Patriotism and national pride can foster a sense of belonging and identity; however, it is crucial to find a balance to prevent harmful extremes in the process of nation-building.
Fatoumatta: Indeed, supporting one’s country during national and international events is more than a duty; it’s a chance for positive transformation. It cultivates unity, pride, and a sense of community. Instead of engaging in blame or insults, citizens can make a positive impact by engaging in civic activities, volunteering, and promoting constructive change. Such open dialogue can address challenges and lead to a more promising future.
It is disheartening to witness citizens, including the opposition, fence-sitters, those harboring ill will towards the government and country, or those living in constant anger, blame their issues for the government’s failure to unite for success. When a nation supports its leaders, it can achieve positive progress. Unity is a potent force that propels a country forward, despite political divides. Hopefully, this collaborative spirit will promote development and well-being at the upcoming OIC Summit, where The Gambia’s involvement and unity are vital.
Fatoumatta: I feel compelled to speak out after observing how some of my fellow Gambians, who are fervent supporters of the current government (at all levels), use social media to insult, denigrate, and undermine perceived enemies of those they ardently support. No words are considered too harsh or intemperate, no language too vile, no personal insult too demeaning, and no curse too appalling for some of these individuals to use against their fellow Gambians, often unfairly and without justification.
Supporting our government and praying for our leaders is encouraged by our respective faiths, as prescribed by the Holy Books, and guided by our economic interests. Our political or partisan preferences may also influence this support. However, it is a fact that not all governments are benevolent, nor are all leaders virtuous and worthy of the people’s support and prayers. In the political history of The Gambia, particularly since achieving independence from Britain in 1965, there have been three regimes, including military dictatorships. No fair-minded or logical Gambian would argue that those Gambians, whether alive or deceased, who did not support or pray for the continuation of past military regimes and dictators were mistaken or disloyal. Indeed, during the reign of these military governments, it was incumbent upon Gambians desiring a return to constitutional and representative governance to actively oppose those military regimes and their leaders.
Since 2017, we have been under civilian administration. It is undeniable that none of the past administrations or rulers were flawless, and there were times when criticism, condemnation, or opposition from our people was justified during their tenure. Had the immediate past administration been perfect and without fault, there would have been no substantial reason to advocate for a “change” in power and government in 2017. Therefore, it is evident that the current leaders, like those before them, are not beyond improvement. They are not without error, nor are they saints. While some in power may be principled and possess qualities of good leadership, others may require further consideration and acknowledgment.
Furthermore, those who are regarded and trusted are prone to human weaknesses, vanities, and excesses, as are many of us. They may become excessively ambitious, greedy, envious, biased, unjust, cruel, merciless, arrogant, corrupt, immoral, deceitful, lawless, oppressive, and untruthful. Moreover, several of the present “new” authorities were once part of the contemptible history that many have vehemently denounced and continue to do so.
Governments and leaders ought to be backed by those they govern and lead. It is crucial to boldly hold leaders accountable to their promises and ensure they remain diligent in their duties. The populace should feel upheld and validated. Leaders must be scrutinized, critiqued, denounced, or resisted when justified. Nonetheless, they should not be undermined if they act reasonably, honestly, and justly. When leaders perform well, they deserve commendation, encouragement, inspiration, and support, for the consequences of poor governance will inevitably fall on those who fail to promote proper governance when leaders are earnestly trying their best.
When certain Gambians criticize or oppose the current government, it is not appropriate for those who fervently support the government or ruling party to attack them online with insults and derogatory names. Even if the critics are thoughtless, indecent, disrespectful, or unnecessarily vulgar, it is preferable to engage them with moderate language and stronger arguments, if possible, to demonstrate their errors or misconceptions, acknowledging that the leaders they vehemently criticize or intensely dislike also represent them, just as they do you.
Your love for your country may be so profound that you quickly compare it to any seemingly positive developments abroad, even without fully understanding the details and implications of such news. While not being a comparative political economist might excuse your ‘sincere ignorance,’ it still reflects a wish for a better homeland.
When you ignore the positive developments within your own country, deeming them trivial, yet acknowledge similar advancements abroad without grasping their methodology, you become more than an indifferent spectator; you become a potential detriment to your nation. Admiring the virtues in others and yearning for the same, without the willingness to emulate their successful actions, marks you as an outright hypocrite.
However, if your critique of poor governance is coupled with a readiness to enact change, you transcend the role of a critic and become a true patriot, actively contributing to your nation’s improvement.
When one does not share the domestic good news they value in others, yet hastily writes, invents, edits, and disseminates unverified news to spite their own country, what should they be called? Your guidance is requested.
To compare your country with another based on a brief airport visit, a few days of shopping or sightseeing, and nights in a hotel, or merely on someone’s opinion who may have visited the Gambia, is an overly simplistic analysis. How can one profess love for democracy, yet conflate legislative or parliamentary actions with executive ones? Please advise: What should such a person be called?
Soon, the present will transition into history. History, as President Adama Barrow recently expressed hope for its kindness, will ultimately judge the performance and legacy of our current leaders at all levels.
Fatoumatta: If you truly love your country, cultivate a spirit of curiosity. Embrace new knowledge, share information cautiously, and be thorough in its verification, particularly with contentious topics. Begin by grasping the principles of reciprocity and the intricacies of visa regulations. Be a patriot; pursue the truth; contribute your share; and remain composed.
