Nations are defined not only by its geographical features or boundaries, but much more by the people that occupy its space. In fact, the ‘people element’ is a key factor that determines the perception that is moulded and held of any nation. For instance, if I were to mention China, what would come to mind would be the people; their philosophies, lifestyle, general habits, etc. The same thing happens if I were to mention Brazil or Nigeria.
Every nation is developed or destroyed by the foundational character qualities and philosophies held by the large average of its citizens. These mean that on the average, every citizen in any given country think alike and hold similar perspectives or philosophies about a variety of subjects that are peculiar to that nation.
In view of this, it would be erroneous therefore to confer responsibilities of the behavioural outcomes within a nation on a person or a select group of individuals. This does not however, overrule the place of personal responsibility.
In Nigeria for instance, there is a national psyche concerning a variety of issues; from corruption, to religion, politics and even relationships. These means that if a purposive research is carried out, eight out of every ten Nigerians hold the same (or slightly different) philosophies about a couple of social concerns. Even people who think they have a different philosophy are more often than not, unwillingly influenced by this national psyche.
Whether it has to do with giving or accepting bribe, the criteria to support a political candidate, who and how God is seen and even how to treat anything that is government’s property.
This natural psyche and thought patterns are like invisible threads that connect a majority of people that exist within a country; creating a national consciousness level which may positively produce favourable outcomes or negatively limit the nation in myriads of ways.
If we are to consider the psychology of how social vices evolve; from a mere issue to a full blown national concern, we could find that there are always initiators and collaborators in the system; all playing out from the pool of national consciousness.
For a bribery transaction to happen, there must be collaborators; people who even though know that it is wrong to give bribe but are influenced(even passively)by the national psyche concerning bribe giving and receiving.
Corruption does not happen in a vacuum. It requires a complex system of individuals who collaborate to execute it.
The national psyche of a nation is so strong a force that it undermines even the morality of individuals who seem to want to go against it. Mahatma Gandhi made a statement pointing to this, when he said that “in a land where the majority is corrupt, it is a crime to be honest”
Therefore, if any nation is to address a social issue, the focus should be on targeting the thinking pattern and psyche of its citizens, using messages that reinforce the intended objectives. This usually will require in-depth scientific and psychological research.
Through repetitive efforts, and with a clear mission, the national psyche of any nation can be changed, modified or reinforced.
Until then, any other measure in trying to deal with social vices would be an effort in futility; focusing on the effect and neglecting the cause.
