THE ASCENDING VOICES

By Kirong Shadrack

In Athens where democracy originated people understood the concept differently, contrary to the contemporary statement that it is the rule of majority. In ancient Athens, Agora market was a famous centre where great philosophers and thinkers met to discuss and share ideas.

Shouting was an ingredient in this democratic space. This was an eminent practice especially among the lords and landowners who could be entangled in haggling over property. Whoever shouted the loudest carried the day. I do not know what parameter was used to give the final verdict but that was Athens then.

A scrutiny of democracy in the aftermath of the rebirth era reveals several definitions that have been mooted thanks to the works of great post-modern thinkers. However, I am more concerned with finding out who were the brains behind the ‘ascending voice democracy’ that has become the order of the day. By definition, this type of democracy shares common DNA with the Athenian democracy, where people shout. Unlike the Athenian democracy, the shouter’s voice never carries the day. Their voices remain a passing cloud.

Such is the type of fledgling democracy that has seemingly infiltrated our higher institutions of learning; ascending voices! A mental flight back to my earlier days as a first year, democracy could dictate that shouting had a limit, unless you had the guts to barricade your own academic highway. A look at the current situation, and I can applaud democracy in our institution that has now metamorphosed into free space. Though in descending voice, I will ride on it!

The accommodation crisis and unpredictable school calendar are some of the tussles that have proved difficult for planners and managers in our institution in the recent past. As we pride ourselves in other fields, it’s obvious that this nightmare will always continue to haunt many if the status quo is maintained. Not to mention other litany of challenges such as a missing marks and the double-intake programme that has become a scapegoat for all the current problems facing the students.

The University administration should consider suspending this programme pending its workability test or find an amicable and lasting solution to these persisting challenges. On a lighter note, I think our university befits the stature of a modern Agora market where ‘descending voices democracy’ has no place in the ascending echelons of powers. The new changes should be handled without further involving or igniting shouts from descending voices. These are great thinkers and philosophers who should spend time sharing and discussing ideas and not discussing and shouting out problems!

The writer is the vice chairperson, The 3rd Eye.