Having followed John Dumelo on social media for over 7 years, right from the day I saw him in the movie, THE KING IS MINE, I have come to realize one thing & I quote:
"It is almost as if most people can't wait for you to make the slightest societal blunder just so they can pounce on you."
I am thrilled by the various lashing outs he's received concerning this morning's post about the KNUST graduate hawker.
Let me admit, at first glance I was also taken aback and felt like he could have done better but upon second thought:
Let us fault John for posting the guy's photo most likely without the gentleman's consent, I mean by all standards that will be questionable but for the love of GOD, good people, are we saying we didn't get where the brother was coming from???
Nearly 10 to 15years ago my good friends, professions like hairdressing, sewing, shoemaking or catering were not counted as "worthy/wealthy careers." Who were you to tell your parents you want to sew or bake pie after years of university fees?
Today, we hear of young men & women doing so well like Koko King, Horseman Shoes, MissEvy Clothing, RamasVeryOwnSobolo, FremaDonuts among others...all graduates.
I too I'm a graduate of Ghana's prestigious and premiere, University of Ghana and guys look, if I saw my mate hawking bread, water, biscuit, drinks, in whatever form or package, my reaction may not be different.
I wouldn't either begrudge my mates or be surprised if they reacted similarly until they get to know what I am really doing on the streets.
Friends, some of you will quickly take snapshots and broadcast on your school's group pages on whatsapp or find your gossip partners online, "ah guess who I just saw?" "What happened to Godwin Namboh" "Asem o look at this guy who was doing fine boy things on campus." The talk will be endless.
Why should John be different? Our society (Gh) is gradually conforming to this habitual liberal, careless remarks on people who have toiled so hard to build their career. This is not even Showbiz. John may be genuinely concerned.
I am not a celebrity yet but this could be me in some few years and much as I'd like to be corrected I'd also like well-meaning people to make well thought out judgments.
While I also share the opinion that the post could be embarrassing to the young man permit me to also say the post may not have been intended for such purpose.
If you'd have done the same with or without a good conscience, be slow to judge somebody else.
Remember, nobody is perfect.
God bless.