Sylvia's Journal

We talk alot about sharing and other lofty ideals such as the good of the whole, the community. But I am sitting in the back and observing. I see something else that is puzzling me.

At each tea break cakes and cookies are offered. There are two pieces for everyone. I usually stand at the end of the queu. The plate has only crumbs, each time, long before it’s my turn. I see some people with plates piled high, more than two pieces.

My colleagues are used to that, it’s normal. I suggested they confront the participants with the incongruence between their espoused values and their behavior.it’s a kind of public shaming that, we hope,  will trigger some self reflection. Most cultures have sayings for this phenomenon: variations on ‘Actions speak louder than words.’

But in a society where scarcity is the norm, grabbing is rational. Although during the lecture on sharing everyone was nodding in agreement, the behavior continued and was once more absorbed into what is normal.

We talked about challenges and accomplishments achieved in spite of many obstacles. The stories were in Sesotho but I could tell from people’s body language that the stories were amazing, inspiring (and some scary I was later told).

When asked what allowed them to be successful in spite of all the obstacles I recorded their answers on a mindmap as I have done countless times in all regions of the world. I know the usual answers: some personality characteristics such a courage, resilience, patience and perseverance, and then support from others and clarity of purpose.

But this group only mentioned personal characteristics. I asked my
Basotho colleagues if there was something in Basotho culture that could explain this. ‘No,’ they said,’ it’s the opposite, we’re a very collectivist culture.’ We puzzled some more and concluded that this individualistic streak may be a result of an educational system that rewards individual performance.

The workshop is over by the end of this morning. The women come in with blankets and suitcases balanced on their heads.

The payout of travel reimbursements is delayed because the check hasn’t cleared. My colleague has spent hours at the bank missing the important last session where the action plans are discussed. The quality of these plans will make the difference between making a difference and just having a good time.

I noticed the full roll of toilet paper has disappeared from the ladies room. A freebie for one, a nuisance for the rest of us. The tragedy of the commons, once more.