Exploring the Vibrant Igbo Culture Through the Eyes of a Nigerian Immigrant

Name Institutional Affiliations Date Ethnographic Interview Assignment Introduction Understanding other cultures is essential. John Madu serves as the main interviewee in this ethnography. Madu is a Nigerian male aged 23 years and identifies himself as heterosexual. Madu resides in the United States with his family, who holds and treasures the Nigerian culture. He is a Christian who shares the Igbo culture with Jewish and traditional/deity worshippers. The interview took place in a library near my house. To this effect, this essay will provide a detailed analysis of Madras cultural belief to offer an understanding of how his culture views the nature of human existence among other factors, effects of cultural traditions, beliefs, and values to his life and challenges a social worker from another culture would encounter while interacting with Madu or any other person from his culture. Interview Madu belongs to the Igbo culture. It is among the most prominent cultures in Nigeria, with people sharing this culture residing in the southern parts of Nigeria. Madu confirmed that his culture does not entirely depend on doctors but rather on traditional/herbal medicines. Except for critical cases like surgery and complex illnesses, Madu argues that a hospital would be of no use to them as his people have vast knowledge in traditional methods of preventing and treating most of the short and long-term diseases. He prides on how his cultural acceptance and employment of herbal drugs have enhanced his and his people's response to covid-19 and Ebola. His culture believes in heterosexuality and straight marriages in line with God's purpose of creation. They treasure their customs and traditions, which demand a traditional marriage before any other form of marriage. The traditional wedding takes place at the bride's father or close male relatives' home, which comes with the bridal price. Concerning death, Madu argues that his culture believes in life after death. The end of a young soul below 69 years is mourned bitterly as considered a painful exit with a celebration of the life lived by those who die above 70years as considered glorious exit. Madu culture embraces and respects gender roles. Masculinity rules amongst his culture as Madu confirms that they believe that a man is the sole provider of his family and society. Man/husband should work more than woman/wife who works half of the time. Madu argues that he is expected to work harder