The Caste System
Caste system is one of the negative characteristics of human society but celebrated by those that considered themselves superior to other even when they are of the same culture, ethnicity, and race.
The Eastern part of Nigeria is predominantly occupied by Igbo culture. Before the embrace of orthodox religions these people worship gods and deities.
Their society is classified into (1) Nwadiala, meaning ‘sons of the soil’, these group of people categorized themselves as the ‘Freeborn’ and they are the ‘Masters’. The second class of people is called the ‘OSU’ which means the slaves, the strangers, the outcasts, and the untouchables.
This class of people was treated with disdain, humiliated and subject to all kinds of abuse ranging from discrimination and other forms of abuse. Example, they are prevented from social interaction or relationship such as marriage, dancing, or drinking with the Nwadiala (the son of the soil).
This form of stereotype still quietly exists till date in Igbo traditional culture despite the embrace of Christianity, and globalization. The OSU Caste System still disallow marriages between the Nwadiala and the so called Osu. The consequences if violated include permanently barring the parties involved from their kinsmen and society.
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