Social Media Etiquette

Image credits: Google Images

Hi friends,

Social media makes it very easy today, to propagate information to large audiences. But in the words of Myles Munroe, there is a 'burden' attached to every freedom. It is in a similar sense that responsibility is demanded when we use social media.

It is unwise to take its liberties for granted.

Here are a few tips for sharing stuff on social media.

• Always read posts a second time or very carefully the first time.
•  Before you share that post, ask yourself:

• What's my motive?
• Is this information true?
• Do I understand the message?
• Do I really identify with the message it contains?
• Can I defend the authenticity of the facts it proclaims, if required to?

If you have a large social media following, you will need to exercise even more strict discipline. You can be sure that almost every like or share from you will be interpreted as an endorsement, to the less discerning, whether you intend it or not. Except you have no qualms about sacrificing your integrity for internet fame or media traffic, this discipline is especially important for you.

If you're uncertain about the validity of the message despite a keen desire to share it, take some time off to think about it. Return to it when you're more convinced. 

The Internet never forgets. 

Talk may be cheap but it ain't ever free.

And that's my two kobo.

12 years a slave, and other slaves

Image credits: Google Images

12 years a slave is a movie set in the years before the American Civil War. It is based on the story of Solomon Northup (played by Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, who is kidnapped and sold into slavery in the South.

So, it’s a film about slavery in short, portrayed by a star-studded cast. I recommend it for your viewing as I will not be doing a review of it here. But the subject of slavery is one which has been touched on in a number of books, movies and documentaries, and is still a current issue with which the world contends till date. The experiences however, follow a consistent trend irrespective of the circumstances or dimensions, and it is these unifying characteristics that I wish to highlight in this post.

It occurred to me while watching this movie, that slaves have always numerically outnumbered their masters in every setup throughout history.

They are usually also more physically fit than their indulgent masters who having been rid of the opportunity of manual labour and its accompanying physical exercise, often become less capable or efficient at physically demanding tasks, especially if they don’t compensate with an exercise regime.

Yet somehow, the slaves are kept in control by a group of fewer and relatively weaker people. How?

I learnt a few things from the movie:

Fear

The real bonds that bind the slave are those of fear and uncertainty about the future. Terror is an effective tool of manipulation and not necessarily because of the pain that might accompany it. For the slave, the only thing that is certain is that he is subject to his master's will. There is no other reality.

The subject of freedom contrary to popular assumptions, is  not even a comfortable subject for the slave especially if he was born into slavery. He cannot imagine how he would handle that alternate reality. He may not also be ready to assumed the responsibility that comes with taking initiative and exercising his will.

Image credits: Google Images

Betrayal

A slave has very few friends and is surrounded by many potential traitors. If he realizes the advantage of inspiring or sponsoring a revolt, he cannot tell how well his plans will be received by those with whom he should be sharing the cause.

He is constantly at risk of being betrayed by his own kin. The bonds that restrain him are mental. They are much stronger and more effective than any physical ones that the master could impose.

Ignorance

One of the bonds with which the master enslaves the slave is ignorance. The slave is usually kept ignorant of his true situation and condition, deprived of information with which he could be sufficiently enlightened to plan his revolt. He is only allowed to know what suits or promotes the master's will.

Despair

I would call this the fruit of fear. The slave resigns himself to his fate. He knows that death may be the only exit from his predicament, otherwise he no longer feels the responsibility to question or protest his lot. Life becomes a waiting game till death does he and his master apart. This seems like a lesser dread than the prospect of failing while trying.

I see this pattern surreptitiously repeated in political and religious circles. I confront the conflict daily within myself as well. We all do need a saviour - help from above and beyond our own realities.

Wisdom is recognizing the saviour when  he appears. 

Flipping the script
Interestingly, these factors can be used in the opposite way to inspire the slave to his freedom, if he could only change his point of view.

Can't the prospect of living in perpetual terror all one's life empower him to do something decisive about his situation? 

