FIGHT THE SYSTEM - by Oluseyi Vandy

This post has been forming for a long while inside me and I hope it is thoroughly fleshed out and broken down. It was birthed from observing not just the behaviours of others at work and around me, but myself. I will start with this summation "Every prevailing trait in a nation is shared by the people in that nation." Okay, maybe not all, but most. This is not even your fault, but it's like the saying of how you were raised is no excuse when you become an adult. The job of a system is simple, like at work or school; it teaches you the dos and don'ts... should you break them, you are punished, humiliated, separated or cast out. Your choices are simple, join or get lost. It takes greater mental resilience to be willing to face loneliness for any cause, even worse if you have none. While Systems last is because these systems indoctrinate everyone that enters into them. Look at every big issue in Nigeria, now look at yourself and those around you. I'm fairly certain you will see seeds that either fan or enable those issues: Pride, Fragile ego, Need for worship, Disregard for those perceived as lesser, Inability to receive correction or admit fault, Inflated self importance. The list goes on. The thing we need to be aware of is that in our interaction in society, these were taught to us as normal, accepted even. "You need to be sharp, A good man can never rule this country, You too dull, Na like this you wan take achieve (what ever goal you have), For this Nigeria?" You see those older than you, those in high positions which is symbol of competence and respect, religious leaders, even parents, uncles. Your interactions with them slowly condition you, and the truth is it wasn't intentional evil, or ill will. They simply just were giving you guide that helped them navigate life, survive and some thrive. The thing is, overall on a larger scale, the system then feels overwhelming to change. You question it? You're beaten and silenced. You want to challenge? People tell you, think of your safety, forgive, let it go. I've even found myself in the last group chat several times. I write this to say, systems are not divine, not God. They were man made, and though they seem impossible to change? They are just difficult... very difficult. Now, you may ask how? While I do not have the full answer. I think that it can only be changed with intentionality. First, from love. Now love doesn't mean docility or being a doormat, after all parents discipline their kids from love. The main point is that the people can feel and know that you're acting from love, not malice. Even if they don't, if you know, that's enough. Correct and hold people to a better standard. Second, you have to actually inconvenience yourself to live up to a standard, this can influence those around you, and draw like minds to you. Third, cooperation. I think "evil" understands this more than "good". For some reason, "good" enjoys being isolated, helping and then separating like they are not part of the world. The reason they asked Jesus why he was eating with sinners. Fourth, I think we need to redefined what our idea of good and evil is. It is what people that make statements like "A good man cannot lead" take advantage of. Good doesn't mean inability to harm or hurt, it only means not doing so without justification or selfish interest. For the good of the whole, and for what is right, being confrontational is accepted. Again, we discipline kids when they misbehave. Finally, I think entertainment and media is a weapon that many have let be used by the wrong people for so long. Music, films, cartoons and other forms of entertainment can be so compelling that we enjoy them, but are haunted by the messages and themes. Have you ever watched a movie and gotten so mad someone died? Have you asked why? You knew it wasn't real, but you connected to the made up person's life so much you wanted them to live on in this make belief world. Meaning it taught or convinced you about a point of view. This point of view then becomes a philosophy, this philosophy then becomes your view on life. There is no greater motivator or influence of life than a person's world view, and the only thing to influence a SYSTEM, is world view. This is literally the reference used in creating systems. While the focus of this is Nigeria as a country, you can use it to view schools, workplace, other African Nations, Foreign nations as well. I believe Nigeria, and Africa needs to change worldview. I hope these helps someone assess their lives or situation. Can you add any other tips you believe can impact or change a system?

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