Kayonga Paul

It is easy to call out young people when they get it wrong. But how often do we stop to ask ourselves what we are teaching them by the way we conduct ourselves? I watched the Nsangi students’ clip found myself thinking about the responsibility that comes with having a microphone, a platform and an audience. Does being young or ignorant excuse poor judgement? No. But neither does being older automatically make us better examples. As we castigate the students, I think we need to look beyond the teenagers and take a closer look at ourselves. Some of us who are old enough to know better have made a habit of using our platforms to ridicule, pull people down and say just about anything for engagement. We call it being bold / speaking our minds. Then we get shocked when the younger generation picks up the same habits. What exactly are we teaching them? It reminds me of a mother who walks around the house in her nightdress at noon, then turns around to scold her 12-year-old for doing the same. Her point may be valid,but what example has she set? Yes, the students must take responsibility for their actions. But so must we. If we want young people to use their voices & platforms responsibly, we must be willing to walk the talk. We cannot keep telling the next generation to do better while giving them a front-row seat to our own very bad manners.