Moral decadence fosters societal degeneracy

Nov 09, 2013 Letters

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DEAR EDITOR,
In recent years the display of public lawlessness has come to be characterized as the new social norm of Guyanese life. For the most part individuals that engage in moral decadence are unwittingly compromising the moral fibre of our society. Moral decadence can best be described as the deterioration or decline of moral and ethical traditions– tantamount to a precipitous drop of moral values, which consists of the over indulgence in anti-moral lifestyles.
Although a majority of citizens do not engage in degenerate behaviour, nonetheless a significant percent of our population is guilty of such practices. Regrettably, the prevailing standard of decency no longer reflects that of previous decades.
What causes moral decadence? Maybe the primary factor is a profligacy of social vices as opposed to embracing well-known universal virtues. However, there are many other elements including decaying family structures, poverty and a lack of opportunities to attain self-actualization.
When people look for special pleasure there is a tendency to inadvertently act in ways that defy reason and logic. Whether intentionally or otherwise, anyone that succumbs to decadent thinking and behaviour, reinforces the notion that cultural decadence is on the rise.
While it is premature to suggest that Guyana has plunged into total depravity I must hasten to elucidate that widespread debauchery cannot be dismissed as implausible. However, avoiding the possibility of such a predicament will necessitate immediate national focus and collective action. A good first step could be for a highly regarded organization to carry out an in-depth study to ascertain the ramifications of deviant behaviour and whether this emerging trend would also negatively impact chances of establishing an egalitarian society.
It is imperative that elected officials, government functionaries and civic society as a whole, support any and all initiatives aimed at eliminating this scourge. In fact all responsible stakeholders must fully participate rather than be passive observers of a march towards increased deviant behaviour. Any hope of thwarting the present deviant trajectory, which indicates spiraling to vices rather than virtues needs a holistic approach. As a nation we must confront social and political trepidations that foster racial insecurity as well as impediments for even greater socio-economic progress.
In addition to the proposed non-partisan commission, there should be an initial acknowledgement of our cultural plight. Further, it would be deemed proactive if an official assessment were carried out without delay to decipher whether our existing culture survives or Guyanese can expect the emergence of a new social construct.
Guyana’s possible collapse into the abyss must be averted and rightly so. If we do not become conscious of this dilemma, examine its ruinous consequences, and work audaciously to mitigate a disquieting threat, we will undoubtedly forfeit the culture as inherited. Therefore, it is incumbent on all citizens to ensure the perseverance of a truly unique culture – our customs and traditions, which previous generations have proudly bequeathed to us. As such this generation must do everything that is humanly possible to preclude deviant behaviour from spreading beyond its current levels.
Restoring a high moral and ethical standard in our country will require a long-term (six years) government action plan to combat poverty. This public/private collaboration should include NGOs, non-profit organizations among others. The fight against poverty must consist of three elements: Massive job creation to ensure economic sustainability, Educational reforms- training/research and Integrated regional cooperation (emphasis here on functioning local authorities that provide good governance) where central government funds initiatives deemed priorities that are based on agreed to formulae/s.
In addition, local communities should be encouraged and empowered to participate in developmental projects/programs and actively involved in the political process.
Parenthetically, the likelihood of national leaders demonstrating courage to effectuate societal transformation can best be interpreted as an unlikely proposition. Given that our politicians have the propensity to ‘double-speak’, not coincidentally, that obfuscation seems deliberate when it pertains to consequential national issues.
Again, it should not surprise anyone that this ominous moral threat to our social fabric continues to permeate society without serious intervention by parliamentarians. However, there is a silver lining on the horizon because inaction will only but result in negative reverberations due to obvious paradigm shift in Guyana’s demographic projections.
The task that confronts citizens exasperated by the gradual decline of our cultural mores (child molestation, premarital sex, murder, incest, rape etc) is quite pellucid. There is no ambiguity in describing the sordid conditions people are still compelled to live through on a daily basis after more than twenty–one years of dictatorial rule. The denial of harsh living conditions can be equated to the twisted use of words. The ruling cabal wants citizens to believe utter falsehoods and tries to convince them that Guyana is a functioning democracy.
Similarly, the scheme of mass deception has succeeded in corrupting the minds of people to act against their own self-interest.  In an effort to distract especially low information people from their plight, citizens have been enticed to attend frequently held so-called cultural/sporting events though they cannot afford to do so.
Government operatives continuously manipulate the population with ‘shell games’ knowing that for a large segment of the population critical thinking is avoided in resolving complicated matters. Therefore, in many instances political functionaries refrain from providing specificity cognizant that many people will not challenge information/news provided by their purported government.
For the few unconscionably cultural despots that relish fleecing unsophisticated supporters because they do not fully understand secretly disguise ponzi schemes, you are also guilty of aiding and abetting if not augmenting moral decadence. Such acts of entrepreneurial barbarism must be exposed and not be encouraged or permitted during a time of increasing poverty and an enormously high rate of youth delinquency. Indubitably, these promotions bring in a tremendous amount of cash but more importantly they serve as sedatives.
The Guyanese culture has become decadent because people have adopted spurious ideas, values, and practices as being real and authentic. Substituting erroneous notions that purport to represent legitimate ones is definitely not the solution. Eventually truth will overpower ignorance.
According to the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
Tony Jones

 

 

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