They say it is better to lie low these days. They add needlessly, “…given the ‘climate’ at present” Which atmosphere? Why lie low? What and who is everybody afraid of?
They say “mwihangire umurimo” add empathetically “You are not hungry” to find a job. while they get comfortable in your money.
They say, “This city is for everyone” and never ‘who’ is everyone.
If you still wonder then you are not in the ‘chosen’ one.
If you are in read mode only — know that you are the #Winning one.
They say, don’t express an opinion. Why? Just don’t, they insist. On any subject? Yup. Pretty much on any subject. Even an innocuous subject like food. Everything has implications. Double and triple meanings.
Every opinion they say is open to criticism, censure, analysis. Oh yes, and wild misrepresentation, too.
They say, that’s because every opinion can be interpreted in a thousand different ways. But what is an opinion that lacks historical clarity?
They say this is not the time to debate. Besides, one man’s debate is another man’s quarrel. Who decides the rules of debate?
When you ask for radical change and social justice, they say “you are never compromised, you are always woke. You should get over that quickly”
They say, this world is yours, you young people, but when you ask for a seat on the table, they say, you are young, what do you know?
You say, I’m depressed, I have anxiety. They say, stop being lazy and taking things for granted.
They say, stop being outspoken.
They say, pretend you haven’t noticed. Noticed what? Well, things that have changed, things that are unpleasant.
Things that seem to be sliding into a dark abyss.
Things that make people uncomfortable.
They say it’s none of your business. Let the authorities take care of it.
They say it’s better to stay on the right side. Whose right side?
They are somewhat vague while answering that question.
They say, it’s better to be a fair weather friend than a friendless idiot. Switching sides becomes so much easier!
They say a sense of humour is dangerous. Especially if you are caught laughing at the wrong things.
They say, show us proof, when a woman says, “me too”
They say it’s better to shut up. And put up. Why open your mouth when you can’t be heard? Why fight back, when the bullets are in their hands?
They say, if you want to stay alive, pretend to be dead.
Some are already dead. But millions believe in resurrection, too.
We live in hope. Hope has not been banned so far. Thank Rurema, Rugira, Ruhanga for small mercies.