Being reared in the U.S. with African morals and values is a fascinating upbringing, to say the least. One quickly learns that they can never be too hard working as their parents more than likely had a more difficult upbringing than them. Cultural norms will always be at the forefront of any topic or life choice, and you’ll always have something to laugh about as our parents can be quite hilarious. When you live in an African household while living abroad:
Your parents are always right. It doesn’t matter what kind of data you bring to the table or if the information you’re trying to relay is backed by statistical facts. What your parents say, goes. Period.
People are always judging you. So do the correct thing and you won’t have anything to worry or care about.
Manners are key, it doesn’t matter if it’s not popular. Please, thank you, and your tone of voice is the difference between peace and trouble ooo.
Education is imperative. Learning a trade or becoming a professional and successful in your desired field is the key to happiness and to financial stability.
Marriage is important. If you wait too long, expect the questions enquiring, what’s taking so long, to follow.
Respect is key. Even if you’re right, how you convey this matters, if it’s done in a poor manner, your argument is lost.
Even if you’re grown, you’re still a “kid.” Elders don’t care so much if you’re even a middle-aged parent.
Experience is the best teacher. For all of you hard-headed ones out there.
Your parents adore you. They just show it by asking if you’ve eaten.
Become a person you can be proud of in the future. For the reason being that all that hard work that went into raising you wasn’t for nought.
Here are some experiences of some foreign-born Africans:
is there an award for growing up in an African household bc this shit is not easy
— chigozirim. (@chigychanel) December 29, 2017
Always protect your mental health before anything! Especially growing up African & having to have bottled everything up. Now is the time!
— Bevvyyy????? (@bevrub) December 21, 2017
growing up in an African home is all loving and lively till they don’t buy you Christmas clothes because of an unwashed pot???
— Faitђfυlиєѕѕ⚓️ (@smartfulnex) December 23, 2017
What is it like growing up in an African Household?
Rule #23: Do NOT play with your food!
We’re all African children now adults at Osaka (Hibachi).
Our expressions say it all! ? #FlashbackFriday pic.twitter.com/NlDKSyPldI
— Justice Sikakane, Sr ?? (@justicesikakane) December 29, 2017
hardships of growing up in an African home ???
— joy (@koalajoy_) December 29, 2017
Growing up in African household is an extreme sport???
— NO¥A$?? (@RealNoyas) December 27, 2017
Everybody who wasn’t African American was an African booty scratcher growing up. At least until you found out about Carribbean folks. Jamaicans got a pass cause beef patties were clutch growing up lol
— None of this is accurate (@JuiceLeroy) December 18, 2017
In Anthropology we are warned about societies that are traditional hunter-gatherers.And trust me there are many on the
African continent.White Anthropologist were mad that I could go there & they couldn’t.My super dark skin & growing up in a traditional African home prepared me— Ramon Smith (@bayzay913) December 18, 2017
I can count on one hand how many times I’ve heard “african booty scratcher” growing up but magically every african in the us was called such. Gtfo… https://t.co/wnqcxTtMV4
— JonJay2000 (@Jay2000Jon) December 18, 2017
Growing up African meant being unsure if something is an “african” thing or an “all black people” thing.
— U Bum (@SayLahVeee) December 18, 2017
