Social media can be used as a powerful weapon to create a good and just society. Instead of accusing the west lets clean up our backyard
Good morning dear readers. Most of you would be wandering who or what on earth Inanna means and its relevance to our youth. To start off this discourse Inanna was a Sumerian goddess - from bygone centuries. It is interesting to realize that her ancient adherents worshipped her as she was the stellar symbol of love, beauty, sex, fertility and desire.
So what does a Sumerian goddess have to do with youth in Sri Lanka? Most of what she was once glorified for is still ‘happening’ and sending ‘cool vibes’ among our young folk, at least the ones that relentlessly pursue these things in excess causing a steady decline in morals and ethics - a roller coaster guilt free ride.
We continue to boast of our heritage and culture, which was good in that bygone era. Even in the kingdoms of our glorious monarchs there is evidence of flamboyant entertainment, semi nude virgins and other abominations which have been beautifully veiled to manifest a more holistic culture. Indeed one has the right to do anything as we are a democracy. Of course we have not yet become Zanadu or Gomorrah but at least a good number of immature youth are rapidly heading there. Parents, teachers and guardians are delighted to blame the ‘western cultures’ that we have gleefully received on television in the 1980s and subsequently via social media today. This will be discussed later in this discourse.
Two decades ago a young woman’s visible bra strap was a sign for embarrassment, but today feminine accessories are displayed in assorted colours. Some girls don’t know where to display their lingerie and are seen walking across certain venues. This is the zenith of ignorance. To not dress flaunting ones breasts today is deemed ‘goday’ or out of present vogue. Such ‘curated divas’ can be seen all over Colombo. One of my friends justifies this dress code by saying it is a form of non-verbal advertising of hidden lust or the sign of being ‘single and ready to mingle’.
Going back to Inanna – our Sumerian goddess, she was able to captivate the Sumerians, who actually garnered a cult, whose priests were known as gala. A quick point here dear readers - we often see hotels and other entertainers using the term ‘gala dance or gala night’- not knowing its true origins. Gala in the ancient era (priests of Inanna) had such wild nights of ‘worship” where every sexual fantasy was fulfilled. So be mindful of using the word gala to glorify events. Inanna once stimulated love, sex, beauty and desire. Of course these emotional mindsets are human, and not criminal. One must be able to love and reciprocate romance. One can only consummate a legal marriage. Desire is part of the human system, but we must maintain our sexual purity.
It is common today for youth to host parties which stealthily yield to ‘after parties’. I have lived in America for three years and know exactly what goes on in the after party! An after party is the ‘segregation for seductive streamlining’. Colombo is slowly being engulfed by an assortment of cool chicks (not poultry) and aspiring studs covered in tribal tattoos. Partying is no offence- meet up, dance and enjoy the succulent food and fellowship. It is towards the end that the ‘chicks’ are picked to be ‘laid’- unconsenting sex procured through manipulation and promises of unfailing love. It is these girls who later become subjects of jokes and sexual bullying, which they endure, regretting the one- night- stand.
Adults often don’t understand the genuine potential of social media- it can connect youth and transform lives.
It can regenerate our environment. Facebook is an excellent tool where likeminded youth can gel on subjects they like and implement real change. It’s nice to be updated by old classmates. Yet sadly in sunny paradise, to many youth facebook is a hunting ground to stalk and seduce. Even to those not seeking sexual enticement- facebook (rural youth pronounce as pacebook) is a getaway where they can glorify themselves, trying to get as many likes. The likes of FB friends should not determine your moods and goals.
Some even feel negative energy from nasty comments posted by ‘digital friends’ they have never met. Showing ones belly ring via a selfie is cool today, and before long we will be seeing a new crime wave of sexual predators, and may witness the rise of the serial killer. The makeup on some selfies leads us to think the girl visited the mortician (one who embalms the dead). Speaking of the selfie indulgence my mind is directed to Narcissus- a Greek youth and hunter. Narcissus once encounts his shadow in a clear pool of water, and thought he was seeing an angel or celestial being. He waited at the pond for days and lost his mind. Today psychiatrists in USA have classified excessive posting of selfies to a mental condition known as narcissism. These aspect are only a few areas where our youth are being misguided, ruining their academics and lowering self- esteem.
The time is right for parents, teachers and adults to support our youth to create better use of social media. Young people must have avenues to meet as friends- boys and girls, enjoying clean fellowship. Sports, cadeting and religious activity are a must to enforce change of mindsets. Social media can be used as a powerful weapon to create a good and just society. Instead of accusing the west lets clean up our backyard. Remember what you tolerate will one day dominate. Learn to say no. Our youth are the topmost resource for the future. Let lady Inanna rest in peace!!