Editorial
Indecency in the name of fashion?
Dear Editor,
The purpose of clothes is to cover our bodies, but presently, the youth would rather wear transparent and tattered clothes and term it as “slaying” or “drip”.
Funnily enough, these transparent and tattered clothes are more expensive than regular or let me say, “full coverage” clothes. I went through Instagram and the prices were shocking.
I happened to come across a lady, who was wearing a pair of tattered jeans trousers, that had an open front (the whole thigh to ankle area was bare), even her bum area, was tattered.
I asked myself this question: What had happened to morals? Have people forgotten that, the way we dress, speaks a lot about us?
Braids among men, seem to be common amongst the present day youth and some women also have multiple piercings to the extreme of piercing their nipples and clitoris.
Some adults and popular persons who dress this way, take pictures and post on social media platforms. Others wear inappropriate clothes to church and when asked, they say: “Worship is from the heart and not with what you wear”.
We have copied Western cultures but do we see these people we are copying from, go the extreme we are going? Indecency has been covered up with the term “fashion” by the present day youth.
Sabina Nortey,
Student, Ghana Institute of Journalism.
Dealing with social media ‘pressure’
Social networking has now gained grounds and become a driving force on its own. Inasmuch as social media has done us some good, it has, to some extent, caused us to compare our lives with others.
Many people tend to think or assume that posts made on social media reflect in real life when in actuality, most of them are ‘staged events’.
A lot of people have built a certain personality online which doesn’t correspond with their lifestyle in real life and it is sometimes tempting to think that some colleagues are doing better than you.
As it appears that some people are manipulated or influenced by things they view on social media, it is important to provide support for young people who find themselves in this ‘quagmire.’
Parents need to monitor their children who are exposed to social media and lookout also for signs of depression, anxiety, misbehaviour, and among others.
Parents should learn to appreciate the efforts of their kids. Encourage them, teach them to believe in themselves, and become positive-minded individuals.
Individuals should follow people who share the same values and interests as theirs and do well to avoid people who indulge in unhealthy activities such as drugs, alcoholism, among other negative things.
It is important to follow positive things only and try to network with people who have the same interests.
Nathalie Afful,
Student, Ghana Institute of Journalism.
Dear Editor,
I WRITE to draw the attention of NADMO and other related agencies to the recent prediction by the Ghana Meteorological Agency to expect a lot of rains this year, especially in the Southern sector of the country.
GMet issued the forecast to provide an early warning to protect lives and property.
Interestingly, the Southern sector happens to be one of the many trouble spots in the country when the rains start.
It predicted the season to start in March and continue until July or August with above-normal rainfall along the eastern coast and nearby inland areas, including Accra, Tema, Cape Coast, Saltpond, Asamankese, Akim Oda, Koforidua, and Kade.
Knowing the problems faced as a country, concerns have been raised in certain quarters about the aftermath flooding problems in low-lying areas.
These concerns are well placed because flooding has become an annual ritual associated with the season.
My appeal goes to NADMO as well as the district and metropolitan assemblies. They are responsible for activities before and after the season.
As we prepare, they must spearhead the campaign to desilt the drainages in order for water to flow freely.
The citizenry must also show some sense of responsibility by desisting from throwing rubbish into gutters to block the free flow of water.
Noah Musa,
Adabraka
Dear Editor,
I WOULD like to express my views on why some people abuse leaders on social media platforms.
In recent times, social media has become a powerful tool for communication and expression. Unfortunately, many people misuse this freedom by insulting and abusing leaders instead of engaging in constructive criticism.
One major reason for this behaviour is frustration. When citizens feel ignored, unemployed, or affected by poor policies, they sometimes turn their anger toward leaders online.
Another reason is anonymity. Social media allows users to hide behind fake names and profiles, which gives them the confidence to say things they would not dare say in public. This lack of accountability encourages abusive language and disrespectful comments.
Ignorance and misinformation also play a role. Some people abuse leaders based on false news or rumours without verifying facts. This leads to unnecessary attacks that can damage reputations and create tension in society.
While leaders should be held accountable, abuse and insults do not solve problems. Too many people are finding social media platforms as homes to hide and churn out untruths that goes a long way to damage the image and credibility of the victims.
Constructive criticism, dialogue, and lawful channels are better ways to express dissatisfaction. Citizens must remember that respect is essential for national unity and development.
I hope this letter will encourage people to use social media responsibly and promote respectful communication.
Eugene Ampiaw,
Takoradi
