Socialite my foot! There's no moral in skin-lightening

Socialites, suspected Mungiki bosses, thieves and murderers are currently getting all the attention in the country.

Even our media seem to have taken the cue, and have been highlighting this notoriety for ratings and recognition. You rarely get to read of an inspiring grass-to-grace story of a Kenyan who has gone through the straight and narrow road of arduous work to success. We are more interested in controversial personalities like Deepak Kamani, Vera Sidika, Kamlesh Pattni and Maina Njenga.

The new breed of the so called socialites have been popularised by the sorry a** bloggers, whose only talent is the ability to hype parties and social events. Nothing beyond that. So every urban lady and gentleman admires the socialites because they apparently get all the attention and and live in a fantasy world where they can bed whoever they want.

The likes of Wahu, Carol Odero, Caroline Mutoko, Henrie Mutuku, Cess Mutungi and Angela Angwenyi are no longer seen to be ‚hip‘ because they have refused to loosen their morals, lighten their skins or pump up their hips for TV cameras. Nameless, Jua Cali, Edward Kwach, Nonini, Erick Onguru aka Kunguru and Big Pin are not the most-liked male celebs; not because they stopped doing what they do best, but because they have refused to be careless. The most admired male celeb is one who flaunts his six-pack, sags the lowest, shags the most number of screen sirens, or just smokes sheesha the most.

Where are our values in the daily grind to make a living? The craze is not limited to the middle class or working urban Kenyans, but it is being spread like wildfire by some radio stations which reach the ordinary low class Kenyans.

Recently, I heard a radio presenter lambast a police officer who arrested a suspect with drugs worth millions for being stupid and not seizing the‚ God-sent opportunity to make it in life.

Is this how low we have sunk? Are we overly consumed by the hunger for fame and money in total disregard to what we may be losing? Is this the society we would like our children and grandchildren to wake up to and call kawaida life? Must hip-enhancing and skin-lightening be the most valued skill?

 I mentor young men and women to take the hard and long route because it is the path I chose that has made me a success. My perception of success is totally different. My dad taught me to uplift souls and be blunt with humanity on my way up.

I wouldn‘t lie in one‘s face, telling them that they are right, when I know very well they are not. When I have mics and lenses on me, I speak for the downtrodden and inspire them to echo Lupita‘s words that every dream is valid. The dreamer should audit the dream through a third party who is level-headed.

I refuse to be a socialite. My words will break the spirits of the weak at heart because the real life is not so kind. The real world needs people who are equipped with knowledge and care to respect the morally upright.

 

Robert Alai comments on social issues and is very active on social media.