Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
A time for country to reflect
Easter brings hope and is a reminder that a better world is possible for all, writes Stephen Brislin
IT’S NOT quite clear who coined the phrase “fake news”, but in recent times this has become a popular global catch-phrase. According to Wikipedia, fake news “is a type of yellow journalism or propaganda that consists of deliberate misinformation or hoaxes spread via traditional print and broadcast news media or online social media.
“Fake news is written and published with the intent to mislead in order to damage an agency, entity, or person, and/or gain financially or politically”.
Fake news has been around for a long time, but with the increased influence of the media, especially social media, it is a real threat to the social fabric of society and, as we have seen, can easily be used to manipulate people for the gain of others. Of course, there are those who dismiss news as being”fake” for their own advantage.
Trust is a fundamental element of good social relationships and fake news destroys trust.
This is clearly happening rapidly globally. The 2018 Edelman Trust Barometer refers to the “polarisation of trust” and a “world moving apart”. This is evident in the results for the survey of South Africa which, last year, scored the 19th position of the 28 countries measured and has dropped to
26th position this year. The trust index of the general South African population decreased in that period for each institution measured (government, media, business, NGOs) and the overall trust index was a meagre 38%. I suspect there has been a general decrease in trust in churches as well, especially considering failures of the past and present, and the bizarre, abusive and even lethal antics performed by some in the name of religion.
Fake news plays its part in the erosion of trust but there is also a general sense many leaders, political and others, are not honest. Is it idealistic to expect ethical, honest leadership? Is it idealistic to demand we have leaders of integrity? In many respects it is idealistic. That is why we have a plethora of laws designed to protect people from corruption, exploitation and deception.
Laws have been made to attempt accountable and transparent governance of institutions in every sphere of society. But the law can only do so much and we are all aware that laws are circumvented or not implemented. Democracy itself is meant to be a safeguard from unscrupulous and tyrannical rule by governments. It is the best form of political governance we have, but it has its inherent weaknesses.
The fact is external forces such as the law and democracy, while essential, will never bring about the change needed to prevent humankind from spiralling down into a chasm of cynicism and division. We have to work at changing people and changing their hearts. The world has advanced dramatically in technology – a great blessing. Resources are poured into greater and faster development of technology – rightly so. But we are neglecting to pour resources into human formation and development, especially of young people, in the values and virtues commonly held to be essential for personal and social well-being.
These values are well accepted – honesty, truthfulness, respect for the dignity of all persons, tolerance, service to your country, justice. It is only through inculcating these so they become internalised, that we can hope to develop a culture of integrity.
These values are held by all major faiths but are also generally considered human values. A culture of society that has been weakened through corruption and deceit needs positive and concerted corrective action. This includes formulating legislation that takes into account modern challenges, such as social media, as well as punishment of transgressors. But these are not sufficient in themselves and will not bring about the necessary change.
Moral regeneration cannot succeed without credible leadership and good role models. I believe it should focus essentially on the family. Values are primarily transmitted through the family and we know there is much brokenness in family life in South Africa. Resources and appropriate intervention mechanisms need to be made available to give support to families and to strengthen family life.
We are woefully short of social workers, opportunities for counselling and preparation for parenthood. Associated with this, millions of families live in conditions that place them under enormous stress, such as poverty, unemployment and homelessness.
The educational system supplements what is done in families. Proper schooling is far more than the academic and extra-mural subjects available, but must have programmes aimed at promoting important values as intrinsic to the attitudes and behaviour of young people.
This includes programmes at university level. Given the lack of good role models, mentoring interventions by experienced volunteers are an essential support to youth and should be advanced. Whatever else, a laissez-faire approach is not an option.
Human values are not only necessary for a peaceful and prosperous society but are essential for personal well-being. Living with lies and deceit always creates an inner-disharmony as well as stressful human relationships. Honesty, which is the foundation of all the values, enhances both selfrespect and peace of mind, as well as respect from others who recognise integrity. Ultimately, these values are the road to success in terms of becoming a responsible, mature and social human being.
Easter is a time of new hope and new possibilities. It is the time of the victory of light over darkness, life over death. It is a reminder that goodness is possible, that human beings are not destined to self-destruction but can change and make choices that lead to harmony, peace and inclusivity. It is the promise that a better world is possible and there is a basic goodness within people.
For Christians, Christ is the
“way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Change is possible, but it always starts with you. May
God give you and your family an abundance of joy and every blessing during this Easter season.
Brislin is the Catholic Archbishop of Cape Town