There are concepts with complex meanings but the society tends to find ways to reconstruct the grammatical composition of specific concept. We allow our emotion to determine the meaning, forgetting its indepth definition. Most times, we attribute concept of nepotism to wealth, we attach it to individuals with wealthy background. Nepotism is beyond that, it is built on the concept of favoritism.
People who are allowed specific privileges based on the connection they have, not because they merit it. We have people with wealth in our society, forging their own path. People whose growth in the society, is not solely dependent on the kind of connection they have but because of their abilities. People who can perform outstandingly with or without the resources at their disposal. When average people in the society see such people grow incredibly, they don't give them the credibility they deserve.
Most people in the lower class in the society are of the perspective that, People who have attained an admirable position in the society and also have a wealthy background, used their resources and connections to get where they are but that is not true. Being wealthy is not a crime and we shouldn't act like an hypocrite. This is the position we all admire to attain at some point. So when we see someone with outstanding abilities growing in our society, we shouldn't be in haste to judge them just because of the resources at their disposal.
Some of them grew that far because they have the abilities to do, nepotism is the opposite of meritocracy. For people with outstanding talents and abilities, occupying great places in our society, they did not get their based on just connections, they got their because they merit it, that is meritocracy. In a case whereby, individuals without abilities or talents are chosen to occupy positions based on their connection, while there are people with great talents available and aspiring for that same position are left out, that is nepotism.
The question we should be asking is, does he or she merit the position being occupied? if the answer is yes, it doesn't really matter if they are wealthy or not. Being wealthy or having connections shouldn't be treated like a stigma. Now that we have established and define what nepotism truly means, it begs the question, should nepotism be criminalized? Definitely. When an individual that doesn't deserve a position is appointed based on connection not merit, the outcome is what we are dealing with in our society right now.
When a building is built with low budget materials, such building is expected to collapse. When a nation is built on nepotism, it will decay and the outcome is always disastrous. We have some ministers and senators without zero knowledge of the duties that comes with position they are occupying. In doing so, the citizens are left to suffer the consequences of it. Appointment should be based on merits, anyone with a questionable character, inadequate talent, knowledge, skill; should never occupy specific positions. If they want it, they become better version of themselves.
Utilizing one's connection is not necessarily a bad thing, as long as you merit whatever you yarn for. I know some people will disagree, say things like "Connection should not be used in getting position and jobs" what if the person merit it? Imagine having a company, and you have a nephew, cousin or son, with outstanding talents and skill, would you want him or her to suffer in the labour market searching for a job? Despite knowing his talents will be an additional to your company, would you just let him/her go?
This is where hypocrisy comes in, most people will do the exact same thing if they find themselves in the exact position but will judge others for doing it. I have no issues with people who deserve specific positions or jobs and use their connection to get it. The one I have issue with is when someone doesn't have the talent or skill and yet is chosen over someone that does, then that is pure cruelty. Connections and resources should be an addition, not main criteria for attaining levels in the society.
This write-up was inspired by weekly featured content titled Nepotism in hive learners community.
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