Modernity

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Modernity

Introduction

Modernity is a multifaceted concept. It means different things to different people. However, the paper defines it as an age of ideology which began after the traditional medieval period. It was characterized by a rapid shift from feudalism to capitalism, urbanization, industrialization, secularization and the emergence of the nation state (Regilme, S.S., 2012). This paper gives a critical analysis of the influences of the European culture in modernizing the world. It stresses on its contributions to capitalism and goes ahead to explore how it has persistently influenced the contemporary society.

European Influences

Modernity has been a contested word. Different scholars have come with conflicting theories explaining its origin. While the afro centrists argue in favor of Africa, their euro centrist counterparts advocate for Europe. This implies that each of these cultures had a contribution to make because modernity should not be leaned towards one cultural group (Adem, S., 2004). However, this paper emphasizes the contribution of Europeans to the modern worldview. While acknowledging that the contemporary society is highly diversified, it is true that European culture has really influenced people.

After observing the successes got from the historical American Revolution, France, through its far-sited leaders like Napoleon Bonaparte, participated in the French Revolution. Their efforts in fighting the autocratic the Catholic Church, Louis XV and XVI, revolutionized Europe. As Adem Seifudein explains, it resulted into the ultimate death of feudalism, theocracy and totalitarianism. Instead, it led to the formulation of Codes of Napoleon which advocated for democracy and social order. This was the turning point in world modernity since it led to the rise of capitalism and individualism which would later spread to all corners of the world. This was witnessed after the abolition of land feudal system which stripped the church of its large parcels of land it owned before. It was transferred to the bourgeois who later made a good use of it by establishing plantations. As Karl Marx argued, this was the origin of a capitalist state which would later persist up to the present times.

Capitalism

Capitalism refers to an economic system characterized by private ownership of the means of production. According to Marx, it results into the subdivision of the society between the rich bourgeois and the poor proletariat. As the controller of the means of production, the bourgeoisie accumulates capital as they exploit the laborers. On the other hand, the proletariat only provides their labor, but do not have a say on how it is used in the production of wealth. This ideology was spread from Europe to all other continents. This explains why contemporary modernity is characterized by a high degree of capitalism and individualism. Capitalist ideas were spread to Africa during the colonial period. Since Africans believed in the superiority of the western culture, they decided to abandon their traditional cultural practices in favor of the whites’ (Wood, E.M., 2002).

During the pre-colonial period, Africans were great egalitarians. They believed in kinship ties and the sharing of wealth amongst all the members of the society. In fact, many historians assert that this was greatest value in Africa. They were naturally generous and would not do anything for the sake of individual gain. Whenever any action had to be taken, it was done for the sake of the entire community. The interests of the society were always put primary to individuals’. There was a very strong belief in family ties and helping one another during crises. It was unethical to be selfish and exploit one another in an unjust manner. Even if there were elements of capitalism, it was not used to exploit others. Even land which was (and still remains) the major factor of production, was communally owned. However, all this changed after getting influenced by the Europeans who forced their modernity on them. It is true that many people nowadays associate modernity to western culture. Anything African is regarded as barbaric and should not be done however good it may be (Benton, J. R., & R. DiYanni, 2012).

Although African art greatly impacted on European culture, it would not last longer because the Africans themselves regarded themselves as traditional and superstitious. As a result of the inferiority complex instilled in them, they believe that they can not be contributors, but consumers of modernity (Jarzombek, M., 2000). It is because of such a notion that they have accepted to fully embrace capitalism. Unlike before, Africans are no longer concerned about the welfare of others. They have adopted the western belief in individual uniqueness, success, accountability and responsibility. Meaning, each person is for himself and should not rely on any other person. Each person is free to participate in wealth creation in the highly competitive market. Besides, all the people have to responsible for their own actions (McCraw, T.K., 2011).

However, this has become so challenging because it has posed a very stiff competition especially to the lower classes. At the same time, many people have taken advantage of such an opportunity to exploit others. The bourgeois have increasingly exploited the proletariat to the extent that the gap between them has become wider. This is the reason why there is a skewed development in most of the developing countries (Carroll, M.T., 2000). The blind adoption of western culture in the name of modernity has caused more harm than good. A part from injuring their social economy, it has also led to the erosion of their cultural practices.

According to Jarzombek, Mark, this can be blamed on the wide spread of practices like hip hop music which has now revolutionized the global entertainment industry. Instead of preaching harmony, unity and love, they have diverted to immoralities such as violence, hooliganism and promiscuity. These are some of the ‘modernities’ which have been from the ‘modern’ West. They have influenced many youth to adopt them. As a result of the belief that everything which comes from the west is modern, they have shunned their cultural practices. Although such musical lyrics are associated with perverseness, many of the young turks do not care (Benton, J. R., & R. DiYanni, 2012). They emulate these whites without knowing the implications of such actions. For instance, they change their traditional music for the hip hop and always tend to rap like the white artists. Besides, they also change their dressing styles in resembling to the whites. This explains why sagging clothes are being used in different places today.

The paper concludes by agreeing with the assertion that modernity has impacted on the world in various ways. While it can be credited with development, it must be blamed for negatively influencing others to believe in western superiority. It is not justified to refer to one culture as superior to others. Modernity should not be synonymous to the West. Instead, diversity should be appreciated by tolerating everyone. After all, each tradition has a significant contribution to society. Modernity should be perceived rationally to mean what is applicable to all. Instead of linking it only to the west, it should also include other cultures like African since it contributed in many ways. Its arts and architectural designs influenced works for great European artists which are still in use up to date.

References

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McCraw, T.K. (2011). The Current Crisis and the Essence of Capitalism. The Montreal Review.

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