ON SPEAKING UP BY John Obidi

My stand on many public matters stems from my adopted identity. 

I've always seen myself as a King, not in the sense that I think I am lord over other human beings, but only that I may be lord over my own circumstances.

It is reflected by my chosen refinement of speech, thought and poise. 

It is demonstrated in my chosen set of ideals.

It is in my choice of companions - those who walk with me and are privy to the intricacies of my path.

And so it is understandable when my paradigms clash with those who identify differently, or those who haven't given much thought to such a grandiose question as "Who am I?" or "Who am I determined to become?"

So what's my stand on 'speaking up'? 

There's nothing wrong in speaking up as long as you rightly answer the question - "To whom?"

Your answer will be different depending on your adopted identity.

And so while other identities remain valid (and essential) - the peasant, the milkmaid, the stableboy and the fishmonger - I will speak now to those who identify as Kings, women inclusive.

Kings bleed like every other human, but not in the town halls of Twitter or in the market square of Facebook.

Kings hurt differently, heal differently and celebrate differently.

When Jeff and Mackenzie Bezos announced their divorce, it was done only when the public had to know. 

When I read the carefully prepared statements of both parties, I clapped.

And even in the buildup, we could never guess what was going on from their social media pages.

It's the same with the Zuckerbergs. You can never guess what they squabbled about last night by looking at their social media.

Their lawyers have made certain of it.

It is imprudent to announce your troubles to the masses or to the mob. They cannot help you. 

Exceptions exist if for example you live in a country whose ideals are so broken that appointed custodians and enforcers of the law have become the active aggressors. 

In this case, it may be beneficial to squeal, for in this specific instance, both the King and the masses share a common adversary.

But in other personal matters where public sentiment cannot be truly beneficial to your intended outcomes, do not whip it up.

Their sympathies are fickle, short-lived and rootless like dry leaves on a windy Autumn day.

Speak up, not to the circus of social media, but to QUALIFIED AND VETTED ADVISORS, trained in the craft of wise counsel and disciplined in the way of discretion. 

The word of a King is law, and so must be released with intention and restraint.

It's better to be the last person to react publicly to a weighty matter whilst all the facts emerge... because once the words are uttered, they will not return to you void.

Let the other actors react and make a ruckus without recourse to fact and reason. 

They do not share an equal consequence with you, dear King... but do not consider this to be unfair... for they will not share an equal reward either.

Certainly you are at liberty to choose your path, but since you asked for an answer - my answer...

Here is the way of Kings.

- J.O.

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