Bread, Circuses, and Love Islands: What a Shitty State My Country Has Become

Ah, the good old days when Roman Emperors felt a bit threatened and decided to distract the masses with gladiatorial games and free bread. "Panem et circenses," they called it. How quaint and simple those ancient Romans were, right? But wait, are we really so different?

Here we are, Malta, in the thick of an election campaign to choose our European Parliament representatives and local councilors. Meanwhile, we’re embroiled in a serious political crisis with a former Prime Minister about to be dragged to court. Sounds like a gripping drama, doesn’t it?

But no, our attention is captivated by Kyannah, Kyonne, and Kyra, the latest human spectacles. Who wouldn’t prefer watching beautiful people in bathing suits, knocking back champagne, over middle-aged men in suits shouting at each other? It’s so much more... relaxing.

And it’s definitely not a coincidence. Just when we need to do some serious thinking about our country’s future, out comes another dazzling distraction. Remember how the Valletta 2018 European Capital of Culture turned into one long party, conveniently taking our minds off pressing issues? A truly brilliant waste of an opportunity!

Of course, it’s not that people don’t see through the ruse. But with today’s media bombardment, missing the bigger picture is almost inevitable. We consume news through algorithms designed to keep us glued to our screens, not informed about the greater good.

So, it’s no surprise that real debates get lost. A government with a lot to hide finds it all too easy to manipulate the system. It’s almost as if there’s a deliberate effort to keep voters desensitized and detached, chipping away at our democracy.

Politicians, are supposedly obligated to cut through the nonsense and focus on real issues. They should reach out to the disenchanted and disinterested. But how depressing is it that so many of our youth have given up hope for a better Malta and are ready to leave at the first chance?

Politics isn’t just an old man’s game, but the only tool we have to create a better future. As a mother of a young child, I believe we can do more. We need to tackle our issues head-on, involve all communities, and genuinely work towards a brighter future.

Sure, it’s going to be tough to compete with Kyannah, Kyonne, and Kyra. But hey, who knows? Maybe we can still do something meaningful, despite the odds.

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