In a candid revelation during a recent podcast episode with popular media personality Stephanie Coker, celebrated Nollywood actress Shaffy Bello opened up about her experiences with younger individuals who address her casually by her first name, ‘Shaffy.’
The veteran actress acknowledged that it’s not uncommon for her to receive friendly greetings like ‘Hi Shaffy’ from younger people. Understanding the impact of upbringing and cultural differences on such interactions, Shaffy Bello expressed her perspective on the matter.
She astutely observed the cultural nuances at play, noting that, for instance, the Igbo culture typically employs terms like ‘aunty’ as a mark of respect. Shaffy found it interesting that, even in the United States, people often refer to their relatives with respectful titles like ‘aunty’ or ‘cousin,’ highlighting a cultural contrast.
Sharing her approach to these informal greetings, Shaffy Bello revealed that she responds with a blend of understanding and correction. She emphasized the importance of respect and the need for individuals to earn the right to address her by her first name. In a graceful yet firm manner, she would pull them aside and convey, “You haven’t earned the right to call me by my name. I have a child as old as you are. Even if I didn’t have children, you haven’t earned the right, and you would never earn the right at your age to call me by my name.”
The actress’s approach reflects a balance between cultural sensitivity and the expectation of respect, emphasizing the significance of earning the privilege to address someone by their first name. Shaffy Bello’s insights provide a thoughtful perspective on navigating intergenerational interactions in a diverse and culturally rich society. This revelation serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and respecting cultural norms, even in seemingly casual interactions.
