WE ARE NOT HAPPIER THAN OUR FOREFATHERS
Question: As your contribution to a debate, write arguments for or against the proposition: “We are happier than our forefathers”.
Note before:
The above question falls under argumentative essay, so you will present your POV clearly, preferably segmented with one point of view per paragraph.
WE ARE NOT HAPPIER THAN OUR FOREFATHERS
I do not agree that we are happier than our forefathers with the following points.
Our forefathers did not have to suffer organ damage and failure occasioned by a sedentary lifestyle in the name of white-collar jobs. Our forefathers went to their farms at the crack of dawn. They worked actively and exercised their bodies growing useful food items such as yams, maize, rice, beans, plantains, among others.
They returned from the farms to feast on various delicacies sourced from nature. These natural foods such as mushrooms, oil bean, breadfruit, grasscutters, etc, did not harm their bodies in any way. They usually washed their meals down with Palm Wine, Kunu, or other natural drinks while relaxing under the soothing light of the moon.
The present people injure their livers and kidneys by consuming beer, gin, whiskey and other deadly foreign products in the name of imitating the civilization and lifestyle of the former colonial masters.
How can We be Happier than Our Forefathers?
How can we be happier than our forefathers when they had lengthy leisure time compared to the present when everyone is in a rush to get to work, church, meeting, etc? The present people are always doing something that doesn’t help the socialization process in the society.
In our forefathers’ time, once the evening meal has been eaten, extended family members gather round the fireplace. They listen to folk-tales, or the history of the family and community as handed down from generation to generation. Such folk-tales always have a positive ending and a lesson to direct the young people to the right path.
We Are Not Happier than Our Forefathers Because of Technology
Our forefathers did not have televisions or phones to ruin their eyesight with the emission of radiation from the screens. They did not experience a breakdown of societal norms and values due to lack of interaction with family members who would rather be chatting on their phones than in real life.
Our forefathers did not live in fear of their children falling prey to one psychopath or the other lurking in the deep recesses of the internet.
Our Forefathers Were Happier with Their Legal System
Our forefathers were happier with their legal system than we are with our version of a legal system. In the old days, if any of them had a disagreement with his neighbour, brother or had issues concerning a business deal, the only thing the aggrieved party had to do was to go the Chief’s Palace and make a report.
The Chief would summon the council of elders who convened a hearing which every member of the community can attend. Membership of the council is open to every villager who had attained adulthood, determined by whether they are a member of an age grade or not.
Any issue brought before the council is always settled to the acceptance of both parties. The same cannot be said of the legal system in present times. A lot of people no longer have confidence in the courts as cases are always adjourned for a ridiculous length of time. At the end justice is often not served.
In summary, we are not happier than our forefathers because our forefathers had better living conditions, did not suffer from the challenges of overpopulation, had excellent socialization processes and were generally more content with an honest disposition.
Please read other essays to continue practicing for the WAEC English Language examination.