The Ouch Syndrome

I'm not sure about you, but I have this odd habit of saying ouch even when I haven't sustained any physical damage. I'm not talking about experiencing actual pain, like stubbing a toe on the edge of the bed or pinching a finger in a cabinet or drawer; I'm talking about silly little things like bumping my hand against the table and saying ouch even though it doesn't hurt. It's as if the expectation of pain was involuntary - a reflex instead of a reaction.

But oh, how fortune has smiled on me: the ouch syndrome easily be cured first by working on the link between brain and mouth, and secondly – and more importantly – by learning to avoid those behaviours or habits which lead me to actually self-injure in the first place. Instead of complaining about the pain, it makes much more sense for me to plug the source of the pain.

Another (probably more common) situation: someone has a problem with you or something that you're doing – or perhaps you're upset by the actions of others. What would logic and maturity dictate? Most of us can agree: addressing the problem swiftly and directly with the person involved will ensure the least possible damage and allow all involved parties to move on, leaving both personal and professional relationships largely intact.

The metaphor is old and tired, but in both of these cases and in so many others, it still holds true: where there's smoke, there's usually a fire. What boggles my mind is the fact that too many of us – including some of our “esteemed” leaders – seem to be more concerned with showing people just how much smoke there is than actually extinguishing the flames.

I'm referring of course to the Protection of Information bill and its accompanying ANC-proposed medial tribunal. Leaders in the ANC have said that the country's media “target” and “humiliate” senior officials on a regular basis and seek to undermine their integrity.

But instead of becoming incensed with the media for reporting on governmental malfeasance and abuses of power, those in power should instead be focused on preventing such things from happening in the first place. If you know you have a brain tumor, it would probably be a good idea to remove it instead of complaining about the headaches.

It seems as if our leaders need to find the cure for their Ouch Syndrome.

But you know what they say about being a good criminal: rule one is to avoid getting caught....


Trust and believe!