The Cry of the People by R. E. Smith

It was Marcus Mosiah Garvey that said "There shall be no solution to this race problem until you, yourselves, strike the blow for liberty.” We are living in a society that is riddled with moral and social injustice. Society is going through a process of moral decay and it is moving so rapidly that social scientists have no idea as to how to stem this social pandemic.

The state at which the value system is rapidly disappearing is a serious cause for concern. The "Powers" pretend as if they are unaware of this issue that has crippled us as a people. The fact of the matter is that we have allowed the popular culture, prejudice, and racial discrimination to take root in society and everyone has a right to advocacy, equality, and free speech but limited social statues or guidelines are emphasized to hold us accountable for our actions.

Systems of Accountability

The greatest breakdown begins with the Family, Religion, and the Education System as these social institutions are seemingly muzzled and controlled by actions of inequality and a lack of basic moral principles. These are the fundamental areas that society looks towards for guidance to lead us beyond the draconian ideology and lifestyle. Let us take a look at the shortcomings of these systems of accountability.

1. Family

The Family has long been and is still the most important pillar of society because this is the cradle that ushers in the new generation. However, the cradle is being robbed and stunted with challenges such as teenage pregnancy, physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Not to mention poverty, unemployment, and racism. The increase in the number of cases surrounding social injustice is alarming and it is placing a dent on the legacies of world movers like Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., Marcus Garvey, Rosa Parks, and the list goes on.

The challenges that each individual family faces is mind-blowing. When we examine our communities we see "babies" having babies, youths behind bars, and a mammoth number of young people sitting idle. This is a prime recipe for disaster. We need to see them actively engage in youth programs and various developmental activities. This will allow them to reach beyond the norm and excel in various areas. What now exists, needs to change or we will constantly be placing a bandaid over the open wound.

2. Religion

Our religious institutions are facing an incredulous task to rebuild the fabric of society. This new era has degraded the basic religious principles and has idolized popular culture and changes in fashion trends, music, and social media LIKES and FOLLOWS. As a result, the moral code that guides individuals' actions as to what is right or wrong is being replaced by popularity and fame. Propaganda, discrimination, ageism, sexism, and colorism has taken root in society but we are not blind to what is happening because we are able to see beyond the illusion.

One thing is for certain that the four major religions emphasize the importance of equality, justice, and freedom of expression for all. For us to move forward as a people and as a society there is no room for prejudice, gender bias, or religious exorcism. Religion must become the courtroom for equality, social justice, respect for human life, and property something that Desmond Tutu advocated for in such a sophisticated manner. Therefore let us call on the religious leaders and groups to become the voice of the voiceless and hope for the hopeless. Let us end the segregation and religious intolerance and unite as a people, as a society, and as a modern world.

3. Education

This brings us to the seemly sad reality that our Education System is now left to clean up the shortfall of the hand that they have been dealt as the world is playing and dangerous game of cards and the outcome may prove fatal. The system is retarded due to inadequate resources such as technology, specialists to target and assess the various learning disabilities, and coaches to teach the importance of advocacy truth and Justices. In spite of these challenges, educators are expected to work miracles by transforming the lives of children that society has cultured to be bitter, disrespectful, and immoral. Many of which are victims of violent crimes against each other, many of which violent crimes have been committed against.

Where is the voice of advocacy? We, therefore, call for the children's rights advocates to not only spread the message of abuse and injustice but also to prosecute with extreme prejudice those who are poisoning the minds of our youths. It is our responsibility to ensure that the world our children grow up in is one of peace, love, and unity. Let us break away from mental captivity, let us not imprisoned our mindes in the past but press forward towards an optimistic future.

The Silver Lining

Let us not lose hope because will continue to rise from the ash of social injustice, inequality, and moral decay;
we will soar like the Phoenix. Amidst the societal pandemic, we have managed to mold and foster world leaders and global builders. We continue to make strides in areas such as Education, Health & Wellness, Sports, Politics, Law, and many other areas.

Therefore we CRY OUT for society to give us an opportunity to transform and shape our own destiny. Give us the opportunity to foster change in our society. Let us rebuild the basic institutions by fostering a culture of Love, Equality, and Respect for all. The future is inevitable so give us the opportunity to make it into a masterpiece for the future generation!

By R. E. Smith

The change is coming

Thank you for reading I hope you were empowered and motivated.