EMBRACE SOBER DISCOURSE

THE increasing levels of toxic diatribe in public discourse has the potential to scuttle social and economic order in the country.

It is sad that some personalities on both sides of the political divide have now shifted their attention from discussing relevant issues such as COVID-19 solutions to characters assassination.

This is sad especially that the country is confronted with many pressing matters.

The youths in particular are getting at each other’s throat over flimsy and less important issues which could easily be resolved in a sober manner.

Why should politicians engaged in bitter exchange of words through the media when they can reach out to each other and discuss the matter away from the public glare!

The rising trend of eliciting public sympathy via social media must equally come to an end before the country gets to the 2021 general elections campaign.

It is not necessary for any one individual to attempt to register their relevance by getting to their opponents through the media.

This is utter propaganda than anything else!

Those who stir up a hornets’ nest inadvertently or otherwise must learn to humble themselves and apologise to the grieving party instead of responding with an invective.

On the other hand, those who feel offended ought to argue or counter any accusation in an orderly but comprehensive manner; humility is important. In fact, there exists an English proverb which states that, “use soft words and hard arguments.”

Therefore, a wise person will always come out composed in a debate rather than throwing tantrums in the heat of the moment.

There are various pressing issues in Zambia that require a sober and reasonable approach by politicians in both the ruling and opposition parties as well as the Civil Society Organisations.

Citizens, including the youth, who have genuine grievances ought to present them in a mature manner; they should not be provocative.

On the other hand, leaders who strongly feel that an individual or group of citizens have been offensive, they should not retort with the same measure of toxicity.

They must always take time to examine the statements, context, source and aim of such a presentation so that they are able give an appropriate answer without raising any ire. Debating or responding to arguments in haste usually magnifies the problem.

The Holy Bible is explicit over matters relating to arguments as indicated in the book of Proverbs 25:8, ‘do not go out to argue in haste. Otherwise, what will you do in the end when your opponent puts you to shame?’

Therefore, there is still room to mend fences between Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo and the youth he particularly mentioned in his warning.

The matter must not get to demonstrations which could degenerate into ugly scenes in the busy Lusaka roads leading to Parliament.

Zambians must this time around be speaking on the same wave length on pertinent and topical issues such as COVID-19 preventive measures, entrepreneurial initiatives, empowerment funds and national development in general.

This is the time to examine political and economic issues from a holistic perspective in a sober manner.

Politicians featuring on radio programmes must speak with civility, the way they would present themselves away from the public.

They must desist from appeasing their sympathisers at the expense of national unity.