Very often when we use the term JJC, we always associate it with something negative or demeaning. 

“Why that girl dey so?”
“Na JJC.”
“Aaaah, no wonder!”

“Why does he talk that way?” and the questions that are often answered with the phrase “na JJC” abound. We know we’ve had these conversations before; I too have had a few! But what is it that is so irritable about newcomers? About people who were so courageous and brave enough to give up everything and venture into the unknown, to make the journey into a new land to find new opportunities and build better lives for themselves? I’ll tell you what.

I bet they remind us of a time when we were vulnerable when we didn’t know any better…walking around feeling uncomfortable, not the least bit confident in ourselves. They remind us of a time when we didn’t know how to communicate properly with others or dress according to “societal” standards when we longed for people to accept us. Yes, I think every time we look at that JJC, we see ourselves in them and shudder at the fact that we once were like that, and we hate the fact that we could ever be that vulnerable and so we treat them with disdain. 

The first time I visited the USA, I was 10 years old. It was a summer vacation which eventually became a family tradition and we would visit every summer or so, to spend time with family and friends. Back then I was one of the cool kids and it was fantastic! The last time I traveled to the USA however, I didn’t return home. This time around I became a JJC. 

Funny how life works isn’t it? Today we’re one thing and the next day we’re not. Imagine leaving behind everything you’ve known and grown accustomed to, your way of life, your career or business, your family and then starting all over; learning how to make conversation, figuring out how to earn a living, how to fend for yourself, how to look good at some social event so people don’t make fun of you. The challenges are endless. Of course, we all know, we’ve been there. 

How about we do things differently the next time we spot that JJC at a party or social event? Instead of whispering in the corner (which very often isn’t a whisper), walk up to them and say hi and ask how they’re doing, or better yet, resist the urge to say something negative or just remain silent. Being the new kid is never easy. Let’s not make it harder on them. Just be nice.

PS.        JJC is a derogatory term used by most Africans to describe someone who just emigrated from Africa. I bet we all have stories about the challenges or difficulties we experienced as a JJC which caused others to laugh at or mock at us. Please feel free to share your experiences with us in the comment section.

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1. Why does that girl look like that?

2.  She is a “Johnny Just Come”

Tina Sama