GIJ Politics The Paranoia

“If you stand straight, do not fear a crooked shadow.”

-Chinese Proverb

 VII. The Problem of Paranoia

The ambitions of many student politicians and the accompanying fear that they might not make it often result in excessive suspicion and paranoia towards anyone who has a decent résumé on campus. The illusions are usually mild but it can sometimes grow to a bizarre point where fellows who are often seen well-dressed are deemed to be harbouring political ambitions and marked as threats. Goodness gracious me! The Good Book was right in prophesying that in the latter days all that will be required of a potential leader will be a cloak!

Exposition:

As in all political stratagems, it is reasonable to identify your potential competitors and find ways of beating the competition. That said, however, I am convinced that many student politicians in GIJ are often their own threats. Curiously, though, I have found that their ideas of threats are entirely different. 

Instead of being circumspect today to avoid reputational damage tomorrow or putting work into building capacity in themselves for the offices they seek, they focus rather on other students who are likeable and might win support if ever they decide to run for a position.  This paranoia accounts for nearly all the latent (and overt) invectives, smear campaigns and mudslinging that characterize the relationships between potential ‘student leaders’ on campus. There are instances where some students have received threats from anonymous contacts restraining them from any plans they have to contest and assuring them of dirt if they dare. 

In the end, enemies are created out of harmless people and folks who could have been helpful to the progress of our collective cause are isolated because of paranoia. 

Exception:

From the Declaration of Intent that heralded this series, I made it clear that the purpose of GIJ Politics for Beginners is not only to unveil the masks but to shed a light on those who deserve merit. So, to make my exceptional case today, I want to appreciate all the leaders – Course Reps, SRC Executives or Whiteboard Cleaners, like myself, who are able to put electoral competition and threats aside and work with everyone. That’s the mark of true leaders. They let us progress in unity; not divide by their insecurity. If you are reading this, you know yourself. God bless you and take you even further.