A deadly virus

“Medicine for goats” is one of the best scenes to see in order to grasp the meaning of “tolerance”, but not only. Humanity, communication, flexibility, all virtues attributed to Viktor Navorski. Cynicism, rigidity and bureaucracy, all the vices of his chief Frank Dixon.

Bureaucracy is a virus that kills; it is the outfit with which the dishonest disguise the rules. Often enough, just a lightweight linen sheet is needed, but to take advantage of everything, it uses blankets, comforters, duvets, until the system collapses.

When a file could be concluded in an hour, but ten are needed, for commas, full stops, offices and approvals. If we put down time as the highest cost, which is invisible, who will pay the bill?

There are whole categories of bureaucrats that in order to justify their presence invent procedures, rules, controls, so that someone can always say “we need them.”

Those who makes excessive use of bureaucracy, over time tend to become “cynical”, devoid of emotion. The scene from the movie “The Terminal” has 2 temperatures. On the one hand, the warmth and understanding of Viktor, on the other hand, the icy coldness of the controller. Even when it comes to human life, in front of a petition, not even the bureaucracy thaws.

The medicines are for the sick father of the man, but if it were not for the courage of Viktor (who lies and accepts the consequences) it would have probably ended badly.

What invisible weapon has been used to hide dishonesty? Bureaucracy. Full stops and commas while people die every day.

• The businessman that has to stand in queues, instead of innovating and thinking about the future
• The unemployed person filling in yet another form
• The teacher who loses more time filling in registers than establishing a relationship with pupils

Paradoxically, at a time when flexibility (together with the fight against immorality) could get us out of trouble, everything is becoming more rigid. It is the natural reaction of someone who has already lost control.

The other day we were at an airport control; while I was throwing away the bottle of water, a security officer stopped me and looking at my daughter said, “Pass through, it’s for the baby.”

I should not have, because milk is allowed, not water. But the security guard was focusing on “people” and not the rules.

“Sometimes you have to be flexible with rules, ignore the numbers and focus on people. People, tolerance are the foundations of this country”.

How I wish that someone would these words as a mantra of solidarity, without expecting anything in return. Only afterwards, Viktor realises that the “palm of his hand” has become a symbol of “moral integrity.” Above all, he does not expect the embrace steeped in gratitude, that certainly is worth more than money.

Share if you agree.

“… and in case I don’t see ya…

good afternoon, good evening and good night!”…

(The Truman Show)

Virginio