I agree with you that Dan may have either risked taking that proverb out
of context or did not clarify his logic fully. [I wonder if what he had in mind
was another saying or curse - "Uma i gba ne Edo" - which comes from a different
historical context - or if he was just being provocative in general. He certainly
does not mean to say that Edos have no history of rising in revolt against oppressive
and exploitative leadership. It has been done before and can be done again.]
For proverbs to be understood their contextual
meaning must be appreciated. There is depth to the observation that in the natural
heirarchy of the animal kingdom, mice (or rats) have never come together to
unite for the purpose of killing the Cat - their notorious predator. Thus one
might note that no number of rats can scare a cat merely because they outnumber
it. One might also note that the failure to unite to take on a Cat may reflect
certain bio-sociological characteristics of rats that condemn them to eternal
fear of Cats. Interestingly, there is a military theory (doctrine) that victory
in war is more a function of social organization than weapons per se. Our elders
have expressed their understanding of this doctrine in this proverb - in my
view.
I see it as a profound recognition of the power
of unity, organization and coordination, not a defeatist manifestation of fatalism.
Therein lies the lesson for modern Edo society. Those who oppress us are of
the same species - homo sapiens - not some different species in the animal kingdom.
Hence my mild disagreement with Dan's interpretation.
NB: I invite subscribers to comment on interpretational
issues - particularly for more complex idioms and proverbs. Identical or similar
proverbs written or said in other Edo-speaking or Nigerian dialects are welcome.
Lets share wisdom.
**********************
Nowa and all, I believe Dan should have used the
Edo proverb "Ore avbiere a mue no mwentin la", intepreted in English "you
parade the strong through the neighborhood of the weak and cowards".
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