. »
The differences of peoples are riches both for the Terroirs and the Territories. They must all enjoy the same rights or advantages so as not to create hierarchies of importance which threaten social cohesion. A problem which opposes two peoples living on the same Territory is a national problem which must be resolved taking into account the supreme interest of the Nation even if it is circumscribed at the level of a geographical space where nationals of several different tribes cohabit.
The interest of the Nation is above particular interests which are called to serve a common cause while making their demands known in a reasonable manner for a more harmonious living together and respectful of republican values which promote diversity cultural interests that go beyond identity interests to contribute more to cohesion and social inclusion.
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