Hope of success and renown thereby can often quench the threat of betrayal.

Innate curiosity about the unknown can overwhelm the blanket of ignorance.

Oratory and charismatic leadership

Lagos, Nigeria
 
#RantAlert

I saw the attached video this morning, and it highlighted a few issues I have been pondering.

Not every leader or frontman especially in the political circles can be like Obama in the presentation and delivery of his thoughts and opinions, or in the defense of his policies. But it is not irrational to expect that if one is truly driven by passion for a subject, he will find a means to communicate the same. It is not enough to be passionate for public service. One must also become knowledgeable of the matter about which he is passionate, enough to have a clear understanding of the issues and the solutions that can be applied. Although his ideas will not always be foolproof, diligent work will always be recognized and appreciated.

Public service automatically demands that you will always be in the eyes, mind, scrutiny and evaluation of the public. Hence, there is really no tenable excuse for ineptitude in communicating your purpose or vision. To win the trust of those you lead, you will need to carry them along with your plans. To establish your integrity, it is not just enough to act right. While this provides a foundation for the credibility of what you say, you must always be ready to give account for what you believe. A leader must inspire confidence in the people he leads by genuine and consistent verbal reassurance. When character is packaged with good charisma, miracles happen.

Humans are not telepathic. We only ascertain what another human is thinking by being told. And how well those thoughts are communicated is a crucial determinant of how well they are received.

I might then say, that He who must speak before others must prepare to be judged by what he says long before he unveils what he thinks.

I don't know why politicians especially, permit themselves to be humiliated in some very avoidable circumstances.

Remember the NSCDC man? He could have avoided the publicity that accompanied his interview on Channels TV, either by declining to answer questions for which he was uncertain, or by bringing along a more eloquent subordinate that would help communicate his thoughts. But he didn't and today, has immortalized himself on the internet. There are many more instances of this, and more will yet be brought to the fore in the course of time.

For most of these public interviews and presentations, the presenter or speaker is usually intimated with the subject they will be discussing. They have opportunity to martial their thoughts and prepare to answer questions in anticipated gray or difficult areas. So, it is really a bad show when someone comes on air with an incoherent presentation. To the viewer, it is also a betrayal of his judgment that you are worth his viewing time.

Having said all this though, we cannot ignore the fact that the leader is also human and inherently, fallible. Indeed, uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.

Without the zeal for service then, I don't see why some politicians go through some of the humiliation they often put themselves through. Except of course, the lure of the power and resources on the other end of the campaign IF they succeed is worth more than their dignity. Trump for instance, must have much more firepower in his arsenal from which to counter the onslaught of the media system within which he is running his American presidential campaign.

This is a note to myself as well. If I am going to put myself out there for any cause, I'd better be ready. Be prepared, say the Boys' Scouts.

TW_P_004

Lagos, Nigeria

Donald Trump says he wants to make America great again. I realise this morning that he may have a point. I want to reiterate that he is not quite as bonkers as the media makes him out to be. If my suspicions are correct, he may well be more of an American patriot than most others so acclaimed.

But his efforts seem to be meeting with a lot of criticism majorly because he doesn't speak or act with 'political correctness' - another term which in my opinion is in keeping with the modern day drive to curtail the honest expression of oneself.

People still want to hear opinions with empathy.

For instance, Americans are very patriotic about their national identity and authority. They believe that they are the best thing to happen to nationalism. Heck, they even tag themselves 'God's own country.'

That may have been true in the 18th century when people like Orville and Wilbur Wright invented the aircraft. But if one really considers the actual individuals by whose efforts America's alleged greatness was developed and thrives as it does today, you will find people of diverse ethnic extractions at the helm of affairs.

Defense, military prowess and financial acumen sponsored by the ingenuity of the Israelis, health innovations built upon the exploits of Asians, entertainment founded upon African creativity...the examples abound.

