TITLE: BLIND ALLEGIANCE
The perils of unprincipled followership in politics can only be measured in a mould of retrogression. In politics, the relationship between leaders and their followers is complex and pivotal to the functioning of a democratic society. However, a concerning phenomenon that has emerged is the blind and unprincipled followership of political officeholders. The dangers of unquestioning allegiance, the erosion of critical thinking, and the impact on democracy when citizens become followers without principles can damage the progress wheel of society more than an atomic bomb.
Political leaders are entrusted with the responsibility of representing the people’s interests. However, in some instances, followership takes a perilous turn when citizens unquestioningly support political officeholders, irrespective of their actions or policies. Blind followership often stems from a combination of factors, including idleness, poverty, party loyalty, or a deep-seated need for belonging.
One of the primary dangers associated with blind followership is the erosion of critical thinking. When followers abandon the principles of skepticism and independent thought, they become susceptible to manipulation and misinformation. Leaders may exploit this vulnerability, making it easier to advance policies that may not necessarily serve the public’s best interests. In a healthy democracy, citizens must engage critically with the decisions and actions of their elected officials to hold them accountable.
Unprincipled followership can give rise to cults of personality, where political leaders are elevated to a near-messianic status. This hero-worship not only distorts the reality of a leader’s capabilities but also stifles any constructive criticism. The consequences of such blind devotion are evident when leaders are shielded from accountability, leading to a lack of responsiveness to the genuine needs and concerns of the populace. Leaders aware of robotic followership may engage in frivolous activities that should be done during an election campaign, like gathering people for an ego ride, doing a kangaroo ceremony that only benefits a few stakeholders, engaging in the politics of divide and rule or hijacking other people’s initiatives that are not capital intensive.
Unprincipled followership provides fertile ground for manipulation and exploitation by political leaders. Leaders aware of their followers’ unwavering loyalty may be less inclined to prioritise transparency or accountability, leading to a lack of checks and balances. This power dynamic can result in policies and decisions that benefit a select few rather than addressing the broader needs of society. The selected benefactors may reward the political leader with a thuggery approach to issues and malicious labelling of perceived opponents.
At its core, democracy thrives on an engaged and informed citizenry. Blind followership suffocates and discourages the diversity of thought essential for a robust political discourse. Citizens must recognise the importance of critical thinking, transparency, and accountability in the political realm. We must courageously call a black shirt by its colour, even if worn by our parents, family members, friends, or political idols. After all, no political officer holds the source from which we get our oxygen or will not stay in office forever. But, we have a society that will outlive us.
Insulting people with different opinions is a sign of primitivity and moral poverty. It is a sign of blind allegiance. Unknowingly, you may be reducing your relevance and political value by unprincipled followership.
Dey dere dey play!!!
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