Let’s face it, Guyana has an authoritarian culture which is present in every nook and cranny of its existence. Those who strain every sinew of muscles in their vocal chords shouting for democracy to flow from the state, must demand the same from themselves and in every context of human organization within their country. I plead, do not misinterpret the argumentation which this column brings to bear on proceedings. Hear me out. Now, while the state holds the highest obligation to set the tone for good leadership, there ought to be a similar onus on the citizens to reciprocate what they so passionately advocate in the civic space.
THE ANTI-DEMOCRATIC CULTURE
I suspect, with good reason, Guyana’s penchant for authoritarianism began with its history. Certainly, nobody expects a post-slavery, post-colonial and post-dictatorship society to suddenly metamorphose into a Madisonian democracy. We went from a society founded on imperialist dictatorial rule to an independent country under the aegis of Burnhamism and Jaganism which by all intents and purposes were by their very nature, anti-democratic. All of this must take some long lasting effect and it is my view, those effects have not evaporated and remain with us. Most from the generation of leaders influenced by the aforementioned ideologies are not used to ideals such as freedom of speech, constructive critique and inalienable rights. These are strange, if not dangerous, concepts to men and women whose leadership styles have been forged in the ‘Dear leader’ culture.
THE EFFECTS
In my opinion, it is perfectly possible that being groomed in decades of high autocracy has influenced the people beyond their ability to even notice. A cursory glance at the schools, associations, families and organizations reveals what is being argued here. Just like tyrants, teachers are intolerant of constructive critique, even when it is respectful and based on good reason with honorable intentions to learn. Classrooms are little kingdoms where students quiver when it time to respectfully tell the King or Queen, ‘you are wrong!’.
I can personally testify and I am sure a large swathe of past and present students who have traversed the halls of education in this country can do likewise. In families, the crack-the-whip culture is alive and kicking, children dare not suggest the opinions of adults are subject to scrutiny. Powerless underlings under the tutelage of the unforgiving with familial authority, are not given the opportunity to freely express opinions and are denied basic rights which are associated with democracy. Associations and organizations are saddled with the same leadership in the form of one individual for 20 years who in the same leader-for-life breath, scream for term limits at the national level for Presidents. No one expects the Washingthonian relinquishing of power at these levels but you might agree, these authoritarian-like postures are anathema to the democratic ethos.
It is folly to ask men and women who emerge from high authoritarianism in organizations such as political parties to suddenly transform into exemplars of the practice of democracy when they ascend to the level of the state.
As you may have gathered by now, we must demand democracy in every sphere of our existence and the state shall so reflect. Democracy should not solely restricted within the province of the state apparatus.
