We've seen through the years how different countries go to war against each other or attack the other country, and when these happen, it's not a doubt that such attacks would affect almost everyone in the affected nations, disturbing the flow of the order of the day, businesses, and the like, even putting the people in unrest. When such a thing happens or is about to happen, it's well understood that the leaders of the attacking nations are the ones behind this attack, but given the fact that the attack comes from a particular nation, is it ideal to treat everyone from that country negatively because of the actions of their leaders? In this article I'll be stating my take on these and why I'm of that opinion.
One nation attacking the other will always leave a devastating effect on the affected nations, and so if they, out of annoyance, pass their aggression or anger on to a citizen of the country that hurt them, we can't necessarily say they're wrong to do so, because whether those citizens like it or not, they're one way or another connected to the attack, as they bear the name of the attacking nation, and even the leaders are the ones who orchestrated the attack. So what can they do as citizens so that your nation's leaders' unruly acts won't be a reason for the victim nations to negatively communicate with you? I guess I've done a few suggestions even though I doubt it's good enough in this world that's filled with tons of negative comments.
To be clear, I don't think the citizens should suffer for the consequences of their leaders' actions, but unfortunately that's the reality of the day. For instance, here in Nigeria we're being treated by the bad reputation of corruption our leaders showcase to the world, and now it's quite difficult for anyone not from Nigeria to do business with us without having an atom of fear that he could be scammed. So what I think citizens or celebrities of a nation that's attacking another country should do to avoid getting tangled in the situation is to openly condemn the act being exhibited by their leaders.
I have the belief that when you're the citizen of a country that's about to attack another country, you, as an individual or a celebrity, must make your voice be heard openly, calling out your leaders and letting them know what they're doing or about to do is wrong and should be stopped immediately. By so doing, I believe even if people of that country want to say negative things to you, your open condemnation of your leaders would stand as a testament that you're not part of their menacing attitude, and rather than it affecting you negatively, citizens of the victim countries would even join their voice with yours to condemn your leaders.
Doing this, I believe, will whitewash you from your country's sins; at least we've seen this play out on many occasions with different people around the world, whereby you'll see such citizens would even be openly welcome to the other country with the intention of protecting them from the wrath of their country leaders who might want to deal with them for speaking against them. Take for instance the situation of the DJ that captured the Lekki massacre during the EndSARS protest in Lagos; she was granted asylum in Canada for her safety and protection.
Like I said earlier, it's not ideal for people to be victimized for their leaders' actions, but then it is what it is; that's what our world has become. But while it's unfair, you as a citizen of such a country must be bold enough to speak up and condemn your leaders' unruly actions, not just because it'll make you be seen as a good person to the outside world, but because it's the right thing to do.
All photos are taken and edited on canva.