Of late, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) has been having its own share of bickering. Both have attracted the attention of many Batswana and aroused the people’s desire to actively participate in the debates around some of the issues. Social media is one of the platforms that offer users the opportunity to voice their views and read and critique other people’s views while allowing others to also critique theirs constructively.
Sadly, some people are abusing the fine opportunities presented by access to the Internet and social media. While some commentators usually, when debating in the political space, offer their opinion or analysis in a well-thought-out manner, without insulting or belittling anyone, some are just raging bullies, who make it a point that they insult those that hold divergent views.
Understandably, a lot of people are frustrated because we face so many challenges such as the ever-rising prices of necessities, food and other commodities. The high rate of unemployment remains one of the biggest challenges that the country is facing, and could actually get worse because many companies have already written to the Ministry of Employment, Labour Productivity, and Skills Development about their intention to downsize. This will definitely add to the number of those already in the job market, some of who have been looking for jobs since graduation but are yet to get their first job. Challenges are there, big ones at that and, understandably, we are all frustrated about the state of affairs. However, this does not give any individual the right to insult others just because they don’t share the same ideologies.
Batswana generally are known to be a caring and compassionate nation, and many glorify them for the respect they show others, but sadly, we seem to be slowly but surely losing ‘setho sa rona as Batswana’. We seem to be turning into angry beasts, always waiting for the smallest spark to cause an explosion. Unfortunately, nowadays it is very common to see a young man or woman insulting the President of the country, and forget the age factor, but the fact is that the President as the first citizen, deserves befitting respect.
No one said the President cannot be criticised, but do so respectfully, and constructively. Let’s utilise the social media space responsibly, use it to educate each other, entertain each other, and build each other up.
