By Okechukwu Okugo | Founding Editor –
When a society discovers that an aspect of its life needs urgent change, it may be because its people have realized that such a thing or attitude can no longer move them forward. But making such a change, though inevitable, is usually the hardest thing to achieve.
Every attitude, every behavior, or every action that does not advance the general well-being of the people as a whole is a cankerworm. And change must occur to rid that society of such a cankerworm.
Change is not magical, change is not spontaneous, but change is earned through the collective action of the people.
It must be noted that whatever thing that has been spotted by the people that needs to be changed in order to advance, there must be a class or group of people who would be bent on allowing such attitude or action perpetuate forever, either because it satisfies their personal ego, selfish interest or sometimes they might be benefiting materially from such perpetuations no matter how retrogressive; or for whatsoever reason. These people are called change resisters. Some of them simply hate stepping out of their comfort zone, which they feel any sort of societal changes may take them out of. They want things to always remain the same.
Most of the time, these change resisters justify their actions by citing how long the “culture” that has suddenly become obsolete has lasted, which may be for centuries. This group will naturally never see the need for things to change. Most of the time, these change resisters are very powerful people with a lot of clout and influence, able to use society’s machinery to fulfill their personal wants and greed. This is the reason why, sometimes, it seems to the masses that change is impossible. And they feel helpless. Because of how powerful the forces are that stop the flow or inhibit change.
change_lifecycle – Asyma Solutions, Source
But the truth is, the only impossibility in life is for things to remain the same without change. That is why change is one constant that cannot be stifled, no matter how long. It is a sure constant of life. There are changes that occur naturally. By looking around or observing, one can see changes in fashion, entertainment, music, and even a society’s culture that no one controls and that only one observes as the changes flow through generations. Even the technology of society changes. Those who refuse to join in will become obsolete and will find it hard to function in the same society in which they once thrived.
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For other aspects of societal change, it cannot happen until the people start doing something. Any culture or protocols or modus operandi that brings pain and suffering to a particular group of people in society is the kind that does not simply change unless the people do something about it.
The thing that needs to be done is simple: raise your voice against it and change your attitude towards it. Those who are ready to take action to bring about a certain change in society are called change agents.
But in reality, this simple approach is very hard to do. It requires a lot of courage and discipline. It requires a certain sacrifice. Be it the sacrifice of a position, luxury, favor, or anything. This is so because the genuine fear of what the change resisters can do can be so powerful as to browbeat one into silence; to keep mute and just mope on while things continue to go wrong.
Dying in silence when things are going wrong for one may not be the wisest course of action. It may pay to not keep silent. Shout against it with a loud voice. Say out loud your point of pain, and perhaps people can come to your aid and help remove that source of pain against you. Show by your attitude that you are for change, and others will see and be positively influenced. Be fearless. And be ready to sacrifice. Also, do not keep quiet if others are at the receiving end. An African adage says, ” When you see your neighbor’s beard catch fire, go and get water, because yours might be next.”
When you speak for others when they suffer, you may also be speaking for yourself at the same time because what goes around comes around.
When more people raise their voices or change their attitudes, the resisters will always be in the minority, no matter how powerful they may seem. No matter what the scepter in their arms, the power of their influence, with which they can wield the machinery of society to their advantage. Change is so powerful that nothing in life can stop it. And most of the time, becoming disciplined may be all that is needed to bring about the change. Becoming disciplined as to refuse to accept a bribe or take what does not belong to you. Even discipline that stops one from the urge to cut corners, even when they see others do so. It helps. Such a change may help one avoid prison or trouble.
When that thing, action, attitude, or a way of life that is retrogressive is changed, you will then get the rare satisfaction, a healing contentment that you played a part in curing the society, that cankerworm that had long plagued it. Change agents are the most valuable people society can produce because they will always be remembered for a very long time by many generations to come. Change agents sometimes bring solutions that enable people to do tough things very easily through their inventions or ingenuity. Society must move forward. It should get better and advance. Different challenges that have long held people back need newer approaches to enhance or change a thing or two. For example, a society that climbs the tree with bare hands can find ways to reach the same treetops using invented devices or gadgets. From century to century, the same approach to tackling difficulties is not commendable.
Source – PHOTOCREO Michal Bednarek – Big Stock Images from Psychology Today
There is no society or country in the world that does not need change in some part of its life. Look around; you will see something, even in yourself, that needs to change. The need for change will always arise, and the ability to make a positive change will never stop in this world. Change to become a better or more efficient person. Even the way things are done today must change tomorrow, either to make it a little faster, more convenient, or to be done with the least stress possible. Change in science, change in technology, change in the people’s way of life, change of bad attitudes, a change in what divides humanity and foments hate and violence. Change from negativity. Change by learning a craft or skill. Improve yourself. Be the best version of yourself. Don’t remain the same from year to year and always. Let people feel that improvement in your way of life and in how you tackle problems.
The need for change has always been a theme for all my work. Be it writing poetry, plays, or short stories. Sometimes I stop and ponder how to find the courage to make the change I need to become a better me. The reason is that, like growth that never stops, the need for improvement never stops, and only by constantly working on oneself to keep getting better and better can one bring about half of the desired change and make a positive impact on oneself, families, and society. The change we all desire to see starts with a change in me first, in you second, and in us all lastly.