America therefore, isn't really owned by Americans! Perhaps it has occurred to Trump's most ardent supporters that this is what his proposed immigration plans will entail - divesting America of the bedrock of its facade of greatness and consequently, the derobing of its international reputation. And so, all the machinery available, is in place to ensure that his intentions are discredited and misconstrued rather than logically examined and objectively decided on by the electorate.

America is faced with a choice to continue with the status quo as Clinton proposes to uphold, or to take this very bold and revolutionary step to real greatness - to challenge themselves to justify their 'greatness' by own strength and intellectual merit.

But perhaps this is not important to America right now. They can't afford to be set back a few centuries just to make a point, I guess. There is too much American pride at stake.

Also, they have become so integrated with the rest of the world, that the actual native American is an extinct concept. And it is on this premise that the lofty design's of the Trump campaign may collapse, because when he is done, the efficient legislative system will discredit virtually everyone as true citizens.

Bootu, why all this brouhaha sef? Wetin concern me?

These developments are indeed exciting. They also portray the situation here in Nigeria. We are not ready to bear the trauma of changing the status quo. We want to eat our cake and have it. Issorait. Sebi, we are the giant of Africa...? By what standards??

Shey na by changing the dictionary definition of the word giant? Or by shifting economic goalposts? God help us.

The unraveling of America will unravel many of its allies. And Nigeria strives earnestly to be one. May God help us open our eyes early enough.

TW_P_002

Image credits: issuesgeek@natajlefaystew.wordpress.com

 
What was that I said the other day, about Trump, Clinton and every other politician being human and susceptible to error, like everyone else? And not the saviours that the media and beguiled people want to make them out as?

In the most recent developments, Trump is reported as apologizing for not being 'politically correct' (my submission). He apologizes for saying things in the heat of the moment, that have been misconstrued or inflammatory. CNN seems to be having a time (as usual) flagellating him with obvious glee, for this admission.

But once again, I ask, who says he can't recant whenever he likes? Says who?

Who says he can't change his mind whenever he likes? Says who?

Who says he cannot make whatever and whichever comments he likes? Says who?


To bring it home, who says President Buhari could not make whatever promises he chose to make prior to the election? Says who?

Who says he cannot belong to everybody, and not to anybody? Says who?

Who says he cannot change the change, he earlier promised (by our perception)? Says who?

Talk is free, and it is cheap, as long as breath is in your nostrils.

What we all have control over though, is what and who we chose to believe! And if your belief fails, yes, be disappointed. But don't look for someone to blame. Don't look too far either in case you decide to pursue that unprofitable exercise. Just look inwards.

Now, there's the real culprit. Says who? I say

TW_P_003

My friend Onome Onwah, remarked the other day, 'In other thoughts, asides Clinton and Trump, do you know that there are two other candidates running for the white house? Jill Stein and Gary Johnson of the Green Party and Libertarian party respectively. If Americans think that Clinton and Trump are not the best for them, why don't they look at these other ones?'

I responded, 'The situation in the American presidential race was also the case in the last Nigerian presidential elections. There were also many potentially viable options which were ignored, while people blindly followed the bandwagon. Our options then were as commonsensical as those in the American race now. This illusion of not having options is the figment of the imaginations of the careless voting public, and the machinations of a smaller group of people who intend to impose their will on others, while insulting our collective intelligence. Me sef dey watch.'

There were several people whose sentiments for voting in the last elections could be summarized as 'Anything but Jonathan'. Yet I am baffled that there were other potential options to which they were not open-minded about. I wonder then how genuine those desires and clamours for change were.

My intent now is not to say I told you. My message as always, is:

'Stop listening to propaganda. 

Think for yourself. 

Demand for and judge the facts. 


Make a choice. 

Be prepared to bear the consequences of your choice, especially the not-so-pleasant ones that only become apparent in the course of time. 

And beyond that, continue to give wholehearted support for that choice. Otherwise, don't be ashamed to repent when you realize you have made a mistake.'

