By: HAWI BUSSA
As Ethiopians, we have every reason to be proud of our culture, history, and identity. We are a nation with a rich and ancient heritage, one that includes fascinating traditions, languages, and a unique place in world history. Ethiopia stands as a symbol of resilience, a country that has never been colonized, and a land that has preserved its customs and heritage for centuries. But as proud as we are of our history, there’s a question that we need to consider: Are we, as Ethiopians, unintentionally (or sometimes intentionally) gatekeeping our culture from the rest of Africa?
Gatekeeping isn’t always something we do out of ill intent. It can happen when we want to protect what is precious to us, when we feel misunderstood, or when we think others won’t fully appreciate the depth of our history. However, in today’s interconnected Africa, is it time we re-evaluate how we share our culture with our African brothers and sisters—and how we invite them in?
A History Worth Sharing
Ethiopia’s history is undeniably unique in Africa. We have the distinction of being the cradle of humanity with the discovery of Lucy (Dinknesh), the oldest human ancestor. Ethiopia has its own script, calendar, and a deep connection to Christianity and Islam. Our festivals like Meskel, Timket, and Fasika are vibrant and steeped in tradition. Our languages, such as Amharic, Oromo, and Tigrigna, hold centuries of wisdom and storytelling. And let’s not forget Ethiopian food—injera, doro wot, and bunna (coffee)—which connects people in communal and spiritual ways.
With such a rich culture, it’s easy to want to hold it close. However, this desire can sometimes create a barrier, leading us to share our culture selectively, often keeping it confined within our own borders or only sharing it with those we deem worthy. This can lead to unintentional gatekeeping, a way of saying, “This is ours, and it’s not for you.”
The Unintentional Gatekeeper
Sometimes, we may unintentionally gatekeep through subtle attitudes or practices. Exclusivity in language, while a celebration of our heritage, can inadvertently exclude those who want to connect with our culture. Speaking in a language without offering context or translations can make other Africans feel left out, even when they are genuinely interested in learning more. Cultural assumptions, stemming from the uniqueness of our history, can lead to a hesitation to explain or share our traditions with those outside Ethiopia. While Ethiopia's independence is a source of pride, the narrative of Ethiopia standing alone—free from colonization—can sometimes create a sense of "us versus them" within the African context. We may over-emphasize our uniqueness to the point of seeming separate from the rest of the continent. Defensiveness, a natural reaction to perceived misinterpretations of our culture, can make others hesitant to engage with our culture for fear of offending us or being corrected.
Opening the Gates: Why It Matters
Africa is more connected than ever before. As we embrace the African Union's vision of integration and unity, it's crucial to remember that cultural exchange is at the heart of unity. For too long, African nations have been influenced by the outside world, sometimes at the expense of connecting with each other. Now is the time to build bridges within the continent. By showcasing our culture to other Africans, we’re not only sharing what makes us special, but we’re also inviting them to share their own cultural richness with us. This creates mutual understanding and deeper bonds that go beyond borders.
Opening up doesn’t mean diluting our culture. It means inviting others in to experience the beauty of Ethiopia—our festivals, our music, our spirituality, our food, and our way of life. It means recognizing that our African brothers and sisters are just as eager to learn about us as we are to learn about them.
Welcoming Africa Into Ethiopia
So, how do we invite Africa in? Cultural exchange is a powerful tool for fostering connection. Let’s actively engage with other African nations through music, art, fashion, or food, sharing the richness of our heritage. We can invite other Africans to experience Timket or Meskel, or collaborate on artistic projects that blend Ethiopian heritage with other African influences. Education and dialogue are crucial for understanding and appreciation. Ethiopians can host seminars, workshops, or virtual events that educate other Africans about Ethiopian history, traditions, and modern culture. In return, we can learn about their cultures in a spirit of curiosity and respect. Hospitality, a hallmark of Ethiopian culture, can be extended to our African neighbors. Whether it’s during Bunna time (coffee ceremony) or sharing a plate of injera, there’s always room for a deeper connection. Collaboration, whether in business, arts, or education, is key. Ethiopian creatives, entrepreneurs, and professionals should seek partnerships across the continent, blending our unique perspectives with those of other African nations.
Receiving What Africa Has to Offer
Just as we open our gates to share our culture, we should also be willing to receive. Africa is a vast, diverse continent with thousands of languages, traditions, and histories. There is much to learn from the richness of West African music, the culinary wonders of Southern Africa, or the resilience of Central African communities. By being open to learning from others, we build a culture of mutual respect and enrichment.
Conclusion: A Shared Future
As Ethiopians, we stand at a unique crossroads. We are proud custodians of an ancient civilization, but we are also members of a vibrant, interconnected continent. By shedding any tendencies to gatekeep our culture and instead embracing a spirit of openness and sharing, we enrich not only ourselves but all of Africa. The more we invite others into our world, the more they will invite us into theirs, creating a cycle of mutual understanding and respect.
In this age of African unity, it’s time to open the gates wide and celebrate our shared heritage. After all, what makes Ethiopia special is not diminished by sharing it—it only grows stronger in the hearts of those who come to appreciate it with us.