There is this term I came across in my psychology and sociology classes. It is called Culture Shock. It is the initial feeling of strangeness and then resistance that occurs to one on facing a new environment, a new climate and a new culture. It is a real shock as it hits an individual like a thurderbolt. You feel like a fish dropped out of water.
Culture shock happens in two ways. It happens when one is facing a new environment, confronted by a new culture and new people. It also happens when one is returning to an old environment after a long period of departure.
It is obvious that the emergence of Governor Alex Otti came with a culture shock for many Abia State people. Yes, this is understandable. After we have dwelled in our comfort zone of 24-year regime, it is expected that a totally new regime with new and innovative ideas would give us a culture shock. But, the truth is that Otti is altruistically driven and dedicated to the greatest good for the greatest number. The opposition workers and traducers are clearly grappling with Culture Shock.
Then, I ask: when are they going to come out of it and adjust to the new climate? Both my psychology and sociology teachers did not say it is a terminal condition that last for ever but rather a situation that individuals overcome in variations depending on the flexibility of their personalities and their ability to adjust and integrate with the new environment.
Close to two years into the new regime, some people are so weighed down by Culture Shock that they are now lapsing into acute depression. They cannot come to terms with the fact that it is no more business as usual; that Abia money is no more shared on the table before it arrives; that it is no more a “settlement” regime. They cannot overcome the shock of being behind the scene.
When I read the narratives of the opposition workers and Otti’s critics, I hardly see constructive criticism pointing to a direction or setting an agenda for the Governor. I only see the bitterness of Culture Shock. I only see withdrawal syndromes.
How do we heal from Culture Shock? One is for us to accept that change is the only thing that is permanent; that after a period society recreates itself in the form of genetic mutations. This is a natural law.
Knowledge increases. Otti, from all indications, is recreating Abia. Second is for us to purge ourselves of our prejudices so we can see the silver linning on the sky.
The new roads, the street lights, the new health centres, the enviromental safety, the rebuilding works are all for us. Otti is simply doing things differently and setting a new template. We need to begin to appreciate the sincere, meditated intentions of the leader.
To be continued
Adindu writes from Umuahia, Abia State capital
