Independence process

Independence is not a day. It is a process. And a precarious one at that. Caribbean society, with its nations that have achieved flag independence, still has a way to go in the independence process.

That process of maturing in independence has been hampered by colonial and neo-colonial forces, which work to perpetuate dependence.

But it is also due to our own failing to mature into interdependence. As individuals, nations and as a region, we’ve too often made the mistake of striving for individualist independence rather than interdependent independence.

Gaining independence is in essence an increased engagement with the realities of being an individual. It is the development of your potential to survive on your own. Independence is a mark of maturity. In earlier historical contexts, independence and maturity were marked by rights of passage, rituals and initiation processes where youth prepared for and were placed in difficult situations, where they had to prove their capacity to cope.

A boy might be left alone in the wilderness to fend for himself for a period of time, or charged with bringing back proof of a successful hunt. Initiation processes for girls were often less physically demanding, but still required extensive education and preparation. Independence in a well-structured and supportive environment is the end of a process of education and preparation for survival under a specific set of circumstances.

This link between individuality, independence and maturity can be misleading. It may cause you to think that as individuals, as we mature, and become more independent, have less responsibilities to, or less reliance on others.

Often, the opposite is the case. The rites of passage for boys and girls in socalled primitive societies, while often developing and affirming the youth as an individual reaching maturity, were also means of making sure they integrated successfully into society and could contribute meaningfully.

The irony is that greater independence, in a healthy manner, means increased appreciation and capacity for interdependence. Independence in a well-structured and supportive environment is the end process of education and preparation for survival as part of a group. Human beings are a social species. For a human being, being a member of a society is important for surviving and for thriving. The mature and independent individual is better able to contribute to the society which contributes to their survival and thriving.

A more immature and individualist conception of independence has taken root in contemporary society. The link between independence and interdependence is obscured by the idea that independence means, “I can make it on my own, so I don’t need anyone else.” There are many who have the idea that, “I have made it on my own. I am self-made and owe nothing to anyone,” or, “I have to make it on my own so that I will owe no one anything.”

Even among those who give credit to a god or gods, we can find the attitude that other human beings are irrelevant or incidental to their success.

This immature sense of independence is understandable in a poorly structured environment, which does not offer support at levels suitable to the circumstances. When education and preparation is deficient, people will struggle to develop their independence. Whatever levels of independence they reach will be seen as reached in spite of the society and not inspired by the society.

This person will feel like they have little stake in that society.

The most dangerous person in any society is the one who feels they have no stake in it. The most dangerous societies are the ones where the people feel that they have no stake. A society that does not properly educate, support and prepare its people for the realities of that society will inevitably be a dangerous society. A society like that will eventually produce a culture of individualism where everyone feels they can stand alone and where the reality is that it is everyone for themselves. This kind of society cannot stand for long. A society that produces this kind of mentality will implode if it does not explode first. I wish you a happy, mature, interdependent, independence process.

Adrian Green is a communications specialist. Email: Adriangreen14@ gmail.com