A people who want actual change will not mindlessly join the bandwagon of someone's ideology. There is still lots of hope for our nation. Hope is a resource that we are never in short supply of. But we must start training and conditioning our minds from this moment, to make the tough choices when the time comes.

God bless Nigeria.

Drive-time witnessing

Image credits: Google Images | Montage: UprightMedia

When I drive in Lagos, I am often tempted to react to the aggressiveness of the average driver by showing that I cannot be intimidated. Or to pay back in their own coin and at the next opportunity, drivers who use the road without consideration for others; or to put obnoxious pedestrians who insist on walking in the middle of the road, in their place.

On the other hand, I also appreciate and try to reciprocate the kind gestures of considerate road users. And I would consider giving way to a driver from an adjacent lane, if he had good naturedly indicated his intent in good time, with his trafficators.

But I realize that anyone can do that.

Very well did Jesus say that it is normal for Gentiles to love those who love them and to hate their enemies. He taxed us rather, to love our enemies and pray for those who despitefully use us.

I have decided to tax God's grace in me to do much more than the average 'good' driver, by refusing to get agitated when the danfo driver cuts me off in traffic especially having even forseen his intentions; or when the speeding driver carelessly swerves into my lane, forcing me to brake hard and/or swerve as well.

I realize that I will have to get used to the bewildered looks of pedestrians for whom I stop at the zebra crossing, and patiently accommodate their reluctance to trust my good intentions, while ignoring the impatient blaring of the drivers behind me who do not see any sense in why I have stopped, seeing as they cannot see the zebras for whom I did.

I realize that no one ever overcame evil with evil, but with good, and that that is God's instruction in the first place. I chose to use the road as Jesus would have - in humility and consideration for others, esteeming them before themselves, and only responding in love irrespective of their behaviour, that my light would shine to God's glory and perhaps I could win someone over to Jesus.

So, will you be a drive-time witness henceforth?

TW_P_001

Lagos, Nigeria

Image credits: The Guidon Online

For future reference,

I have been observing the trend of events in the US elections, not because I am particularly interested in the play of events or in who eventually, assumes the presidential seat come November (although for reasons i will state later, I am watching anyway).

However, the highly televised political maneuvering published especially by CNN (surprise!) portrays in vivid colour, all the usual shenanigans and political dirt-throwing common in almost every place where politics is practiced, especially under the democratic system. Anyone who is interested in how theses things happen, can gain understanding. The situation is the same everywhere, including in my dear Nigeria and I can draw many analogies.

Trump is not as crazy as people make him out to be. He is not entirely raving and ranting without cause. He has support for what he does because there are people who identify with the positions he is taking. I wouldn't be surprised if he wins the elections and does implement some of the supposedly far-fetched ideas he has touted. Or conversely, assumes an entirely different personality altogether. Because he is human and has the right to change his mind.

Hilary Clinton with the cool, calm and collected demeanour is not necessarily as saintly as the media wants to portray her. Because that's exactly was is informing the public impression of politicians - the media's impressions of the matter. As a result, no one does the extra work to sift through the deluge of propaganda, for the truth, if there be any. It's easier to take someone else's opinion for it and just pick sides to pitch tents. But back to Clinton. She is also human and the voting public seems to forget this in blind fanaticism.

But people are always looking for the heroes who will save them from themselves, and the man with the most fluent sales pitch usually wins, more often than not.

The American public has not convinced me by their actions that they know what they want for their country. As with every other democracy, they seem to be relying on people to propose to them what they need to do or have, and then convincing themselves that that is what they really need.

And while the accusations and mud-slinging go on, there seems to be a perception however subtle, that the choices or options for the leadership of America in the next dispensation, are limited to these two front runners. Once again, I am convinced that this perception holds sway because people lazily chose to accept it. They would rather stick with tradition than take the courage to change their ways, in anticipation of the new results they hope for.

