By Robert M. Sammie
Silence does not necessarily indicate agreement. Silence, especially in situations of cultural or moral importance, can be pa form of betrayal rather than agreement. The silence of members of the Poro and Sande Societies—these ancient institutions of Indigenous Liberian culture—in the face of ongoing attacks and misrepresentations by some members of the broader society, including influential Western influences, is a clear act of betrayal.
When Silence Becomes Betrayal
Silence turns into betrayal when choosing not to speak or act results in harm, the erosion of cultural identity, or the abandonment of moral responsibilities. For instance, in close relationships, silence might be perceived as betrayal if it signifies disloyalty—such as not defending a loved one or not standing up for what is right. Similarly, in societal contexts, remaining silent when injustice occurs—such as misrepresentations of our traditions—can be tantamount to complicity. It enables misinformation to flourish and allows harmful narratives to take hold, ultimately undermining our cultural integrity.
In the context of the Poro and Sande Societies, silence in the face of mischaracterization and external assault is a betrayal of our ancestors’ sacrifices. It is a betrayal of the values these societies uphold—values that have historically fostered social cohesion, moral discipline, and cultural resilience. When educated and well-positioned members of society, including myself, choose silence instead of defending these sacred traditions, we betray our heritage and our future generations.
The True Nature of the Poro and Sande Societies
Contrary to the distorted narratives propagated by outsiders, the Poro and Sande Societies are not institutions of cruelty or barbarism. They are repositories of vital cultural values—respect for elders, honesty, discipline, hard work, community service, and empathy. These societies serve as moral schools that teach the younger generation how to live harmoniously within their communities and contribute positively to society at large.
The activities of the societies are practical and life-affirming. The Poro Society educates boys in skills like hunting, crafting, farming, and traditional arts—skills vital for self-sufficiency and community development. The Sande Society imparts skills to girls, including caregiving, farming, artistic expression, and cultural traditions. These teachings foster independence, responsibility, and social cohesion—qualities that helped build the strength and unity of our society in days past.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Our nation’s declaration of independence in 1847 was more than just a political act; it was a declaration of sovereignty and the recognition of our cultural identity. It signified the acknowledgment of our unique values, traditions, and social systems. Yet, over the decades, Western influences and modern political pressures have sought to redefine, undermine, or dismiss these indigenous systems.
Today, there is a disturbing trend of external and internal forces assigning negative labels—such as mutilation and harmful practices—to our initiation rites. These accusations are often based on misrepresentations designed to vilify and ultimately dismantle our cultural institutions. Such narratives are not only false but also deeply insulting to our ancestors who established these traditions to guide, protect, and uplift our people.
The Danger of External Interference
The recent decision by the Minister of Local Government to suspend the practices of the Poro and Sande Societies for a year—based on external pressures and misrepresentations—is a betrayal of our sovereignty. This action, taken without genuine understanding or respect for our traditions, exemplifies how external narratives can influence policy and undermine our cultural self-determination.
Such actions threaten to erode the very fabric of our cultural identity. When public officials endorse or capitulate to these distortions, they betray their duty to uphold and protect our heritage. It is an act of silence—an unwillingness to defend what is ours—that amounts to a betrayal of our ancestors’ legacy.
The Hypocrisy of the West
Alongside the ongoing assault on our cultural heritage, we witness a troubling double standard in how Western nations approach issues of morality and human rights. While they criticize and seek to dismantle our indigenous customs—such as initiation rites in the Poro and Sande Societies—they simultaneously promote and endorse practices that starkly contradict our traditional values, such as same-sex marriage and transgender rights. These issues are often presented as universal human rights, yet they fundamentally clash with our cultural, moral, and spiritual beliefs rooted in African traditions. The promotion of such practices in our society, under the guise of respecting individual freedoms, is a blatant hypocrisy and an affront to our values. It is disingenuous to champion human rights while simultaneously dismissing or undermining the moral fabric that has sustained our communities for generations. This selective application of human rights serves as a form of cultural imperialism—imposing Western norms while dismissing our own. The fact that our public officials have welcomed and romanticized these ideas without critically examining their implications for our society is a betrayal of our cultural sovereignty. For the good of our society, it is imperative that we reject this hypocrisy, stand firm in our traditional morals, and resist the imposition of foreign values that threaten to erode our identity and social cohesion.
Conclusion
In essence, silence in the face of cultural misrepresentation and external assault is not a sign of agreement or acceptance; it is a betrayal. It signifies a failure to defend our values, our history, and our identity. We must recognize that the true meaning of silence varies with context: sometimes it is a sign of respect, but more often in these circumstances, it is a form of complicity.
As custodians of our heritage, it is imperative that we speak out—loud and clear—and defend the integrity of the Poro and Sande Societies. Our silence today risks turning into the betrayal of our ancestors’ sacrifices and the erosion of our cultural sovereignty. Let us remember that true respect for our traditions entails active protection and advocacy, not silence that enables their destruction.
