Household Labor, Culture Shocks, and Technological Change in Nigeria, Michigan, and Kentucky

Olufunmilola Obielodan interviews James Obielodan about his early life in Nigeria and career in the United States. Obielodan describes working on his family's farm in Nigeria and participating in household labor as a child. He also reflects on adjusting to a more urban area after moving in with his uncle in the 1960s and on going to high school in a different village. He describes domestic labor in Nigeria, using firewood for cooking and heating, and the concept of "house helps," hired servants to assist with chores. Obielodan also describes the cultural differences he noticed after moving to the United States, such as different technology and food. He reflects on his career, working in a radio station, and studying new technology. Obielodan also discusses moving from Michigan to Kentucky and compares life in those states to life in Nigeria. He reflects on the benefits of American lifestyles and access to amenities, while also describing the benefits of Nigeria's more tightly-knit communities and neighborhoods. Obielodan concludes by discussing his criticisms of Nigeria's 1977 festival of art and culture, FESTAC, which was funded with money generated from oil revenue, reflecting on the country's reliance on fossil fuel for economic growth.