Britain's Loneliness Minister And Nigeria's Happiness Minister Aiming To Make The Public Happy

March 13. 2018

The British government has created the post of "Loneliness Minister." It is similar to the post the Nigerian government created titled "Happiness Minister." It is as the titles imply, a government member charged with fostering a sense of happiness and fulfillment within each respective nation.

Some online chuckled at the titles. However, there is reasoning behind it. We live in a troubled world. The emotional and mental wellbeing of the public is important, as it can create stronger and more prosperous societies. It is a conscious effort by government to address the social issues negatively impacting the public, with the hope of correcting it.

These job posts should look to volunteerism as a cost effective way to address the loneliness and unhappiness some feel in society. Volunteers bring hope and companionship, especially to the elderly and disabled, who are unable to get out there as much as they would like to do.

Capable, credible people mentoring children is also important. More intelligent, successful people should volunteer to speak at schools and universities. Let students see and hear living examples of success, who encourage them to take the right path in life, regarding staying out of trouble, getting their education and working hard. That is very inspirational.

Most people want peace and security. Much of the turmoil happening in many western nations is due to crime and inequality. More technology needs to be developed regarding fighting crime. As stated in previous articles on this site, software, electronics and robotics could greatly reduce crime levels worldwide. Things can get better.

Lagos, Nigeria

Another problem in society is questionable entertainment and what is being allowed to fester on the internet. Hateful content online promoting racism and violence is disturbing. Profane songs on the radio and accompanying music videos on television that promote drug use, alcoholism, misogyny and racism should be banned for the emotional and mental health of the public.

The same goes for television shows and movies with extremely violent content, items glorifying drug use, alcoholism, physical abuse and racism. They should also be banned. This type of programming is not good for the public's mental health and emotional wellbeing. Murder rates, overdoses and domestic violence are on the rise and entertainment has played a significant part in that. Songs on the radio are glorifying this harmful conduct. I read social networking everyday and I have seen items where teens and people in their twenties quote drug, alcohol and violence related lyrics and post online about emulating it.

I remember growing up as a kid in the 1980s and if someone was shot in a movie, the scene would depict the person falling to the floor or a small amount of blood  might appear. Even legendary director, Alfred Hitchcock, believed certain things should be implied in films, not shown in a grotesque nature ("There's nothing more frightening than an unopened door").

Now, shows like "The Walking Dead" and "American Horror Story" show decapitated heads with blood and brain matter everywhere. Many movies show people being shot in the head, brain matter flying, limbs being chopped off, individuals being impaled or crushed by vehicles in gory scenes of violence. It is so unnecessary.

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