How to create a national character

THE CREATION/BIRTH OF A NATIONAL CHARACTER

As Nigeria celebrates its 50th anniversary as an autonomous nation, Nigeria, like many other African nations, is pondering what social formula could be used to create a positive national character.

This article attempts to examine how this elusive national attribute has been successfully achieved in other countries.

There are a variety of mechanisms used in the Western world to create a national character. In developed countries, the main mechanisms for providing this mass guidance include: radio, television, newspapers, cinematography, popular/classical music, popular/classical literature.

The two most versatile and powerful of these instruments are undoubtedly Television and Cinema. This is why television and cinema continue to be the most powerful and powerful tools for advertising within the world of commerce and industry worldwide.

Television is invasive and its impact on our lives is undoubtedly immediate and lasting.

Thus, Western democracies use the persuasive appeal of television and film to create national characters. Great Britain used cinemas massively, during the difficult years of the Second World War. It was used to keep the morale of the nation high. It was used to keep the entire population informed about the progress of the war. It was used to teach British communities about civil defense strategies and initiatives.

Radio was also used at this time to inform people of government strategies related to food rationing. Strategies that mothers could use to provide nutritious and balanced diets for their families, using ingredients rationed for women, were also broadcast into homes through radio and cinemas.

Television became prevalent in Britain after the war years. Television was massively used by the government to help/encourage households to put the war years behind them and get back on their feet.

No aspect of social life, necessary to make Britain a sophisticated nation-state, was left untouched.

In short, since World War II, Western democracies have recognized the enormous capacity of television to shape and shape society. He has used this awareness to great advantage. Television is used today to spread information very quickly to all parts of the UK. This information may be related to a missing child, a national disaster, the search for a dangerous criminal, or a chemical leak that poses a hazard and needs to be brought to the attention of people very quickly.

Television awards in Western societies occur annually. These awards celebrate citizens who have distinguished themselves in various walks of life. Award as: “Most Useful Invention of the Year”, encourages scientific design and innovation. The “Teacher of the Year” award celebrates the teacher who has made the most impact on the lives of students or even parents within a school community. The “Brave Heart of Britain Award” celebrates people who (in a given national crisis) heroically rescued injured people or aborted great loss of life.

Unsung heroes from various neighborhoods also receive awards. It can be a gentleman, who organizes sports activities for the young people during the school holidays, or it can be the altruistic grandmother who teaches the young women to make bread and crochet in the church hall, during the long summer vacations, to maintain these fun and busy teenagers; instead of wandering the streets. The Boy Scout Master and First Aid Master in English villages are often celebrated and applauded at these national award ceremonies.

Television is also used in the West to brand countries so that the rest of the world perceives them as desirable vacation destinations. Hollywood and the Walt Disney theme parks have perfected this art. The Caribbean islands make their resort appear as the most attractive in the world. In recent years, Spain has branded itself a warm haven, with miles of pristine white-sand beaches. The truth is that many Eastern European countries, such as Bulgaria, have truly beautiful spas that are equal to or even better than Spain, but they have not understood the importance of the national brand and therefore do not attract the number or caliber of clients that they do. the likes of Spain, Dubai or the Bahamas beckon.

Television and cinema are also subtly used to talk about the dynamic economic and sociopolitical power of a country. American movies tell us that the US is a big, virile economic giant.

Music and comedy broadcast on television help Western democracies celebrate life, laugh at themselves or at the peculiar habits or mannerisms of other nationals. The music of the Beatles characterized Britain in the early and mid-1960s.

Elvis Presley, Diana Ross and the Supremes all kept popular American teen culture alive, all over the world in the 1960s and 1970s.

In general, television and cinema are unrivaled in creating mass cultures, not only nationally but also internationally. Television and movies have helped make the world a smaller place. We know so much more about each other’s way of life and culture from what we see on television.

The West spends huge sums of money on the television and film industry, because it recognizes that it is very important to create a positive vision that society should aspire to.

The Bible tells us that many times a people perishes for lack of vision…….

When one thinks of France one thinks of perfumes, haute couture, cheeses and wines. Germany reminds you of Mercedes Benz and BMW, while Switzerland reminds you of international banking and chocolates.

Similarly, Nigeria should remind people: stunning beaches, colorful fabrics, beautiful and impressive landscapes, gleaming leather bags, elegant service and hospitality. Nigeria is able to remind everyone of exotic dishes, warm friendships, enchanting gospel music and unmixed joie de vivre. In other words, Nigeria should bring to mind, a country right in the heart of Africa, which makes you step back due to its beguiling beauty. These concepts can be woven into Nigerian music, literature and theater and presented to its people as visionary goals to aspire to.