When Cyber-Terrorists Mistake Basic Intellectualism for Physical Pugilism

Upon a serious personal reflection, and congenial advice from some of my most respected friends, I have withheld my response to some of Ghanaweb’s odious commentators, who have chosen to violate the constraints of conventional wisdom, and cyber etiquette, to send me the some of the most despicable e-mails. Those who think that, by assuming cyber anonymity, they can silence the voice of moderation, and reason, must rethink their unsophisticated strategy. If history is a telescope through which we recreate events of the past in their actuality, then the same history must, or do, tell us that, the voice that telegraphs, and defends, the truth cannot be muzzled by some “afe-ngoli” who suffer from Innate Primitive Intellectual Syndrome, and see politics in everything. A dog that chases the silhouette of a sphinx, with the thought that one exists, when in fact none really does, will outrun the coping endurance of its tiny heart. “Egbevu me le na ekpon o.”

The abuse of free expression by certain commentators, and their middling understanding of adversarial scholarly exchanges is a dimple on our nation’s intellectual enterprise. The use of immitigable anger in responding to inconsequential matters threatens to our nation’s image as a land that gave, and continues to give, birth to some of African finest intellectuals. The intensity with which we snipe at characters, and opposing commentators, on grounds that, they don’t share our skewed views, takes away the little integrity we have as Ghanaians.

It is also worth stating that, the display of unmatched folly by some commentators, who think that, by challenging others, they could purge their innate inadequacies, and become icons of morality, is interesting. Does the intellectualization of arrogance, flowery stupidity, and human ignorance, in the face of a rudimentary argument make one a scholar? Absolutely not. If anything, those who believe in the preceding, and choose to engage in needless wormy arguments, when reason dictates otherwise, only expose their mental incompetence, and eroding self-esteem.

Since joining Ghanaweb, I have disagreed with many commentators, such as Dr. Kwame Okoampa Ahoofe, Alex Amoako-Attah, Oyokoba, Real Sarpong, and other fine characters, whose views have made me a better person; one who reflects before she engages in an intellectual fight. I have come to understand the game of debate all too well. Thus, for one to evolve into a versatile debater, one has to respect the views of others, and seek the weak areas in their intellectual constitution. As a learner, I have learned, and used this strategy to my advantage, not because I am intolerant, as some would argue, but because, I think that the acquisition of such a skill is priceless in humankind’s battles in a wider social context.

The use of expletives by some commentators to convey their thoughts is a bad reflection on us. How can someone, (name withheld), who claims to respect women use a woman’s genital to address a lady thinking that such a strategy equals demureness, and gentlemanliness? How can a self-acclaimed pontiff in cultural morality violate his own teachings, and expect others to respect him? To bluster using insults, and going behind the scene to adopt new names, and beg for a lady’s engagement on issues raises serious mental health issues about this obscure character. Downloading unrelated news materials from the cyber-dump is not the most impressive way to get a date. Is it?

I am not afraid to debate anyone. I don’t cringe in the face of controversies. In my world, no topic is a taboo, no matter the discomfort it creates. However, a debate must have a stricture; a rule which many here, do not understand, and/or violate, by allowing emotions to overcome their reason. I am not here to win every debate. Am I? However, I think that, my contribution is my way to create a wealth of views to bring perspective(s) into the debate. One of the fundamental rules of engagement, especially in a debate, it to build a fortress, and to defend your intellectual treasures against an imaginary, yet a formidable, intellectual adversary. So far, only a few, here, can pride themselves for passing this basic test.

Hope all is well. Good day and cheers.

Views expressed by the author(s) do not necessarily reflect those of GhanaHomePage.