By Burnett Munthali
Prominent commentator Bashir Al Bashir recently sparked conversation on social media after sharing his observations about Bishop Thomas Msusa’s message. In a post, Bashir noted that after listening to the bishop’s address ten times, he found no mention of President Lazarus Chakwera or the Malawi Congress Party (MCP). However, he expressed surprise at the backlash from individuals and groups who felt targeted despite not being explicitly mentioned.
In his post, Bashir humorously compared the situation to a scenario where a father accuses one son, James, of stealing his money, only for another son, John, to react defensively despite not being named. This analogy drew significant attention, with many reflecting on why people often feel implicated in issues they are not directly accused of.
Bashir’s remarks touch on a broader issue in Malawi’s socio-political landscape: the tendency to personalize and politicize public statements. Bishop Msusa’s message, which addressed societal concerns, was interpreted by some as an attack on specific individuals or political entities, even though no names were mentioned.
This reaction has raised questions about the sensitivity and defensiveness of certain groups within Malawian society. Why do people feel accused when they are not directly named? Is it guilt, insecurity, or an entrenched culture of politicizing every public statement?
Bashir’s analogy resonates with many, as it mirrors a common occurrence in daily life. In families, workplaces, and communities, people often react defensively to general statements, revealing underlying issues of mistrust or unresolved tensions.
Similarly, in politics, leaders and supporters may feel attacked by statements addressing governance or societal challenges, even when they are not directly implicated. This defensiveness can overshadow the real issues being discussed, diverting attention from solutions to emotional reactions.
The debate sparked by Bashir’s post highlights the need for Malawians to engage in constructive dialogue and avoid unnecessary defensiveness. As a society, there is a need to focus on addressing the core issues raised in public discourse rather than personalizing or politicizing every statement.
Bashir’s observations serve as a reminder that public messages are often intended to provoke thought and inspire change, not to target individuals or groups. A mature and open-minded approach to such messages can lead to better understanding and progress for Malawi as a whole.
.
