Realisation comes at various stages in our lives. Sometimes, what you think today can differ from what you think tomorrow. Circumstances can change, especially when there is new evidence that would give you a new perspective on your previous conclusion. Sometimes we also jump to conclusions based on what we have been told or taught.
Most times you come to a conclusion on a subject based on another person’s opinion. Our source of information can be misleading, it can be based on another person’s point of view, or just malicious, simply because the messenger knows you can be gullible without assessing the facts.
We are quick to be supportive, agree without knowing the facts, and easy to take sides, especially if it is to defend our favourite political party.
That blind loyalty is just because of who said the statement or how we rate the transmitter and the credibility of the source.
In our country, we seldom find the time to research or assess the pros-and-cons, or decide for ourselves before we become convinced.
This “they say” syndrome is partly responsible for a lot of divisions that we have become accustomed to. Most people toe the line rather than question decisions and we are quick to agree and will seldom try to see another’s point of view or accept their explanation in reference to the statement or accusation.
If a political party wins a general election, we will not rally behind them for the purpose of national growth and we will stand fast to our personal views, regardless of the fact that the majority thinks differently to you.
We are quick to lay blame and condemn every action of any new government regardless of the positives that may emerge from their actions. We see doom and gloom in everything they do, simply because we are not supporters.
We will take it if they offer handouts, we accept the perks but still criticize their actions, regardless of our benefits. We accept that change is necessary, but do not approve of who implemented the needed changes.
I often try to understand why we are the way we are, or what caused such a blatant attitude, because we see negatives but will not speak or accept that “wrong is wrong” and corrective measures must be taken. It is like in a road accident: we always blame the driver, but never the pedestrians, who can sometimes be wrong.
If we persist with such attitudes it will take us a lifetime to progress in a timely manner.
We live in hope, we settle for tomorrow’s dreams, we think it is better to borrow than to save and we are quick to make excuses for our shortcomings. That’s what makes us Lucians instead of real Saint Lucians. This malicious attitude can also be very destructive, but most of us, unfortunately, are always or mostly too blind to see or accept it.
So sad.