Every human has in mind the kind of world they want to live in even if it is just a dream, expectations of what the world should look like. I'm not exempted from such, regardless of how content any human can be there will be something he/she is unable to enjoy or privileged to have which might be different assuming times were different. how thoughtful and draining those thoughts can be it is what keeps us going a hope for a better tomorrow.
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We all have the roles we play in the society either significant or not, it all contributes in one way or the other to the society, though other people roles in the society might dictate ours. I have always been of the opinion that if everyone find themselves doing things that contribute to the growth and development of the society may be the world wouldn't be in such a mess.
My sense of public duty or responsibility has always been dictated by the kind of world I envisioned, which practically dictates my wishes. Those were the days when I so much dream of becoming a journalist due to the cruelty my childhood community suffered from the hands of powerful men who have grown stronger by silencing the masses. I never really knew what being a journalist means when I was a kid or the existence of such profession/career was neither known to me. All I wanted was to be a whistle blower, someone who is in position to expose the illicit act and atrocities committed by this powerful men and women.
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I guess I dreamed of a world where everyone is held accountable for their actions, equality before the law, well that was until I found out that the law is also considered a tool by corrupt political elites to silence the masses. As I grew in knowledge through the process of passing through academic institutions, ways at which I can achieve the world I dream of became clearer, the path I must walk to make sure my purpose on earth is achieved was with in reach, I guess I was suppose to study law at some point but circumstances led me to study mass communication which seams like a dream come true.
Gradually a 6 month industrial training called ciwes led me to work at Lagos traffic radio in the news room as an editor, finally I was at a position I could gladly perform my public duty to contribute to the society, which is the only way I know how to. Until an eye opener incident happened that made me realise this path I have chosen to perform my public duty was just a fantasy. I wrote about it on my blog on different occasions. the mass media which was meant to be the whistle blower operating solely in accordance to the libertarian theory of the Press which emphasized on freedom of the press without being censored. well it happens that even the mass media is subjected to some influence such as governmental policies and ownership control.
Which has made the mass media especially the conventional media to disseminate information that is only of interest to the government and elites, it might not seem like it but that is exactly what it is. with content being censored by NBC a broadcasting commission empowered with the authority of withdrawing broadcasting organisation licence and imposing fines and punishment on those who go contrary to its policies.
Based on this, I realised that the only way I dream of creating a better world was lost and chattered, I am in no position of ensuring freedom of the press, something even developed nations and countries are unable to achieve. The bitter truth is Only those in the position of power and authority are capable of reshaping the world A revolution can't occur with just usage of words but actions. Eventually I went back to school to acquire my Higher national diploma in mass communication but it wasn't because I was a patriot or due to my dreams to create a better world. all I wanted at that moment was just to increase my knowledge with no sense of patriotism.
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It does sound like I gave up on my country but how do you reshape the world when you don't even know where to begin? which puts me in a serious dilemma when I think of the concept of public duty and responsibility. What exactly is my role in all of this? it seems rather confusing for me to decide. So instead of doing a specific thing I just invested my time in being a good citizen, at least if my capabilities are not enough to reshape the world to what I dream of then I shouldn't do things that will add to the challenges and tribulations the world is facing currently. which seems like the only role I can play in ensuring I perform my public responsibility.
This write-up was inspired by weekly featured content titled "A better world" in hive learners community.
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