My name is Mudiaga but my friends and family call me Mudi. It took me a long time to ‘accept’ my name. As a child I remember sitting uncomfortably in class whilst the teacher took the register – knowing it was going to be called in full; and worse, mispronounced. How I longed for a normal (“English”) name. If I’m honest, it wasn’t until my University years that I finally accepted my name and tried to ‘become it’. For those unfamiliar with the Urhobo language (one of the languages spoken in Delta State, Nigeria) my name translated to English means ‘Stand Firm’.
I have been asked by a few people what made me decide to start blogging and I wanted to share my response as I think it gives some insight About Me and my journey to ‘standing firm’.
- I wanted to create a platform for self-expression on issues and topics that genuinely move or interest me.
- I am (proud to be) Nigerian by heritage. This I neither can control nor feel guilt for. There is a fair degree of negative imagery that can sometimes be associated with people of Nigerian descent. I’m sure many are familiar with the various ‘Nigerian scam’ jokes for example all over the internet. You may even find them funny. Unfortunately, these jokes can create cognitive biases (but they’re harmless right?) and can have detrimental effects on the sense of self-worth for the abused. My wife and I love our son and will give our lives to protect him. I hope, through my writings, to play my part in showcasing the strong, entrepreneurial and hardworking elements of a people whose image has been so badly damaged by the few.
- Above all, I wanted to put something out in the world that my unborn son could read in future to learn a little about who his father is and was. My mother is no longer here with me and I remain grateful for the digital footprint she created that allows me to continue to hear and see her in my home.
My call to action is firstly that you read (and leave comment on :-)) my blog and remember the humanity that resides in all of us; regardless of gender, race and sexual orientation we are all souls residing in borrowed bodies trying to forge a life whilst we are here.
I would agree on your point on negative stereo-types out there, based on areas of our identity that we have no control over and which do not define ourselves, as this is done through our actions (and in-actions).
We are all guilty of judging, based on generalizations that have roots in hearsay and old wives tales. Having a more open mind would definitely help us all today, and for those that are yet to come, in better communicating and moving forward as a people and species.
Solomon makes a good point about us all be guilty of generalisations.
And the self acceptance note running through your article cannot be overstated.
Such a beautiful and open account of who you are and your experience Mudi !
In regards to negative imagery – I too am guilty of such jokes and as a consequence, reinforcing those ideas . . . and the truth is I should be part of the solution, not the problem.
G’day from the Gold Coast!
The truth told like never before! Today in class we did a case study on this post. 30 of us having huge discussions about whether a name can hold us back or help us progress forward. Had huge discussions and am making my own talk later this week about being Nigerian living in a white country. It’s not right what the media do, and other make jokes without understanding the true impact.
We’ve never met, never spoken, but you’re an inspiration to me! I know as a Nigerian the liberal media will never let this blog get big. But keep doing what you’re doing and spreading your experiences. It’s not all about money, and even if you’re broke but sending out good vibes that’s worth it’s weight in gold!
Thank you again this awesome article. It’s appreciated, even if only by a few passers by.
Hi Bolanile,
Your post touched me. I’m really glad to hear that the article resonated with you / your classmates and moved you to leave a response :-).
Watch this space…the next post will be made available in the next 24 hours.
Wow! Can’t believe you replied! Thanks so much taking the time!!! I actually have goosebumps lol.
May I make a request. In this post you’ve spoken a lot about what you “want”. Can you write a post about what you’ve done (i.e. work, business, etc…). Have you achieved your life goals or still working towards them? Failures and successes. I guess we hear so often about what Nigerians are not, and the complaints of negative stereotypes.
I myself am studying Civil Engineering at Bond University and aspire to bring change to my homeland. I don’t know how, but I would like to help my family there.
I’ve subscribed to your RSS and shared this blog with my family in Nigeria and New Zealand. You’ve got a fan in me!
Thanks for making a request about the content of a future blog. It’s great to know that I’ll have at least one passer by :-). I give my word that I will write a post about ‘what I’ve done’ in either my next post or the one after.
Look out for it.
Mudi