A recent situation locally brought into sharp focus the many occasions when we shout with contradicting voices, seemingly outraged on one day and deafeningly silent on others. This glaring double standard or hypocrisy or maybe inadvertent bias permeates through almost every quadrant of our society.
First and foremost, it has to be established that we should never condone immorality and if we are to condemn the wrong then it should be condemned in every instance.
A story broke approximately 2 weeks ago involving a local musician who was accused of taking photos of the hind part of females and posting it in a private domain reportedly for a select group to enjoy. While we have not extensively investigated and may not fully grasp the entire scope of the situation, and have no desire to, this was the salient bit of information.
It is believed by some that the actions of the “photographer” may not be illegal and therefore calls for his expulsion for a recent carnival engagement was unjust and unfair. Others are adamant that the “individual behind the camera” acted immorally, and the public figure that he is requires that he be held to a much higher standard.
It is possible that both these positions are plausible arguments that could make for an interesting, lengthy discussion, however, they do not form part of our rant today.
While some have been traversing the information super highway with interestingly colourful language to describe or just to weigh in on the situation, we as a nation are actively promoting a “Bum Bum” wall on the Monday and Tuesday carnival route. For those of us who have witnessed this spectacle, and the corresponding photos to compliment, there is little left to explain, yet there is little by way of opposition or outrage while this wall has become one of St. Lucia carnival’s biggest assets, evident by expenditure dedicated to colourful artwork every year. There have been local tourism figures who have publicly promoted the now infamous structure which stands only 20 feet from the recently established Criminal Backlog Reduction Court. A photo for the archives.
There are many other instances of selective outrage that exist in our society and they are pronounced particularly because it is indeed a small society.
There is the heavy push against money laundering which appears to adversely, disproportionately affect the 1000-dollar merchant but are they really the ones with the big washing machine? Where is the outrage?
We speak of hard times ahead and saving and conserving and government’s responsibility in promoting pathways for self-development, yet some actively encourage taking $5,000 loans to facilitate carnival participation. Where is the outrage?
There many other similar situation that can be explored but the point has been made.
Some have attempted to rationalize with the comment “to each his own” but this seems to actually clear a path for all to simply act without thought.
Is it possible that we have become so outraged about the wrong things for so long that we are exhausted?
Former American politician Barney Frank, who died only 2 month ago, once said “they appear to have become so attached to their outrage that they are even more outraged that they won’t be able to be outraged anymore.”
While this may not fully apply to this conversation it surely sounds like something worth mentioning.