Dear Editor,
The rise in tribalism in Guyana is breaking my heart. Racism isn’t an accurate word to denote this epidemic spreading, both the Government and Opposition are multi-ethnic; one more than the other. Therefore, the word tribalism much more accurately denotes the circumstances I wish to speak about.
A few days ago, I decided to invite my entire Facebook friends list to like the People’s Progressive Party Civic page. I have previously invited my entire list to like the University I attended, the student Government page, the department I worked for and more recently, Raiza the psychologist’s page. Never before have I received any sort of negative responses; if people didn’t want to like the page they could’ve simply chosen not to.
One of the most interesting reaction was a classmate of mine (from The Bishops’ High School) who screenshot the notification to like the page and had a full ranting session about how; “didn’t realise she was so brave to try and recruit real South Ruimveldt thugs.” I was unaware I went to school with any thugs.
I responded by explaining that I was only inviting people so that they can have more sides to the story. It is my belief that you should look at what all political parties post as the media can sometimes be biased. Information never hurts anyone. The sad part was my “friend” didn’t try to converse but got defensive and almost hateful in his commentary.
I went on a PPP/C walkabout in Stabroek Market and while people were still tribal saying “I is APNU”, and “Only green for me” and sometimes a little more explicated than that. Many were curious for information; starting the dialogue was the hardest part but once we got to talking, people were willing to listen and exchange views and things became a lot more pleasant.
We as a nation, regardless of our political affiliation should be open to dialogue at all levels. By refusing to start a dialogue, we as a people will have a hard time moving forward. It is not only about speaking but also listening and understanding. We need to listen to each other and open up conversations at all levels.
How can you not be bothered by the current Administration, promising the Guyanese people so many things in 2015 and never delivering on them? As a population, you should question and listen to what the “other side” can offer. We need to listen to each other not just flat out “cuss up” and ignore the “other side.” Find some time to listen to the other side, the information you may receive may be bias. We need to start listening and conversing, and then we can get to create a better discourse which will lead to electing administrations based on issues and policy and not the colour of their shirt.
Yours truly,
Nalinie Singh
