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Slow Progress<br />
The livelihood of the act and desire to leave the country underscores the falsity of some of the positive<br />
sentiments (i.e. of pride) Guyanese show toward the projects instituted by the government. Citizens of<br />
Guyana know that their government is not doing enough to better their lives. Many are not ashamed to<br />
admit and plainly talk about this fact. Expressions of gratitude toward the projects (that are in actuality too<br />
small to be impactful) are a way to deal with, and therefore survive under measures that are oppressive<br />
in nature.<br />
A similar inference can be drawn as concern why people feel the need to talk about sex in the market<br />
place. Guyanese cannot control many things that negatively affect their lives. This inability is mostly due<br />
to the crushing nature, psychological and otherwise, of poverty. What they do have control of is their<br />
bodies. Talks of sex in the market place can be viewed as a way to publically affirm this control. The<br />
practice as a coping mechanism needs to be investigated via critical lens. On one hand, it allows for<br />
self expression in the midst of social ills that encroach on daily life. On the other hand, such talks prevent<br />
constructive evaluation of some of the sources and consequences of the social ills.<br />
As depicted in the story above, the two drunken men warned the young women against constant<br />
pregnancy but did not make mention to the use of contraceptives as one way to prevent unwarranted<br />
pregnancy. In addition to preventing unwarranted pregnancy, the use of contraceptives (i.e. condoms)<br />
is an effective way to prevent contracting (and spreading) HIV. Thus, there is the dire need for the talks<br />
of sex that occur in the public market place to develop educational leanings and not simply be a form<br />
of empty entertainment. Progressive talks tend to lead to constructive actions—and the government<br />
cannot be relied upon for this happening. Progress depends on the will of the people to bring about<br />
change. The market place offers a public space for the awakening of consciousness in the lives of the<br />
citizens of Guyana. This opportunity should not be wasted by vain talks of sex.<br />
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