A little over a fortnight ago, I wrote what I thought was an innocent post in Facebook. It took only a few hours before it got the attention of many of my friends and acquaintances. Judging from the reactions or comments ranging from the sobre to those replete with expletives, I would hazard a guess that my post aggrieved many a people.
It is with great sorrow that I wish to apologise to everyone who felt insult and hurt with my words. I would not even attempt to explain myself; that abrasive post was entirely misplaced in light of the great tragedy that has befallen our nation. I know very well that no amount of words will ever be able to undo the hurt I have done, nevertheless please allow me to say - I am sorry.
To my dear students who have expressed disappointment: I intentionally did not delete that post, despite the vile vituperations of many, because I felt it was a teaching moment that not a few can still pick up some lessons in life. In classical scholastic pedagogy, a lesson is began by stating the definition and then providing the counter-example (i.e. "that which it is not"). I hope that you have seen from your former teacher, that which you should not do. I will not hold it against you if you have become disappointed or have disliked me, that is a fact of life I have known long before I even taught, I cannot be liked by everyone. But, what I will hold against you is if you do not learn from my mistake.
The course of events which has transpired over the last two weeks has been a great learning experience and personal growth for me. I am a poor judge of character and personality because I am more used to judging ideas and assessing their value, this goes to even myself. The exchanges of not a few of those who made comments in the post has given me valuable insights on my character faults, and I would not have seen them without you. Thank you for your being forthright.
I am hoping and praying that in due time you will be able to pardon my wrong.
