James Phanungkiu
MSW, NEISSR
The present day Nagaland is experiencing a significant influence from Korean and Western cultures especially among the younger generation. This influence is leading to changes in our society, including lifestyles, ideas, innovations and approaches. The undeniable influence of foreign cultures has substantially transformed our way of living and thinking, making it crucial to adapt to the demands of modern-day life. Many success stories of Naga youths are emerging in various fields, serving as inspiration for future generations both nationally and globally. The rise of young entrepreneurs, skilled individuals and talented individuals in sports, music, design and fashion and film industries is a positive development for society. Another noteworthy aspect is the commendable determination exhibited by these youths despite of the on-going struggle of young individuals combating the surge in unemployment in the state. Instead of succumbing to the limitations within the state, they exhibit resilience by seeking job opportunities beyond its borders. This proactive approach not only reflects their commitment to personal growth but also serves as a testament to their eagerness to attain professional independence, contributing to a broader narrative of self-reliance and economic empowerment.
However, there are negative aspects to this cultural influence as well. Negative aspects tend to overshadow the positive ones when considering the impact of foreign culture. This discussion will primarily centre around the detrimental effects of foreign influence aiming to scrutinize the actual ground realities in our social context. Nagaland is becoming a contested environment where people easily succumb to the influence of fashion and replicating someone else's lifestyle. The minds of youth are sometimes manipulated to a certain extent, leading individuals to turn blessings into curses and adopting practices without careful consideration. This can lead to a loss of our identity, history and traditions causing us to forget who we are, where we come from and what we used to be. Many youths today, despite coming from a middle class background, incline to have only branded goods. There is nothing wrong with owning these items but the most concerning factor is that, the focus on fashion and foreign cultures is indirectly affecting the economic condition of families and social lifestyles leading individuals to forget their roots and status. It is sad to see that today's youth often prioritize more on showcasing physical appearances over intellectual pursuits. The trend of dressing up for church on Sundays has turned places of worship into red-carpet, detracting from the spiritual growth and connection with God that should be fostered. People dress elegantly but are incapable to work like their parents missing out the actual essence of beauty. Another issue is the mentality of entitlement where individuals complain if a parent doesn’t serve fancy food on their table despite not earning a single penny themselves. While Nagas are eager to replicate others' lifestyles, they neglect to uphold the good values taught by elders and teachers at homes and institutions. There is a lack of knowledge about their own origin yet a deep understanding of celebrities and influencers on social media who may not even be aware of their existence. The irony lies in the eagerness to learn foreign cultures and languages but is hesitant to learn their own culture and has led some to forget their own mother tongue. The prevailing Naga realities include individuals appearing as models but exhibiting questionable mental behaviour possessing quantity over quality, suits up branded clothes while manners are degraded, displaying best smiles while harbouring corrupted mindsets and rushing to use iPhone while IQ is finite.
The blend of modern and traditional custom is contradictory to address and the society seem unable to counteract these trends due to the pervasive influence of growing modernization. Nonetheless, while learning and adapting different civilizations, it is important for us to strike a balance between embracing new cultures and preserving our own heritage in order to maintain a sense of identity and belonging. It is essential to appreciate our roots, values and culture rather than blindly following trends and influences that may not align with our true identity. Our Naga society is stuck in a world of fantasies overshadowing the ground realities. Unrealistic aspirations are outweighing, diverting attention from pragmatic concerns and hindering progress. The need of the hour is to reflect on our inner selves, rediscover the realities of life and shift our mindset from idealistic and impractical views to a more practical approach. It's crucial to foster a balance between aspirations and the tangible challenges our community faces promoting a more sustainable and attainable path forward.
