Venoms of Unethical Behavior
By
Hillol Ray
In the spirit of universality, it’s time to root out,
The evil of unethical behavior from the earth-
Cause victims are diverse, like men, women, children,
And who are deliberately suffering since their birth!
Indigenous people, migrant workers, minorities,
And those with different political view-
Are among the silent “others” of modern intolerance,
With the exception of a lucky few!
A harmonious society of justice and equality
Should be a legacy of any millennium dawn-
While racism, discrimination, xenophobia
And unethical behavior shouldn’t be used as only pawn!
Prejudice in workplace and sports arenas
Must be made as an “event of the past”-
Followed by mass media, textbooks, and politics,
To fight against the unethical behavior fast!
In our modern world, we need to be guided
By global ethic, solidarity and shared goal-
Where intolerance via increased competitions
And suspicions should not take the toll!
No longer we can afford to shrug off
The discrimination as an aspect of human nature-
Nor should we accept unethical behavior as a by-product,
Orchestrated by the pallid governance caricature!
Undoubtedly, the diagnosis of social ills is clear today,
But the prescription of a potent elixir is not easy-
Cause battle against unethical behavior is not a job
For an individual or a group to keep itself busy!
Concerted actions by many actors of our global village
Need to invest their dedicated heart and soul-
And now may I appeal to all the governments,
And political leaders to play the powerful role?
Problems that fuel unethical behavior need to be nipped
In the bud through an effective dialogue as the key-
And accept our diversity as a precious thing,
To cherish by humanity, from heaven to sea!
Truth commissions may be launched immediately
In those countries emerging from the civil unrest-
To air grievances through peaceful channels,
And move towards reconciliation at its best!
Freedom is not an absolute license,
To run a nation with indiscriminate dealings-
Rather it carries with it the responsibilities
Towards “others” and their own feelings!
I am sure, education has a central role
To play and integrate the cultures of all-
Irrespective of color or ethnicity, gender or religion,
Rich or poor, big or small!
Today, ethical behavior is essential in the formulation
Of public policy on this planet Earth-
Plagued by the oppressed, the tortured, the silenced
And other victims since their birth!
No country is immune from the costs
Inflicted by prejudice and unethical behavior each year-
While there’s no solution like one-size-fits-all;
To remove thoughts of retaliation and fear!
Venoms of unethical behavior are at the core of my tiny heart
And I am venting my grievances in air-
To promote inherent dignity of every human being
Towards global governance and share!
The face of ethics-be it fear or anger
Can’t forge a leap of heart and mind-
While misguided assertions of superiority
Is a disaster that we can always find!
For the sake of lasting humanity, we must
Deal with the past, and invigorate future too-
About unethical behavior, and help to heal old wounds
Without reopening, like the surgeons do!
Remember, the struggle against unethical behavior
Resonates with us, alive on this planet today-
So, may I speak up and speak out to global community,
And hear what they are going to say??
“Milestone”
July 10, 2024
© Copyright July 10, 2024, by Hillol Ray