Tag: Social Ills

It’s Just A Like, It’s Not That Deep.

“I never see you liking other people’s stuff, you are selfish”, she uttered. I was taken aback by this statement because it was about the phony, pretentious and capricious social media world. My response, “I post then log out, Instagram for example is like my album, I am archiving my moments and thoughts, I don’t post for likes nor engagements, and that is why I don’t just ‘follow’ for the sake of ‘following’”.

I then thought to myself, she’s probably not the only one who thinks this of me and this is what led to this blog, a platform I use to express so that whoever that deems it worthy of their time to read can do so, at leisure, if they have the attention span to read thoroughly. One thing I have noticed, my bone of contention, is when you send someone a message and then they ask you about something you’ve already touched on in that message, proof that they didn’t read the entire message or that they didn’t read thoroughly. You then send a voice note for convenience and clarity and then you get: “I don’t like voice notes”, a lose-lose situation. We have become a society that doesn’t meaningfully engage, so sad. Engagements where we meet and talk about things that really matter, our careers, our kids, etc. have become an anomaly. One thing about me, you won’t get my attention through ‘likes’, unless I happen to be drafting my post and your post comes through my timeline, and even then, I won’t press the like button for the sake of it. You will get my attention through an engaging phone call, text or email. I will read thoroughly and my response will be testament. When we are together physically I will put my phone down and you will have my full undivided attention, I won’t tell you I am multitasking by listening to you while scrolling through Meme’s and TikTok videos, because fact is, this is not possible, I doubt even Einstein could multitask like that.

My Humble Opinion: Social media is not the real world, the real world is where real people, not keyboard ghosts and warriors, interact meaningfully and authentically. There is more to life than liking your WhatsApp status update. Our catch-up session where we talk about important things going on in our lives should be the order of the day. And when we are together, put your phone away because it is selfish and rude to be scrolling through your phone during a meal or during a catch-up session, otherwise stay home, in your own space and scroll your life away…

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A thin line between ‘toughening’ up a child and brutally breaking their spirits.

Imagine a coach, manager and/or the assistant constantly being on a child’s case.

Imagine fellow teammates ridiculing, criticizing, teasing and constantly bullying a child.

Imagine the parents barking instructions on the sidelines.

Imagine other parents passing snide remarks: “how did this child get selected?”

Participation in sport has great potential to unearth and refine beyond the natural ability, natural flair, natural skill and talent. This is where we see the honing of crucial life skills and the makings of an all-rounder: after all, it takes more than talent and superstar qualities to be successful. I am referring to the hunger, dedication, determination, hard-work, self-discipline, effort, spirit, attitude, perseverance, persistence, willingness to learn, an ear to always listen and take instructions, and the skill to take the advice and guidance from those who have walked the path.

My Humble Opinion: I have seen well-intentioned coaches, managers, assistants, players and parents tear a child apart.To a point where that child gives up on their passions, dreams and aspirations.There is a thin line between ‘toughening’ up a child and brutally breaking their spirits and thwarting their emotional development, something they need in order to grow into well-adjusted adulthood. Consider a child’s age, level of maturity and emotional intelligence before you impart your version of ‘constructive criticism’. Children should be allowed to make mistakes without fear of judgement or reprisal. Children should be given the space to explore and discover. Our role as adults is to nurture, guide, protect and support. Ours is to boost morale and bring about morally sound and confident children.

“Don’t break a birds wings and tell it to fly. Don’t break a soul and tell it to be happy”