The Yoruba differ from many other ethnic groups in southern Nigeria because respect for elders and people in positions of authority is deeply embedded in everyday culture. While outsiders may sometimes see this as excessive, pretentious, or even cowardly, in Yorubaland disrespecting an elder or other people reflects not only on the individual but also on their parents, family, community, friends, and peers. It can suggest that the person was not properly brought up. Yoruba take character, moral conduct, and existence, and being called ìwà, very seriously. I have seen this repeatedly in the UK. I have visited numerous homes of Yoruba friends and families, and parents often ensure their children, even when born and raised in Britain, greet an older Yoruba visitor properly. For a girl, this means kneeling; for a boy, prostrating. I have never asked or demanded that anyone do this. Many Yoruba parents regard it as an essential cultural courtesy. The thinking is that if a child ...