For instance, there are two other options in the Green and Libertarian parties, which do not get anywhere near the media hype that the Republican and Democratic parties do. These other parties seem to be the distractions or side attractions in the main event between the two bigger guns - the spice in the brew that the others represent. And this, for a supposed democracy where everyone's voice should count! But this state of affairs I must state again, is not unique to the US - it's in every democracy. I also want to reiterate that things are the way they are because influential people with the consent of their not-so-influential fellows, want it to appear so.

Mass appeal seems to win over commonsense, eight times out of ten. You want to do right, but are alone in your quest. So, you smother your good intentions and compromise to go with the flow. And afterwards, live in bitterness because of a choice you made.

Yes, I have been told that the extensive support for the Republican and Democratic parties has historical antecedents. But if men, desire change from what they have been used to, do they unrepentantly continue with the status quo, while falsely branding their intentions as new and novel? Is this not self deceit and fraud? Someone has said this is the definition of madness.

Some people would rather die than surrender their partisan loyalties in favour of progress. Or at least, change. How genuine then, can such desire for change be said to be?

What's even worse, is how people get upset when this falsehood fails miserably. Is that supposed to be surprising, much less upsetting?

The Watchman_Politics series

Hi everyone,

I have developed a knack for politics. Well, not in the conventional interest as a potential contender but as a proponent of excellence and best practices in this and all works of life. 

I am aware of the infinite potentials of good leadership and frustrated with the machiavellian practice of modern day politics, and the resultant catastrophes of every attempt of man to govern himself by himself, and I have decided to become more conscious of how these things work.

It is particularly painful to see how the governed majority is so cheaply manipulated and defrauded by a governing minority, that has been elected to places of influence. It is appalling. However, what is even more appalling is how little the governed realizes their responsibility for, and culpability in the manner in which they are governed. 

We would rather conform to some socially acceptable correctness than protest and resist oppression. Meanwhile, we bemoan our misfortunes and compromise even more on the very matters that brought us to this low point. 

I have observed the selfish interests that inspire and motivate the electorate's recklessness in making their choice of leadership without demanding accountability from the officers nor goodquality for the services they intend to pay for. This selfishness is only matched by that portrayed by the elected leaders in executing plans first and primarily, in their personal interests.

There is only so much one can do afterwards, when by deliberate will a man is allowed to rule over another. But there is still a responsibility on the follower to learn from faulty choices in the past and continually improve towards future ones.

I initially thought this was a passing fancy. But it has not passed. And I have decided to observe the trend and development of my interest in good governance. Do join me on this journey.

A background.....

Human self government has failed to deliver on its lofty promises from the beginning of time. As the Scriptures illustrates, the same rebellion that sponsored the desire of the first couple to be as God, knowing and determining good and evil rather than heeding the instructions of the Maker, is the same one which manifests in, and corrupts our government systems as well, till date - irrespective of how well-meaning.

It is my desire that men will turn to God once again, and hence into the utopia He planned for man in the beginning.

The time is coming when the declaration will be made, "Now the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever." Revelation 11:15

My cry is 'Come Lord Jesus, come quickly.' In the meantime though, I wait, I will prepare and I will help us get ready too for that glorious eternal government.

This will be the focus of #TheWatchman_Politics series, hereafter tagged TW_P_### in a numbered order of posts.

Jesus only!

JESUS is the fulfillment of the Law and the prophets. Phillip was quick to realize this shortly after he met Jesus*. Jesus IS the very implication, connotation, emphasis and essence of all God has been saying, revealing and teaching about Himself since the beginning of time, and for all generations to come.

It pleased the Father that in Christ should all fullness of God dwell*. And indeed, in Christ dwells ALL the fullness of the Godhead BODILY*. That emphasis dispels any doubt about the matter with the hard, physical evidence and presence of Jesus on earth, so that even Thomas who wanted such evidence would be without excuse.

