The Endangered Representation of Nubian Culture in Modern Egyptian Society
The Endangered Representation of Nubian Culture in Modern Egyptian Society
In the prevailing modern hierarchical order, the cultures, languages, and worldviews of Blacks are not respected anywhere except in the Black African countries themselves. However, even in the heart of Africa, the indigenous cultures and the imagination of national exclusivity are fading away from the Blacks as the predominantly Western global imagination is hell-bent on destroying Africa emotionally, psychologically, and economically.
Today, the Black race is asphyxiated and mentally colonized, and their nations are stereotyped, inferiorized, and sidelined. Reversing this calls for the end of Western hegemony in one way or another. Wherever you go in this world, this is the bitter truth. This article focuses on this nation of millions of Arabs that occupy the northeastern portion of the African continent, part of the continent where once splendid Black African kingdoms existed along the river Nile.
One of the most pressing challenges in this region is the representation and preservation of Nubian culture within modern Egyptian society.
The Neglect of Nubian Culture in Egypt
Unfortunately, despite the historical and cultural significance of the Nubians, the government and society of Egypt have yet to unambiguously value the Nubians as equally sentient human beings. Questions about the preservation of Nubian culture are secondary because, to many, the fundamental issue is the recognition of Nubians as integral members of Egyptian society.
This neglect is evident in numerous ways. Though the government forcibly removed the Nubians from the land they had occupied for thousands of years, leaving them to suffer, they have not taken any substantive steps to preserve or even acknowledge the culture that is unique to the Nubians.
Voices from the Nubian Community
The concerns around the representation and preservation of Nubian culture are not just speculative. These challenges are echoed by prominent Nubian figures, such as the novelist Hagag Odul, who has shed light on the harsh realities faced by the Nubian community.
The four displacements shocked our existence, especially the displacement of 1964 that removed us from our roots around the banks of the Nile and threw us in the desert among armed groups… We were insulted and called black and barbaric.
In Egypt, where the Nubian is often portrayed as an uncivilized, stupid servant, any positive representation of Nubian culture is marginalized at best and outright ignored at worst. Instead, Nubian culture is sidelined, neglected, and forcefully removed from the public space. It is only sporadically featured, stripped of its melody and beauty, in the form of demeaning stereotypes and racist caricatures.
Discrimination and the Death of a Culture
The eventual death of the Nubian language and cultural practices in Egypt is not surprising. The right to territorial integrity, cultural independence, and distinct nationhood of the Nubian people was violated in the construction of the Aswan dam on the Nile river. This forced displacement, combined with widespread discrimination, contributed to the declining representation and valuation of Nubian culture.
Modern Nubians are mostly refugees, and all diaspora populations rapidly lose their language, their culture, and the meaning behind their language and culture. Even the meaning and value that colonized and exiled people attach to their identity become alien to their ancestors if they were somehow to meet them. Black Americans provide a perfect example of this phenomenon, as their cultural practices and language have evolved significantly since their ancestors were brought to America.
Conclusion
The current state of Nubian culture in modern Egyptian society is a call to action. It is imperative to address the systemic issues that have led to the marginalization and neglect of the Nubian community. Efforts to preserve and represent Nubian culture not only honor the rich heritage of this community but also promote a more inclusive and equitable society.
Ultimately, reversing the current situation will require comprehensive approaches, including educational campaigns, policy changes, and increased efforts to support the Nubian community. It is only through such concerted efforts that we can ensure the survival and thriving of Nubian culture in Egypt.