Opportunist
What has made your eyes so big, Mr Owl? |
Is there really a soul that does not take advantage of situations that come up to better his lot? As I ask this question, my answer is that, only a fool will be given a free meal when he is hungry and not grab it with both hands. So, using a situation that arise not by our making is not a bad idea. For instance, going into a business because of an observed need of people is in a way being an 'opportunity user'. Consulting a friend that offers a service for a reasonably reduced price.
However, a boundary line should be made to prevent becoming an opportunist. An opportunist is someone who takes advantage of any opportunity to advance his own situation, placing expediency above principle. That is when there is a grave consequence to the opportunity presented and used, doing it is simply against all moral rule. There are lots of such scenarios. An hilarious but serious one was a social experimental video that I saw recently, where an ATM broke when people went to withdraw. All the people that were captured hurriedly packed the money, being on the look out to not getting catch. I know they would have thought it was an answer to their prayers. Most of them were either furious or ashamed when the researcher approached them, few thought it was funny. I must confess that their reactions were funny They would have prayed it was real and they were not recorded doing what they did. The logic behind their action might have been that they really need money (everyone needs it, I do too!), or that the money did not actually belong to a particular person, or that the bank should be held responsible for being careless not them, or they just reach the conclusion that insurance will cover it anyway. If you found yourself in that situation, will you take the money or not?
What about opportunistic partners? They suck you dry until you are all bones. Some ladies that the love of money or fame has glued to men, men who really love them. Some men also take their partner as personal maid. Do you have some friends that only approach you when they are in need of your assistance. 😉
Am I an opportunist? |
Another level is what the public transports do. What should we call those cab drivers and bikers (Olokade) that charge exorbitant prices whenever they see a corp member (for instance) all with the idea that, this one is new here, he won’t know any better. They also do this during rush hour and during festive periods. I have experienced all. They can demand triple the amount of the normal charge.
What about those offices? The way the secretary or whoever is to attend to people demand for tips is as though they do not get paid at the end of the month. A student that wants to process a document must first settle them with owo coke (As if they do not have children and their whole life depends on owo coke.) I once processed a document at a public service where that the fee on their said website was fifteen thousand but I did it for thirty-five. I later got to know that some do it for fifty-five. Pourquois? They want to build house on the Atlantic ocean.
There have been a lot of cases about Lecturers who because of whatever reason they may have abuse their students. Lecturers asking for money, male lecturers demanding sex from female students, some even the male ones. My take on this is that what if they are not in a situation to get access to these abominable needs (e.g prison), will that urge not disappear?
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