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Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeGuest columnistBroken window theory (Confession)

Broken window theory (Confession)

This other day I was walking down the streets of Belgravia, Harare and ungentlemanly I took one banana from my bag and enjoyed it. After finishing I looked for a litter bin and could not get one and looking cleanliness of the street I just put my banana peels in my bag.

By Grad Zimunya

On a different day I was also in a different street but still in Belgravia and had a banana again. Again I did not get a bin close by but there were piles of litter by the side of the road. Unashamedly then I went and added to the litter on the ground. This is wrong and I have repented is such behaviour. However this reminded me of a Criminology Theory called the Broken Window Theory.

The literal explanation of this theory

“Consider a building with a few broken windows. If the windows are not repaired, the tendency is for vandals to break a few more windows. Eventually, they may even break into the building, and if it’s unoccupied, perhaps become squatters or light fires inside.”

Emirates

The same effect is seen in graffiti on buildings. It takes the first person to do it and the responsible authorities to delay dealing with it and the whole wall will be defaced.

The problem with African states can be explained by this theory. A single case of corruption, incompetence not dealt with will attract more and more corruption up until almost everyone in the system is corrupt and operating without corruption becomes difficult. All the leadership needed to do was to deal with the first broken window.

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On an individual level it is also the same. When you have some issues in your life, you need to nip them in the bud lest they grows to unmanageable level. A small lustful thought if not dealt with will develop and mature over time to fornication or adultery. The devil, demons, bad idea and bad habits are always looking for a place with a broken window to break more windows and have your image tarnished. When they see just one graffiti drawing on your life they will settle and deface your life and after some time people will know you as a thief, prostitute etc. Just allow the blood of Jesus to erase that drawing by confessing your sins early.

So my advice is replace the broken window early before it attracts the breaking of other windows.

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263Chat is a Zimbabwean media organisation focused on encouraging & participating in progressive national dialogue

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