Mediocre Patriotism: A Call for Introspection
Growing up, I admired individuals who sacrificed their comfort for the collective good of Ghana—teachers journeying to remote villages, selfless doctors, nurses, and countless public servants who inspired us to take pride in our nation. To me, public service was a noble act of sacrifice for God and country.
Yet, as I observe the evolution of our society, I find myself grappling with a profound contradiction. We live in an era where technological advancements and solutions to humanity’s greatest challenges are within reach, yet the disparities between us grow wider. The poor become poorer, the rich wealthier, and the fabric of our society more fragmented. How can a generation so advanced in technology and knowledge seem so primitive in its thinking?
The erosion of collective goodwill into individualism is startling. Political loyalties, family ties, or personal interests now define people’s worlds, leaving little room for broader societal cohesion. Common sense, once a cornerstone of progress, feels increasingly scarce—even in the simplest matters.
Take political divides in Ghana, for example. Both major parties claim to champion the welfare of Ghanaians, yet their followers are often so entrenched in partisan allegiance that they cannot acknowledge the merits of the opposing side or the flaws within their own. Are we truly working for the good of the same country, or has patriotism become a hollow tool for division?
Religion, too, has not been spared. The God who is all-knowing and loving is paradoxically invoked to justify intolerance and conflict. But that’s a topic for another day.
The solutions to our global crises already exist. We have the resources and the knowledge to ensure that basic needs are met for all. What we lack is the political will and the individual courage to prioritize collective well-being over personal gain. To thrive, we must go beyond the "us versus them" mentality, beyond the trap of "I am right, and you are wrong." True progress requires empathy—seeing the world through another’s eyes and acting for the common good.
The most disheartening aspect is watching educated individuals fall prey to the same divisive traps. It forces me to question whether education has truly enlightened us or merely made us better at rationalizing our biases. If we can send humans to Mars, surely we can find ways to feed the poor and bridge the growing gaps in our society.
Political parties should serve the people—all people—not just their supporters. Diversity is essential, but it must not come at the expense of common sense. We must stop waiting for personal suffering to recognize the pain of others.
The world cannot regenerate without personal introspection. We must constantly confront our own biases, acknowledging that we are neither as righteous nor as isolated as we might think. Funny enough, none of this is new to us. Deep down, we know the truth and the steps we must take. Yet, more often than not, we return to business as usual, shrugging with the familiar refrain: What can I do?
Perhaps the answer lies in one radical, yet simple act: love. Not just for our neighbors, but even for those we perceive as enemies—our ideological or political adversaries, our personal biases. Regeneration begins when we embrace the truth that we are all interconnected, and our collective survival depends on bridging the divides we’ve created.
The solutions are here. The question is: do we have the will to act?