What is Respect : We have several definitions for the word "Respect" but we are going to be working with the definition that applies in the context of this discuss. The Oxford dictionary of English defines respect to mean, A feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities or achievement. From the definition above it is clear that respect can be influenced, altered or even watered down to non existence. This is to say respect is not absolute and cannot be enforced but should be merited by someone or something's abilities, qualities or achievements this easily applies to respect as we all know it.

Interpreting this in the customary or real life scenario; A King is respected for the office of authority or position that he holds, however he could lose the respect of his subjects if he abuses such power or authority in his care. A father or mother by default gains the respect of their children for fathering and giving birth to them, for nurturing and training them through life however in the same weight a parent could easily lose their respect should they fail to live up to their responsibility. A successful man is also respected for the level of wealth and affluence that he controls however this would be different if his source of wealth is questionable.

What does the Bible say about respect:
1 Peter 2:17
Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. This bible verse shows that respect is not absolute.
1 Peter 3:7
Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. This bible verse shows that respect is not only for the strong or person in authority.
Titus 2:7
Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity. This bible verse shows that character influences respect.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. This bible verse shows that persons who have laboured to become successful deserve to be respected for they have earned it.

In Igbo Culture and Tradition Respect is Relative not Absolute you earn it you don't enforce it. The Igbo's are deeply rooted in culture and traditions this is why our social and cultural lives differ from others. This cultural and societal differences are the enablers and propellers of the Igbo distinct traits that make us unique, hardworking and successful in various trades or chosen spheres of life and human endeavors wherever the Igbo's find themselves. Before you can judge or interpret respect in the Igbo society or amongst the Igbo's one needs to understand and have proper knowledge of the Igbo custom and tradition's first.

Nwa di Ana and Nna Ochie Traditions
In the Igbo culture and traditions I find this as one of the most interesting and amazing of them all. The Nwa di and Nna ochie tradition makes it possible for a young man to be greeted by an elder when such elder comes in presence of the young man he takes a little bow while expecting a pat on the shoulder from the young man as a sign of subtle recognition and respect to the young man. In Nigerians when other ethnic groups see such an act it is tantamount to Igbo's not having respect for elders, but they simply do not understand the distinct nature of the Igbo culture which is simply beautiful, also the fact that respect is relative and not absolute in the Igbo culture is more evidence of the Igbo-Jewish connection with biblical evidence as reference point.

Igbo Titles persons who have excelled in their field, brought about development or persons who have exceptional abilities, qualities and achievements people who fall within these category are awarded with titles that reflect their status and achievements in the society. In Igbo land it is okay for a young man to call a Titled man after his title without any prefix or suffix like Mr, Mrs, Sir, Madam or the likes, this is because the title already indicates and represent respect as only respected men are titled men in Igbo land. The same way it is okay to call one a Barrister, Doctor, SAN, Engineer regardless their age. This is also applicable in corporate work environment where it is okay to call your boss by nicknames that they chose to be called in the office this does not reduce their status or indicate disrespect. So when you see a young Igbo man address an elder by his Name (titled) it is no disrespect.

Respect is deeply rooted in truth, honesty and transparency in Igbo land and culture, In Igbo land one does not withhold the truth in other not to disrespect an elder. Igbo's believe that Eziokwu bu ndu loosely translated to mean truth is life. In Igbo land one does not close his eyes or stitch his lips in the face of evil or bad actions for respect to be sustained and evil to prevail. Elders are expected not to compromise or tell lies as this can make younger ones speak against such ills which can easily be seen as disrespectful in other tribes in the Nigerian context.

Equity, Justice and Fairness (Egbe b'elu Ugo b'elu) this is the first Igbo rule of survival that is why it is easy for Igbo's to speak out in the face of marginalization, oppression or injustice against its own or any other. In Igbo land every one is equal and no one is over the other or allowed to oppress any other, we all know the famous song from the musical icon chief Oliver ebili ka'm bili, (live and let's live).

