Welcome to the Cook Islands Herald

HERALD WEEKLY ISSUE 429 : 15 October 2008

“Attitudes” – A Growing Concern!

Last year, several articles were submitted through this column regarding the attitudes of Cook Islands people in general. At the time, there was a positive response in terms of their attitudes towards self and others and although there were a number of comments relating to negative aspects of attitude towards others, Cook Islands people are generally regarded as warm, friendly, outgoing and carefree.
Unfortunately that may not be the case today. There is an emergence of attitudes that would probably turn our ancestors in their graves because of a growing sense of arrogance or ignorance of the reality of our own circumstances today. Somehow, the mindset of our people has deteriorated to the extent where people seem to be afraid to speak their mind; afraid to challenge others and systems for fear of being reprimanded or in an employment related situation, dismissed.
Those in positions of authority have certainly become a lot bolder in dealing with their subservient peers and in some instances, often get away with the types of abuse seen only in third world countries. For some of these people, they seem to have stepped out of their comfort zones without “fear or favor” and have adopted a position where they have become untouchable. Mind you, once they are challenged, it is as if their world, their comfort zone, their authority has fallen apart which in their view, is an absolute no no and how dare these people challenge them. These are the very people who bring discredit to our society and adopt a “couldn’t care less attitude.” Sound familiar to you, bet your bottom dollar it does.
One could expect this from people who really don’t have a clue about the world around them and live the carefree dream ignorant as to what is going on around them but in today’s society, we have a responsibility to each other and to protect ourselves from harm, abuse and disadvantage. Sadly, part of the mindset within our society is to continue living “from day to day” with no forward planning or concern for the future. This attitude is acceptable to a point but when you observe attitudes and behaviors of greed, manipulation, corruption and the like, questions need to be asked as to the apathy of people who ignore these behaviors preferring to turn a blind eye as to what is going on.
We see examples of this within the leadership components of our society. In politics, in the church, in sports organizations, in schools, government departments, civil society organization, in fact just about everywhere you turn, a differentiation in attitudes is evident all round you. Another example is the recent spate of road fatalities. Yes, it is easy to apportion blame on others but not take responsibility for the outcome. Sure, the Police are expected and can do more but where do you draw the line.
When you look around you, people continue to speed, ride 2 abreast, drink and drive with reckless regard as to the safety of others let alone themselves and children continue to sit on the top of vehicle trays irrespective of the laws relating to the prevention of doing so. When someone dies as a result of not wearing a helmet on a motorbike, blame it on the anti helmet campaigners. Surely you can’t blame the Police for this as well can you?
We can identify a multitude of reasons or excuses explaining attitudes but what we are not good at doing, is taking ownership and responsibility for the actions of our own attitudes especially where it affects others. Sadly, we often turn a blind eye to those in need and cry for help instead, ridiculing them and blaming them for their own demise and misfortunes. For a society so intent on portraying Christianity as a key principle of our existence, that type of attitude is questionable.
For now as individuals, as families, as community groups and organizations and for those in positions of authority charged with the responsibility of looking after our needs and interests, perhaps this is a wake up call if you consider what is happening globally to other nations and its peoples around the world. We can no longer turn a blind eye to the ills of the world and any change in attitude will be dependent on the attitudes and actions of those in positions of authority to show leadership and direction within our own country.
Yes, our attitudes must change drastically otherwise we will face the potential danger of losing our identities, our culture, our heritage, our language and the last bastion of who we are, our lands. Think about it, this is about you and I and our children’s future so take some responsibility and adopt a more positive attitude towards appreciating ourselves and those around us before it is too late!

Herald Issue 429 15 October
- Report hints of worse to come
- Impartiality of Queen’s Representative Questioned
- Climate change - No longer just a theory
- Crimminal case of the century begins
-The case for the prosecution
- Workshop shows depth of creativity