The Long Wave: Why more countries are ditching the British monarchy
Briefly

The article discusses recent moves among Commonwealth countries towards decolonising their national identities, featuring insights from Caribbean correspondent Natricia Duncan. Highlighting initiatives like Benin’s citizenship offer to descendants of enslaved individuals, it showcases how nations are reconnecting with their histories. It also covers challenges faced by cultural institutions, such as the Nanna Living History Museum in Nigeria, struggling against issues like termite infestations. These actions are part of broader efforts to create identities that align more closely with the unique cultural heritages of member countries, representing a significant shift in post-colonial narratives.
Natricia Duncan describes the Commonwealth's recent initiatives for decolonization, emphasizing that national identity must reflect the unique history and cultures of member countries.
Discussions of identity among Commonwealth nations are crucial, as countries like Benin extend citizenship offers to descendants of enslaved peoples, fostering a sense of belonging and reconnection.
Natricia highlights the importance of understanding cultural histories, stating that by embracing their past, nations can create identities that empower rather than erase their experiences.
The struggles of the Nanna Living History Museum underscore the challenges many Commonwealth sites face, as they seek to honor histories while contending with modern struggles, like funding and preservation.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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