Igbo's respect their wealthy sons of the soil but do not worship them, Igbo's respect Son of the soil who have broken all boundaries and gone against all odds to become successful, such people and are seen as nation builders in Igbo land and an Igbo adage say e'to dike na nke omere ome kwa ozo. "If you appreciate what a great man (nation builder) have done he will do more".

Marriage; When one is of age or married he is accorded respect by both young and old alike and can partake in discussions with his kinsmen and participate in meetings with elders. A popular Igbo adage says when a child washes his hands very well he eats with the elders.

So when next you see that elderly Igbo man taking a bow and a younger Igbo chap patting his shoulders you have seen a clear display of Nna-oche and nwa-di-Ana tradition being exhibited, so do not think he is bowing down because the young Igbo chap is rich or famous, Nna ochie and Nwa di Ana tradition is a very popular culture amongst all Igbo ethnic stock till today. Igbo land is truly blessed and endowed with beautiful customs and traditions preserved generations through generations. Hopefully this thread have been able to debunk age long lies that Igbo's do not have respect for elders, these lies only existed cause people who tell such lies know nothing about the Igbo customs and traditions.

Igbo nation was built upon the "igwebuike" concept. Wch means we all help out each other to succeed here in Igbo land

raker300:
Igbo nation was built upon the "igwebuike" concept. Wch means we all help out each other to succeed here in Igbo land

Thank you for the pictures, it really spiced up the post.

The mind is enriched when it is open to learn what forms the identity of other people rather than stereotyping based on ignorance.

If an Igbo boi of 28 returns from drugs peddling biz in malasia with 500 million he will be respected more than all the kings in his senatorial district and given chieftancy title of his choice. Respect in Igbo land is for those that have money (onye ego) that's why igbos are desperate to make money from any means it's a crime not to be rich as an ibo man irrespective of how. So my brother stop deceiving people with your write up.

[quote author=ajigiteri post=54486914][/quote] Young man don't come here to tribalize this thread, you can refer to any of my threads to see how I deal with tribalist or ask Laribari, if you notice I dint display your post so you can modify it. Yorubas come and call this your boy to order cause when I start now you peeps will start telling me how I am betraying Yorubas because of the trust they bestowed on me.

ajigiteri:
If an Igbo boi of 28 returns from drugs peddling biz in malasia with 500 million he will be respected more than all the kings in his senatorial district and given chieftancy title of his choice. Respect in Igbo land is for those that have money (onye ego) that's why igbos are desperate to make money from any means it's a crime not to be rich as an ibo man irrespective of how. So my brother stop deceiving people with your write up.

ndigbo ama eze simply means IBO have no respect for anybody talkles of eze which is the ruler they only praise and respect the rich any how the money comes

disumusa:
ndigbo ama eze simply means IBO have no respect for anybody talkles of eze which is the ruler they only praise and respect the rich any how the money comes

Aboki, there is nothing like Ndigbo ama Eze, it is Igbo enwe Eze, which loosely translates to Igbo's are Equal. While they may be a King Igbo's see themselves as being equal and have been democratic in nature long before Nigeria was amalgamated. Thats why SE does not have beggars, destitutes and almajiri's littering the region like you see in the north. I pray the gods of your lands and forefathers give you the understanding to assimilate this so you don't fill your heart with hate, jealousy and envy to come back here picking a fight amongst ur superiors, aboki.

ajigiteri:
If an Igbo boi of 28 returns from drugs peddling biz in malasia with 500 million he will be respected more than all the kings in his senatorial district and given chieftancy title of his choice. Respect in Igbo land is for those that have money (onye ego) that's why igbos are desperate to make money from any means it's a crime not to be rich as an ibo man irrespective of how. So my brother stop deceiving people with your write up.

University degree has no impact on you.
Point me 5 places that happened, you can't.
Reduce the hate in you, its making you look ugly!

Let me perch here. Just in case Lalasticlala finds the thread worthy of FP. Hehe!

Looking at those pictures it is easy to tell that Igboland will be great.