In the history of mankind there has always been emphasis on the need for sacrifices for the benefit of the many, the concept of the greater good. How do I define it? A phenomenon that warrants the ultimate sacrifice of a few to ensure others blossom in prosperity. It is not a concept strange to mankind though it has been used on many occasions by selfish men to pursue their undying ambitions. Apart from that, it can be said that at every point of mankind's revolution some sacrifices were made either voluntarily or not it is a due that is paid with blood, tears and anguish.
Trying to take a stroll through my country's history I would have loved to share some stories but some wounds are still yet to heal in the heart of many, siting sensitive historic events might evoke pain that is better left buried. But then if it isn't history why not a story I once heard about a country where corruption ruled supreme for years and there was no end to its tyranny. The citizens bathed in poverty like it was their birth right, there was no end to the misery and all hope seems lost till an irregular event transformed the mind of the people and gave them courage to stand for themselves.
It was not just an ordinary event, it was an heroic act done by a single individual who took it upon himself to protest against the corrupt government and seeking for justice but his voice wasn't heard. Just like every other citizen suffering in silence this young man chose not to be one of them, he looked back and forth realising standing down wasn't an option. He decided to lit fire on himself and run across the street like a rabid rat. He burned so hard and yet he wouldn't let anyone extinguish it, his passion for justice was more significant than his pain at the moment.
Eventually people caught up to him, extinguish the hell he has evoked on himself, the damage done by the fire was far beyond what he could be rescued from, this irregular act led to the death of this young man. The government decided to turn a blind eye to the event just like every other corrupt act they had covered up but the people weren't ready to let the matter slide. Different activist who had gone silent over the years stood up and the citizens stood with them, they knew what they were up against but they fear not. They burst out on the street creating a nation wide protest, they rally day and night to ensure their voices was heard but little did they know that the government they were so kin on bringing down was not intimidated by their gatherings.
To ensure the protest doesn't escalate, the government decided to use military force to disband the process like they usually do but this time the people refused to yield which angered the government, instead of them to consider it as an opportunity to finally listen to the needs of the people and let peace reign, they chose to go for a more cruel method to disband the protest by authorising the military to rain down terror on the peaceful protesters. Gunning them down like fire flies, in just couple of minutes the street was littered with blood. I guess the government believe this would be enough to make the citizens cower in fear but they didn't, out of the aches they rose and fighting ranging bullets without bullet proof vest.
The death toll rose to the extent that it caught the attention of international bodies and foreign entities, An irregular action was taken against a sovereign state to put down there blood thirsty government, to put an end to the blood shed. The intervention got the people what they want, the government was put down but it wasn't enough to sweep their problems and challenges away. It has been years since the bloodshed occurred but corruption still exist. It makes me wonder, what thought was running down the minds of those who chose to put down their lives, they must have believed it was for the "Greater good" sacrificing the lives of a few for the prosperity of many. It is quite sad, if only they were here to see nothing has changed after they made the ultimate sacrifice.
I'm a patriot to an extent but on this subject is where I draw the line, the concept of the greater good has been used to cause more chaos than good in the history of humanity. It works for some people but most times those who come up with the strategy of sacrificing a few for the benefit of many are not the one being sacrificed, they sit behind the bench crossing their legs and watch others sacrifice their precious lives. Every life is precious, no one should get to decide whose life should be sacrificed no matter the cause.
Will I be able to sacrifice a few to save millions? It sounds quite noble, doesn't it? I wouldn't mind as long as I'm among does who will be paying the sacrifice, at least I would know I'm sacrificing my life for what I believe in but in a case where by I have to decide the fate of others by asking them to sacrifice their lives for the greater good that sound like what most politicians do these days. I strongly believe that whoever choose to advocate for sacrificing a few for the greater good should lead the way, a human life isn't something to play around with like dice. How do you think the family of those who were sacrificed for the greater would feel, when they see that nothing has changed even after they lost their loved ones, who will compensate their loss?
This write-up was inspired by weekly featured content titled "Is it justified" in hive learners community.
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