fight. Some Maasai like Livingstone who went to school got educated believe that the country the European colonized is ready to stand alone. The advantage of
school is that it teaches Maasai about the history of European rule thus making the Maasai having a clear understanding on modernity with leads to evolving and
progress.
3. The Rise of Individual and Freedom
The third dimension of modernity is the rise of individual and individualism. A move from traditional to modern life was the idea that people as
individual could make choices. Where peoples choices were once bound by tradition.
Before colonization people weren‟t free to make choice especially for the woman. This concept of choice is reflected in many ways in society, not only with
the emergence of life choices but also with the idea of consumption and consume. After colonization people are able to make free choices for their life. Anyone can
choose whether they prefer following the tradition or modern way, its the life choice that exists.
a. Lerionka
The rise of individual shown by Lerionka was the moment he went to school.
One of Lerionka‟s characteristic is brave, he is brave enough to make his own choices. He has shown his individuality by bravely making a choice.
„Work hard,‟ Selelo said as he opened the door to go.‟You have chosen to learn, so put your whole mind to it. Any time I come to Arusha, I will
come to see you.p.127
In the above quotation, Lerionka was escorted to school by Selelo. Selelo kept Lerionka in mind that he has chosen to study and must work hard. Lerionka
as an individual was brave enough to make such decision to go to school. Not many Maasai would choose to learn over becoming warriors. Many young Maasai
would follow the traditional way of life, when they are coming out of age they would become warriors. As Ole Maimai statement in http:www.maasai-
association.orgceremonies.html Young men are still eager to be circumcised and beome warriors. Once
the boys become warriors they resume reponsibility of security for their territory.
According to the above statement not many Maasai boys are willing to
exchange their chance to become warriors for school unlike Lerionka. However it all goes back to one individual. Before colonial rule Maasai had no say whether
they want to become warriors or not they follow the ways of their Forefather now after the colonial rule the rise of individual and freedom to choose which allows
an individual to choice their own life.
b. Kariankei
Kariankei moves from traditional to modern life, as an individual to make choices. He made a decision of sending his son Lerionka to Arusha . The
rise of individual came from his characteristics proud, he is proud and does not stand to no one.
„He frowned and looked at me and said, Lerionka, I am still strong. I am not going to be dictated to by anybody. As planned, you will
accompany some people tomorrow to Arusha. Do you understand? p.44