Jesus is the EXPRESS image of the personality of God* and the brightness of God's glory and the image of the invisible God*.

And He is the image to which God would have us conform*. He is compared to the bronze serpent that was set up in the Israelites camp that whosoever looked upon it would not die of the bite of the deadly snakes sent as judgement upon them for their rebellion*. And like the Israelites, we too must look only to Jesus if we must live!

We do not need to be mystified and clueless anymore about the personality of God - what pleases, saddens, interests, excites, annoys Him. Or what He expects of, and desires in us. 

Although He is infinte and cannot be comprehended with our finite minds, we have eternity to revel in discovering Him starting now, by the example of Jesus' life, the witness of God's Spirit in us as well as the testimonies of a long ancestry of saints before us, to help us along the way.

Now, knowing God becomes a pleasurable experience, irrespective of the circumstances of our training.

Jesus IS the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man can come to God except through Him. He went on to say, If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

I would dare to say that God has literally demystified Himself in the personality of Jesus. So why is God still a stranger to you? Why do you run helter-skelter looking for Him in many other places and people when He has given Jesus?

*References in order of appearance, for further study
John 1:45
Colossians 1:19
Colossians 2:9
Hebrews 1:3
Colossians 1:15
Romans 8:28
John 3:14
John 14:6-7

The Ambush...a narrative

The Law Enforcement  Enriched Officer

It was a pitch-black night, well suited to the scheme. Well, not so dark anyway. He still didn't feel as reassured as he had thought earlier, of the efficacy of the camouflage that his black uniform accorded him.

These miscreants might spot me, he thought as he glanced about once again at his environment.

The shrubbery gave him cover and mocked the sickly yellow glow from the nearest street light that barely lit anything beyond a 2-feet radius. The foliage was also thick and tall in this area of the roadside and together with the overhanging leaves of a nearby tree, completely obscured the 6-foot tall signpost that announced:

'No stopping
No waiting
No parking
Fine N30,000'

He glanced up at the hapless signpost and shook his head. Government! He mused, dem no dey eva do something finish. How pesin wan take see dis sign wey bush cover so?

He adjusted his position on the cement block on which he was sitting. Only yesterday, he and Mutiu had surreptitiously placed it here so that either of them delegated to this hideout, would have some convenience, for the long stakeouts between the ambushes.

A dull ache had started in his right buttock, its pulse matching beats with the one that throbbed in his right hip. He wondered about the time. A glance at the battered leather watch on his right wrist told him he'd been sitting in the spot for almost two hours. By this time last week Thursday, he'd 'apprehended' three offenders before 7:50. These guys don dey wise up, he mused.

No, he consoled himself, they can't resist the temptation to walk into this trap. One person must fall tonight. And I go chop am.

From his position, he could see across the road to where his partner lounged on a bench in the recessed storefront of an supermarket that had closed for the day. Although he couldn't distinctly make out his form, he knew that Mutiu was alert and that at the opportune moment, he would spring into action, as they had earlier agreed.

The traffic was light and flowing but had begun to thin out in the last 30 minutes. There were hardly any pedestrians walking alongside the road now and the place was looking more deserted with every minute now. A gentle breeze had started to blow, and it threatened to lull him to sleep. He glanced at his watch again.

I go soon go house, he reasoned, but I no fit comot here without bar for pocket. Make I chill small.

A minibus slowed, hesitantly it seemed and coasted towards the spot alongside his hideout. He tensed, a sneer creasing his lips. From the corner of his eye, he spotted a minute movement from the storefront across the road.

Mutiu, the sharp guy!

His concentration returned to the vehicle which had only just stopped. As the rear passenger door began to open, he rose to his hunches, careful not to let his head be seen above the bushes.

A figure set one foot on the ground outside the bus. And Officer Moses pounced.

 

‪#‎LawEnforcementVersusLawEnrichment‬

Co-writing credits: Steavihn Hakkore Imediegwu