Now, It is Who or What Are We?

One of our more serious egroups had a rather casual discussion on the hot-button issue of government bureaucrats being exposed for having “abused” their offices by availing themselves of “exorbitant” and “unconscionable” perks, benefits, privileges, and the like, that would stagger the delicate conscience of any right-thinking individual.

One comment made was that it is often said among people of ex-communist countries that they feel that it is alright to victimize the government. Stealing is okay as long as perpetrated against the established government. And lamented that alas, our countrymen may now feel the same.

My comment was rather caustic and seemingly more critical about our own compatriots. I said that my firm belief is that it is precisely this attitude that has been ingrained in the psyche of our collective mind as a people that may be gravely responsible for the present ills. And this permeates in all aspects of our social and political life.

The traits of shame, love, respect and all the good stuff appear to apply only to persons related to us, in one way or another.

To illustrate, and this I gather from the many groups and gatherings I have been associated with all these years, our compatriots go out of their ways to liberally and profusely declare their undying and limitless love and devotion to kin, siblings, children, and all those bonded to them in one way or another. The altruism shown not only in words but more dramatically in deeds appears almost infinite.

But watch how they castigate with harsh and unchristian criticism all those they disagree with and are not kinfolk. Almost diametrically opposite, and the impassioned and/or deep-seated hatred expressed is most resolute and unwavering.

I have often wondered how both extremes can reside and co-exist in one person. But they do and I suggest one pays more attention to our compatriots in media and elsewhere where opinions are casually welcomed. Blogs could be a fertile ground for mining.

So loving to kin and kindred, so unkind and unforgiving to everybody else, be they fellow compatriots or citizens/officials of other countries. And we couldn’t care less for anybody or anything outside the realm of this cherished and beloved circle, blessed and nurtured at times with smothering love, attention, and devotion.

And these are the compatriots that we respect and revere as respectable, good-natured, and nurturing to family and kinfolk. Compatriots that couldn’t do wrong, according of course, to those within that same cherished and constricting circle.