Sunday, 21 July 2013

A PARADIGM SHIFT; PANACEA TO AILING MASSES

                 It is the duty of any people-loving government to open opportunities for the masses. This, I think, serves both sides - the State and the persons, for a hungry population is angry and poses a great danger to the government. But the big question is- how can the State forestall this anger of the people? Through jailing the have-nots? No! Through distribution of goodies and foodstuffs? No!

                 The answer is here. The language of the masses is always dictated by the gestures of the government. They say revolutionaries are never to blame for their revolutionary (and sometimes radical) acts. Theirs is just but a response to a situation befalling them. They establish the equilibrium by doing the opposite of what is done by state actors.

                  And this begs the questions; should a mother be sent to jail for stealing food to feed her kids? Should a poor village chap be condemned for not having somewhere to call home? Methinks to do this will be to take a wrong route. In every action, there must be a cause. It is by establishing this cause that we cure the action. Let’s open up this.

                There is that old adage that goes like this; “you don't give a man fish, you teach him how to catch it". The import of this is simple; avoid creating a begging society. Teach it to be self reliant and self sustaining. But how can this be realized? Are there ways to make them a reality? Yes, get them here:

                 Risk a life to save lives. People should be made to understand that it is through toiling, scratching and searching that they earn a living. It isn't through sleeping and sitting. It is about moving out, braving the colds, combing bushes, traveling far and wide that one gets to that Promised Land.

                 Willingness to learn should not just be an option but an obligation. This calls for non-discrimination. It demands that one walks with all people. Learning is thus a collection of other peoples' successes and failures. And these are found out there - in churches, mosques, markets, streets, villages, slums, cities and towns. The world around us is a minefield of successes and failures. We learn from them and through them.

                 Mass education should be driven by those with heavy hearts. Those who are ready to shake off their egos and embrace the life and language of the targeted group (the lowest of the lowest). Those who are ready to break the norms and sit and talk with the outcasts and the untouchables. It is by doing this that bonds are created. That long-lasting friendships take root. That knowledge is passed across to others. Over to you!      

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