Arab and Sub-Saharan African Culture, Are They Similar?

posted on: Jul 14, 2020

By: Yasmina Hage/Arab America Contributing Writer

We often differentiate between “white” Africa and “black” Africa. Some Arabs in Africa do not like to be called Africans, and some people in Sub-Saharan Africa do not like to recognize Arabs as Africans. Yet Sub-Saharan African culture and Arab culture have a lot in common. North Africa feels closer to the Middle East culturally, religiously, and in terms of its values. This is true because they are all Arab countries. However, you will see that apart from skin color and some differences related to the uniqueness of each country, the Arabs and Sub-Saharan Africa have a lot in common.

It should be noted that skin color is not always a sign of distinction. In fact, in the Maghreb countries, many Arabs have dark skin. One can take them for people of mixed race or even for people living in sub-Saharan Africa. In southern Algeria, for example, Algerians are black. 

Some Historical Explanations:

Basically, all African countries have a traditional culture with their rites, beliefs, and habits. However, European colonialists “destroyed” the culture of these countries to spread their own. Today, many African countries are Westernizing. However, they also kept many cultural values and habits. It is in these values and cultures that we will find the common points between Sub-Saharan Africa and the Arab countries. 

Some accuse colonialism of having sown the division between North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, while others say that the division existed much earlier. The concept that “black” means African is in itself a high form of racism. Thus, racism within the African continent itself represents an obstacle to a union. There is strength in unity, but the African Union finds itself in difficulty today because of these divisions.

Commonalities Between Arab and Sub-Saharan African Culture:

• The scholar education of children. The objective of parents living in Sub-Saharan Africa is the same as that of parents living in Arab countries. In fact, for them, the education of children is essential. Children must go to school and learn to become important and respected people. For many of these families, their children cannot tell them that they want to model or become football players. In the minds of the parents, the child must go to school and study hard to become, for example, a doctor, lawyer, or banker.

• Very festive cultures. Any occasion is good for celebration, especially weddings and success (school, promotion, career). Even when families don’t have a lot of means, they make sure to hold very festive events.

• Patriarchal societies. This means that the man or father is the head of the family; he makes the final decisions, and he has to take care of and protect his family. The woman is the “guardian” of the home. In fact, the house represents the woman, and that is why they always make it a point of honor to have a clean house. When it comes to children, the boy must be strong, build character, and not be too sensitive. Girls, on the other hand, should be gentle, elegant, and respectful.

• The great importance attached to hygiene. The majority of Arabs are Muslims, and in the Muslim religion, ablutions must be done before the five daily prayers. The countries of Sub-Saharan Africa are hot, so the population washes more daily than in the West, for example. Moreover, among Arabs and in Sub-Saharan Africa, cleanliness says a lot about the individual. They must always be presentable, well dressed, and impeccable. When there is a party, they must always be dressed up. All this is very important because it represents the image they reflect and, therefore, the image of the family. Even those who don’t have a lot of money make an effort to look presentable.

• The family has crucial importance in these cultures. Just like Arab families, families in Sub-Saharan Africa are very numerous. Also, being as a family, coming together, respecting and loving each other are very important for them.
• Religion has an essential place in the lives of individuals in both Sub-Saharan Africa and Arab countries. 

Similarities in Small Things:

• Sleepovers, which are very popular in the West, are not appreciated in these cultures. Arab and Sub-Saharan African parents will say, “You have a house, and a bed, so have fun but then come back home to sleep.”
• In these cultures, elders are referred to as “Uncle or Auntie” as a sign of respect. It also shows the familial aspect of these cultures. 

• Arabs and Sub-Saharan countries have rich and spicy food. In fact, these are cultures known for their “love of seasoning.” For them, a slightly spicy dish is tasteless.
• In these cultures, the elderly are not put in retirement homes. Children keep the elderly close to them and take care of them to show their gratitude for all that the elders have done for them. It also has to do with the family culture.
• These populations “show-off” very much. In fact, when a person has money or succeeded, he/she will boast a lot about what he/she has managed to do/get. However, people don’t necessarily brag about themselves to “taunt.” They are happy with what they have been able to accomplish and achieve, so they want to show it to the world.

Sources:

https://ayikaamag.com/les-differends-entre-afrique-noire-et-afrique-blanche/

http://ethiopiques.refer.sn/spip.php?page=imprimer-article&id_article=990

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