Garth Rattray | Importance of positive social synergism

It’s that time of the year again – Emancipation Day followed by Independence Day. A lot is made of our emancipation from slavery and our independence from our colonial master. But how many individuals and communities in Jamaica are truly free? How many of our citizens can stand on their own, and how many communities are the architects of their own destiny?

For Jamaicans, Emancipation Day – the day that slavery was officially abolished in the British colonies – was on August 1, 1834. But then there was the apprenticeship system that forced our ancestors to work under conditions that were similar to slavery until full freedom was granted 4 years later, on August 1, 1838.

Emancipation Day became an official public holiday [in Jamaica] in 1893. However, in 1962, it was discontinued in favour of our Independence Day. On August 1, 1997, Prime Minister P.J. Patterson reinstated Emancipation Day as an official public holiday to be celebrated every year.

When Jamaica became independent from Britain on August 6, 1962, it was a surreal time, a joyous occasion, and a proud achievement. Most citizens longed to be free from [direct] colonial governance. However, various things continue to bind us to the British Monarchy.

We are in the process of totally disconnecting from the British monarchy; we are proceeding with becoming a republic. As a nation, we yearn to be fully emancipated, and absolutely independent. Sadly, as our country strives to break the residual bonds of slavery and colonialism, an indeterminate number of Jamaicans remain mentally enslaved by their socio-economic situation, their socialisation, and their fear of change.

GENERATIONAL DEPENDENCE

Many citizens are so programmed by generational dependence on ‘others’ (the British government, then politicians, then the dons) for support and guidance that they are mentally paralysed and unable to plan and act on their own and in their own interest. They will sit, and stew in their misfortunes while complaining that “wi deh pon wi own”, and “nutt’n nah gwaan fi wi” while the power to effect positive changes in their lives is always within their reach.

People power is often spoken about but rarely put into practice. The word ‘synergism’ is used in chemistry, pharmacology, and in sociology. In each case, synergism refers to the concept that the whole has a greater effect than the sum of the parts. In other words, separately, 1 + 1 = 2, but if the numbers act synergistically, 1 + 1 = 3. When groups of people work together by interacting or collaborating on a matter, their collective and shared resources, and shared talents can lead to enhanced outcomes.

People typically cooperate (synergistically) if and when they are demonstrating their displeasure with a certain situation or if they are determined to carry out jungle justice. These active forms of [negative] synergism can be very destructive and impact communities negatively.

Aspects of negative Social Synergism include ‘groupthink’. This is “… the practice of thinking or making decisions as a group, resulting typically in unchallenged, poor-quality decision-making.” It also includes the other side of the coin, ‘social loafing’ wherein some depend on others to make all the decisions and do all the work. This inevitably leads to decreased productivity within the group/community.

There is an even darker side to negative Social Synergism. That kind of group dynamics sometimes leads to negative peer pressure and, even worse, the mob mentality, also known as the herd mentality, or the crowd mentality. It is the well-known and (sadly) often seen psychological phenomenon where individuals within a group of individuals lose their individuality and totally abandon their personal morals, beliefs, attitudes and accustomed behaviour to adopt the [temporarily] active behaviour within the group. This leads to irrationality, loss of critical thinking, loss of their personal sense of responsibility, and often violence.

ACTING AS A WHOLE

If and when communities are made aware of the innate potential within them for positive Social Synergism, they will realise that acting as a whole is greater than the sum of their parts. Therefore, by working together, by collaborating and interacting, their collective efforts, and shared resources will result in improved wellbeing, increased productivity and enhanced outcomes of whatever project the group decides to tackle.

The published list of benefits of positive Social Synergism includes – increased creativity, collaboration, innovative solutions, new ideas, improved problem-solving, diverse perspectives, enhanced learning, improved social interactions, knowledge sharing, skill development, increased motivation, better decision-making, and therefore more informed and well-rounded choices.

Positive Social Synergism involves collaborative work (teamwork) where individuals with various, differing skills and expertise work together towards a common goal. There will be community engagement, neighbourhood initiatives and projects. This collective thinking, collective effort and collective action will bring about positive changes within communities.

There will be a sense of community unity and pride. The social connections established will provide a network for emotional and other support for all community members. A very positive spinoff will be the re-establishment of the village raising a child concept that worked so well for us in the past. There will also be shared activities within communities. Under such circumstances, acrimony, crime and violence will be severely minimised.

Understanding both the positive and negative aspects of social synergism can help individuals and groups navigate complex social dynamics and work together more effectively.

Many Jamaicans from all walks of life, and from across all social classes are still extremely dependent on political connections, favours and hand-outs for their survival. Positive social synergism will result in the true emancipation and real independence of our citizens.

Garth Rattray is a medical doctor with a family practice, and author of ‘The Long and Short of Thick and Thin’. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and garthrattray@gmail.com