Beyond the Meaning in my World of Controversy — BMWC
When criticisms become condemnation, they submerge goodwill
The society is usually reluctant at hailing you for your good works but more than ready to condemn you at the least mistake. Remember, the focus is more on WHAT we are than the WHO we are. Just do what you HAVE to do and move on.
Have you ever felt misconstrued for your actions hence condemned by the society when in fact, you were rather seeking the good of same? Take a moment and reflect. Criticisms are good and they remain one of the key tools required for shaping our lives and therefore, sustaining the structures and the health of the society. However, the form, style and energy with which some of them are expressed, can make you feel being condemned rather than being criticised. Sometimes you break your back for the survival of the society but when the elders meet, they are rather angry at you for not passing the goodies through them.
There are many people who have withdrawn their services to their communities just because they have never been appreciated for what they have done. Some of them have even vowed never to have anything to do with their roots. Although such a decision may be unfortunate, you may be tempted to side with them if you listen to the full story. How many times have we as a people not assassinated the personality of our leaders for one reason or the other? Based on our emotions and passion, we tend to condemn the players of our national football teams instead of criticising them. For some of them, we extend the insult even to their parents for missing penalty kicks. Similarly, the opposition sees nothing good in what the sitting government does while the sitting government also sees everything the opposition does as a threat to her throne. In the long run, the spirit of patriotism is lost in the turf war at the detriment of the citizens. Also, because others do not behave, talk or eat gently like us, we find it convenient to hate them.
In another story, we visited the old retired man for a chat over all the negative but false stories peddled about him. He welcomed and treated us to a nice delicacy on the day. As he revealed some hidden issues, he also advised us on life in general. But in his concluding statement, he paused, shook his head and said, his most regret in life is the help he gave to people who later turned out to be those behind all the attempts to get him crucified.
In fact, some criticisms can hurt you to the core such that you would not want to do good to anyone anymore. But you know what? If you are tempted to withdraw your goodwill based on what the society says, you will end up starving those who really need your cup of gari which you prefer to hold onto than share. When you do it, some will attack you for doing it, and when you do not do it too, others will also attack you for not doing it. Never mind, for, that is what the society has become and we must all learn to play along. But note, the more you are provoked and therefore withdraw your help to others, the more you reduce the Grace upon you. Of what you have to do for the society, do what you can do and God will take care of the rest.
Evans J. Taurus
