BECOMING...!

Reasoning;

As much as it may be welcomed in certain quarters, the pointing of fingers is usually done from ‘afar’ from foreign! Without grasp of the situation on the ground of whichever country, usually African, in the news at the time. What is usually forgotten is that our media on the continent goes through the same feeding frenzy just like the western media and that similar to the western media, we have tabloid papers on and off-line, with the same inbuilt titillation factor and very loose regard for the truth, similar to their founding masters of old.

Lowest common denominator remember, not the dissemination of news or knowledge, is the aim of tabloid reporting on and off-line. Bottom line is demographic i.e. to maximize sales and hence profits.

My suggestion is to the reader of said reports, that it would be, or rather, it is incumbent on them as to the veracity of copy. I mean that the days of taking any news at face value are long gone, especially foreign supported press. We as readers are supposed to be more discerning as to the overriding purpose of the report.

With the advent of touch-button/touch-screen and even voice activated modern devices, that are always in our possession/on our person 24/7, it’s a shame that actual utilization of this vast digital, state of the art and advanced modern technology contained therein, falls well short of 20% (total usage). Einstein was right about advancement and dependence on technology leading to decreased brain function!!!

The above is preamble as regards to certain posts, truncated in nature, of so called news (local & international) items, gleaned from certain social media outlets. Those posting such items should be more honest as to declare whether they are just regurgitating hear-say or if coming from research informed/based opinion. As anything else of a negative nature, aired without said declaration, would be considered - especially by this writer - as falling in an irresponsible realm.

Sitting in the comforts of our ‘homes’ in these foreign lands/countries, towns and cities, and being so far away from the action or frontline, it is very easy to be critical of our motherland as regards events/people/politics/wars etc. and negatively so. This is my contention that if one is to air such items and thought, then one must have a counter opinion or at least a modicum of a considered opinion as to solution or ways that may lead to resolution of the highlighted item/report/opinion and hopefully in this way, balance of sorts can be maintained.

In order for proper healing to take place within and between our communities, a state of equilibrium has to be attained within each individual (self) and in the wider community one is based. Only we can heal ourselves as a community.

- For every criticism - if negative - must be followed by a positive consideration
- For every finger pointed outwards - consider how many fingers pointing inwards   towards self
- Two eyes,
- Two ears and
- Just the one mouth

There must be a reason for this - consider!

“Say what you mean and mean what you say!”

Becoming Life’s Resolutions - Sam A.