How To Be An African: 27 Do-Nots

Here’s what I tried not to do as a child growing up in Cameroon.

Do not – under any circumstance, talk back to your parents.
Do not take anything from your parents or older relatives with your left hand.
Do not be left-handed. That hand gets slapped every time you attempt to use it.
Do not be too needy.
Do not complain.
Do not get in fights.
Do not ask for allowance.
Do not grumble. Take all punishment for wrong doing remorsefully, and in silence.
Do not look anyone older than you in the eye. Look to the ground in respect.
Do not keep any money received from relatives. Hand all money to parents.
Do not address elders by their names. Refer to them as Auntie or Uncle (whether they are relatives or not).
Do not throw away used containers or jars. They are for storage.
Do not fail a test.
Do not forget stuff.
Do not play too much.
Do not throw unnecessary tantrums in order to get what you want.
Do not ask for too much. Take what you are given with gratitude.
Do not pick a career choice other than Medicine, Law or Engineering.
Do not hide anything from your parents. They will find out.
Do not sleep too much.
Do not eat too much.
Do not dodge a blow coming at you.
Do not desire luxurious things that your friends might own
Do not bring friends of the opposite sex to your house.
Do not visit a friend’s home without permission.
Do not stay at a friend’s house past sundown.
Do not have a boyfriend or girlfriend.