The Grasshopper In A Container

Many Papua New Guineans, like citizens across the globe, view politics through a narrow lens, focusing solely on immediate, tangible outcomes. We cheer for leaders who deliver roads, schools, and jobs, mistakenly believing these are the sole markers of political success. But like an iceberg, the true influence of politics lies beneath the surface, shaping our culture, language, way of life, and even our core identity in ways we often fail to recognize.

Let me tell you about a fascinating experiment conducted on a grasshopper that sheds light on this hidden influence.

The experiment involved a common grasshopper, known for its impressive jumping ability, typically reaching heights of about one meter. The researchers placed the grasshopper in a transparent container with specific dimensions: 15 centimeters high. This seemingly innocuous container would become the grasshopper's world for the next 24 hours.

At first, the grasshopper hopped freely within the container, attempting its usual high jumps. However, each time it reached the 15-centimeter limit, it collided with the top, experiencing discomfort and frustration. As the experiment progressed, the grasshopper gradually adjusted its jumping height. It learned that exceeding the container's boundaries resulted in unpleasant consequences. By the end of the experiment, the grasshopper had significantly lowered its jumps, comfortably navigating within the confines of the container.

What does this experiment tell us about the influence of politics?

Just like the container shaped the grasshopper's behavior, the ideologies embedded in our political systems silently condition our lives. We might initially be drawn to policies that offer tangible benefits, like roads, schools, and jobs. However, these often come with underlying values that seep into our national consciousness, often unnoticed.

A system that emphasizes individual gain over communal spirit, for instance, might slowly erode our traditional values of sharing and cooperation, chipping away at the fabric of our society. Similarly, prioritizing foreign models of development at the expense of local traditions could gradually lead to the loss of our cultural heritage, languages, and knowledge, ultimately blurring our sense of national identity.

The insidious nature of this influence lies in its delayed impact. Just like the grasshopper's lowered jumps became second nature, the changes in our society might unfold over decades, even generations. By the time we recognize the erosion, the damage might be difficult to reverse.

This is why we must break free from the short-term, tangible mindset and adopt a wider lens. We must critically examine the values embedded in our political systems, questioning if they align with our cultural aspirations and national integrity.

Remember, we are not powerless grasshoppers. We have the agency to choose. We can demand leaders who act as guardians of our identity, who nurture our unique cultural heritage while pursuing development that respects and strengthens our national integrity.

Let us not be lulled into the "container" of short-term gains, only to wake up generations later in a society that has lost its soul. The choice is ours: remain passive observers or become active participants in shaping the future of who we are as Papua New Guineans. Let us break free from the mental constraints and soar to our full potential, just like the grasshopper yearning for the freedom of its uninhibited jumps.

wguti@2024