EKURWE: OPEN LETTER TO THE YOUTHS OF AN ANONYMOUS KINGDOM 10
When anything wey you no like kom turn to become a standard of wetin everyone go join you hate, then know that your pride don wear agbada. When people have skills in recruiting people to follow their insalubrious agenda sheepishly, then know that poverty has done its worst on the mind. That you hate a particular thing does not make it automatically wrong. DISLIKE, IN MOST CASES, IS SUBJECTIVE. Who made you a standard for good or bad? Those joining you to hate the people you hated may do so for lack or poverty. If these same people are gifted 5 million naira, most of them will begin to reason and find fault with your judgments. After the fall of man, the next thing that wreaked havoc on humanity was poverty. Poverty has the ability to format a person’s brain faster than the speed of light.
Funny still, some people have constituted themselves into a demigods, feel locally entitled, and are the arbiters of standards. People are judged and condemned based on their stand on an issue. The adherents of such self-appointed champions believe you are wrong because your perspective does not match theirs. They are standard bearers; anything short of their viewpoint is an error. The only reason why it is wrong is because it does not align with their conclusions or the position of their inherited gods. They could myopically set an agenda and feel everyone should buy into it. Like Fela Kuti said- you are just a local champion.
Know this and have peace, all the desperate gold diggers. The social proof effect is the tendency to conform to the actions or opinions of others in order to feel accepted or avoid social rejection. The importance of independent thinking and making decisions based on our values and beliefs, rather than blindly following another person, makes one mature. Chawowo anu kpehe-ogboomo!, continue to hate by delegation.
In the diverse tapestry of human opinions and preferences, it is natural for individuals to harbour dislikes or disagreements. However, a concerning mentality has emerged among some people, characterised by the tendency to demonise anything they don’t like, elevating personal preferences to the status of an unwavering standard. This mentality not only suffocates and contributes to a polarised and intolerant social landscape but is outmoded.
Dislikes are inherently subjective and shaped by a myriad of personal experiences, cultural influences, and individual values. What one person finds distasteful, another may cherish. Recognising the inherent subjectivity of preferences is crucial in fostering a society that embraces diversity and values open-mindedness.
The demonisation mentality takes root when individuals not only express their dislikes but also actively seek to vilify and delegitimise anything diverging from their personal preferences. This behaviour manifests across various spheres, including politics, culture, lifestyle choices, and even trivial matters like food or entertainment.
One hallmark of the demonisation mentality is the absolutism applied to personal dislikes. Rather than acknowledging the relativity of preferences, individuals may perceive their dislikes as absolute truths, dismissing alternative viewpoints and experiences.
People should endeavour to possess multiple layers of detail, pattern, or meaning in their thinking corners. Some individuals resort to sweeping generalisations and categorical condemnations instead of engaging in thoughtful analysis or attempting to understand different perspectives. The tendency to seek out information that confirms pre-existing beliefs plays a significant role in the demonisation mentality. Individuals may deliberately or maliciously avoid exposure to diverse opinions, reinforcing their negative views and further entrenching their stance. Individuals should be empowered to question their own beliefs, consider alternative viewpoints, and engage in nuanced discussions.
Embracing the richness of diverse opinions and experiences creates a foundation for a more inclusive and harmonious society. Open your mind when you hate a particular thing; who knows if the fault is from you, maybe, just maybe as a result of your local mentality or stinking over-bloated ego.
10-open letters, no more to go. Thanks for your time.
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