You Complain About the System But What About You?

 

Picture credit: Pinterest 

By Sanni Juliet Oluwadarapupo 

The elders were thoughtful when they said a closed mouth is a closed destiny. We have been silent for the wrong reasons, looking and feeling unbothered about the situation on ground. We have become accustomed to the situation and accepted it as a normal facet of life. The new normal has given birth to an era of moral decadence, carefree living, an apathetic nature towards situations and has been passed down to generations- a legacy that is set up for total damnation. 

But then, we excel at doing just this one thing, to look and pass, ignore the situation or accept it as one of the challenges life throws at you. We have adopted the culture of adaptability, misusing its entity to the point where we now adapt to anything, anyhow, without realizing that not everything is worth taking in. 

Our inactions and actions made today affect the lives of people. We have swallowed our pride, rolled our eyes, folded our hands and shut our mouths. Now you see how thoughtful the elders were.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step but it appears we have taken more than just a single step. Each step we take into apathy, carefree living, ignorance and loss of self begins with a choice: to look away, to compromise our values and to erode our characters. 

We have been met with nothing but broken promises. We no longer know our rights and what we stand for anymore. We have confused our right for misplaced priorities, mistaking wants for needs. So I ask again, who is truly to blame for our perpetual problems, the system or YOU? 

The lackadaisical attitudes of the student body in addressing matters of importance raise an alarm and raise concerns about their future. Well it is no surprise that we get to witness a replication of this behavior  at the national level. It all starts from somewhere right? Permit me to ask, what kind of generation are we raising? 

The postponement of the congress due to inability to reach quorum is troubling. The question arises, how? With over thousands of students at the University of Ibadan (UI), it is so alarming that the stipulated number couldn’t be met for a crucial meeting to discuss their future. While the Students’ Union executives share responsibility for not making that day a success, as they were not able to mobilize the student body but then, the students also have a share in this, by not showing up. 

When they call for important and crucial meetings to discuss pressing issues, you will not show up. However, when it is time to party all through the night, you are there, or a famous artist is set to show up in the land. You are front and center, preparing way before the day of the event. Unfortunately, that is where we will see their faces, a sea of students who have shifted their focus. Who are we deceiving? So I ask again, who are the problems? The System or You? Mind you, having a social life is not a crime, but then let’s know what we are doing. 

You have pointed fingers, saying and complaining of how the executives are nothing but inefficient, but have you taken the time to reflect on the actions you take or the ones you don’t? A wise saying goes,“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye”. This statement speaks volumes, the very thing we judge them about is the very thing we are guilty of. This is hypocrisy! 

The Press can only do so much in standing up against injustice and confronting evil. We act as a mouthpiece for the people, representing their voices and concerns. But then, how can we achieve that moment of peace when the people are the destruction to their own people. It makes the work look so daunting.

The failed congress marks the beginning of a journey of a thousand miles, one with long term implications. Future generations will still continue in this journey, and if not being halted, an endless pit awaits us all. This piece aims not to criticize or point fingers. No, we don’t do that here, but it is to serve a purpose and it speaks two words. I say those two words loud and clear, WAKE UP! Enough of the sleeping, we have slept for too long, our priorities have been misplaced with sweet nothings, we no longer know our rights. Accountability has lost its essence, it is begging for redemption. 

Let me remind you that you are part of  the system you condemn. So next time, when a congress is called, will you continue to sleep on your bed or eat your food, or you figure that is the perfect  time to wash your clothes. The choice is yours. You have the choice to make a change, don’t misuse that, a lot hangs on the decision you make today. Let’s be wise.