Here’s a statement that’s bound to spark debate: a popular Nigerian streamer just labeled an entire West African nation as 'uneducated' because they don’t speak English. But here’s where it gets controversial... Is this a harmless joke or a misguided jab at cultural differences? Let’s dive in.
Nigerian comedian and TikTok sensation Habeeb Hamzat, better known as Peller, recently set the internet ablaze with a viral video discussing his upcoming trip to Ivory Coast. In the clip, Peller jokingly reveals his plan to purchase AirPods with translation features to overcome the language barrier, stating, 'They don’t understand English in that country. They are uneducated like me.' While delivered in his signature self-deprecating humor, the comment quickly ignited a firestorm of reactions.
And this is the part most people miss... Peller’s remark wasn’t just about language—it was a broader, albeit clumsy, attempt to highlight shared struggles across Africa. He later clarified, 'Everybody living in Africa, they are like me. Everybody will call me uneducated. Imagine everybody from Africa. See, uneducated—we are the same. Africa is the same now.' But was this a satirical take on unity or a tone-deaf generalization? The internet remains divided.
On one hand, some viewers found the video hilarious, appreciating Peller’s comedic style. On the other, many criticized it as disrespectful, pointing out that Ivory Coast is a French-speaking nation with a rich linguistic heritage, including local languages like Dioula and Baoulé. One user, @Tapto_earn, summed it up: 'Funny how someone calls others uneducated for not speaking English while admitting he’s uneducated too. Maybe language isn’t the problem, just misplaced pride.'
Here’s the kicker: Peller’s comment inadvertently exposes a deeper issue—the tendency to equate English proficiency with education. As @nettibabe pointed out, 'Illiterate Ivory Coast is francophone, how do you expect them to understand English. Meanwhile, Nigeria is an English-speaking country, so you don’t have an excuse.' This raises a thought-provoking question: Should fluency in a global language like English be the benchmark for intelligence or education?
Beyond the controversy, Peller’s personal struggles add another layer to the story. In a previous emotional video, he opened up about becoming his family’s breadwinner at just 19, admitting he often avoids visiting them due to the pressure. This vulnerability has earned him both sympathy and criticism, with some praising his honesty and others questioning his influence on youth.
So, what do you think? Was Peller’s comment a harmless joke, a misguided generalization, or something in between? Does equating language with education perpetuate harmful stereotypes? Let’s keep the conversation going—share your thoughts in the comments below!
