The Independent Observer

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In it all, there is this part of us that just wants to sit and observe it all: no speeches, no interests to protect, and no end to meet. Just a proper analysis of all things and wonder at the whys and the bases. That part of me makes a debut quite often.



I find that I mostly want to observe, to experiment - to do things just to observe the outcomes. Go to places, hang out with people, try out an idea, do a project, and the list goes on and on. There is this urge to experience, reflect on the experience, and then recount them in speech and writing. And I wish that could be the default mode of life - no real consequences, just an unending sequence of trying, reflecting, and recounting.

But life is not just a series of harmless events and choices. There are roads we take and never return; actions come with serious reactions. And even more saddening is societal cum moral expectations. We find that we can't just be passive and objective when some matters are discussed; certain social groups we belong to expect us to view the subject from a set lens. We can't afford to just be independent observers. We must observe with a certain lens, and when we do, we must protect certain interests. And that is life! You can't be an independent observer, you can't go on a passive cruise. But why not?

"There are belief systems which you have to choose or reject. And when you choose one, you should never be objective when looking at the other. You must defend the system you choose." That's how you lose your right to be an independent observer.

"You belong to a certain people group (ethnicity, tribe, race, and all), and congenital with that belonging is the duty to stand up for that group - to defend, to ignore faults, and to window dress. You do not have the freedom to tell a member of the other group that he is completely right, he is right but not completely right. You see it all, you see the goodness of his proposition, but saying that he is completely right detracts from your group's wholesomeness." That's how you lose objectivity and free living. You are drawn into the obligation to always defend a position, and never to sit on the fence and maintain a balance point.

"You have an ideology which you cherish too much. And have stuck your head out in different contexts. You believe the ideology is functional, world-changing, and a clincher. But people begin to deconstruct it, with superior arguments,  and alternative views. You see it. But you have stood for this idea far too long, it has even come to define who you are." So, you hold on to it and lose your position as an independent observer.



Image from pixa-bay
Location: Warri, Nigeria

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