The format of a My Take is 150 words – no more, no less – to express an opinion on a different topic each week. This week’s topic was accountability.
Accountability is not always a prominent trait found in people. It is easier to make excuses, rather than owning up to a mistake or explaining the reason behind an unpopular decision.
While we often hold politicians accountable — world leaders, corporations, etc — we fail to hold ourselves, the humble citizen, to the same standards.
But unfortunately that word, that trait, has been effectively thrown out of the window with the rise of social media. People feel safe to say what they please without any repercussions.
If we want to challenge institutions, and the greater powers in the world, we also need to look inward. If we do not hold ourselves to the same standards, then who are we to question others.
I think people, myself included, forget that actions matter. And words matter. Remaining silent on an issue moments after passing judgment, especially online, is cowardly.
