The behavior of individuals matters to society significantly, as there is considerable relationship between society and the individual. It must be asserted that the two co-exist, and one does not exist without the other. This intimate relationship might even be considered to be sacred from a sociological perspective, as it is the nature of this relationship that affects the stability a society has.
In short, one may also say that if every member of society leads a relatively peaceful and calm life, the whole society is most likely to be at peace. Such societies are known to progress the quickest, as with a calm atmosphere there is most likely a stable plan in action that brings the people’s efforts together, no matter what their fields of interest might be. However, all that has just been asserted is not necessarily mean that it is all so simple. This is because of the fact that there may be several interfering factors involved in political processes in a particular society.
These are the interferences that governing bodies
have to be careful of. However, governments have
also been known to allow interference in their
processes. In fact, they have given in to certain
organizations more than willingly for their own
economic gain. By doing this, they have jeopardized
the security, stability and rights of their own
people. An example of this is Nigeria, as they
have given in to ‘Shell’, allowing
the organization to dump its waste wherever it
feels like.
Such a practice is offensive to people residing near these areas; it enrages the residents of these localities, who naturally would respond in some way if authorities do not take concern. This is precisely what has happened in several areas in Nigeria. It must be asserted that Shell is responsible for several people turning quite ill due to their waste dump sites. The government itself does little to support its people, as it wants to sustain its economic gains with this company that does not really have to follow internationally precautionary standards regarding purifying and supplying its fuels.
Instead of supporting its people, Nigeria supports Shell, as they want protection if they are to continue operating in Nigeria. So, the Nigerian government has permitted its military to take control of the situation. Since Shell is attacked periodically by the people in Nigeria, the military have to take control of the situation and make sure that the organization is protected at all costs; if they fail to protect the organization, Shell will withdraw from operation in this country.
In the process of protecting the organization, the Nigerian military has claimed a significant number of civilian lives. Instead of the military protecting the people, it is being used against them in order for the government ti gain the most out of Shell’s presence in Nigeria. Not only have the citizens been targeted for trying to do something about Shell’s dominance in the region but so have pressure groups and environmentalists. These people too have suffered immensely, and several have been slain for their efforts.
In view of these atrocities, there is significant international concern. To mention one country, Britain has taken the issue up and urged accountability to be made a practice as far as Shell’s dealing s in Nigeria is concerned. Indeed, there are reports being prepares regularly regarding the organizations operation. It must also be mentioned that Shell’s operations in Nigeria are a matter of international concern also because of the pollution they create and the lag of regard for the atmosphere; it is obvious that everyone would be affected by such unhealthy processes.
In view of the way that Nigerian citizens are
being treated due to Shell’s inappropriate
practices in Nigeria, it must be asserted that
these are all far from the ideals of Utilitarianism,
which is of course one of the most supporting
doctrines for peaceful living.
According to Mill, it is suggested that the greatest happiness can be brought about through the individual practicing whatever s/he pleases, provided that no one is affected adversely, directly or indirectly, by the actions of the individual. It is because of this approach to freedom that Mill may be criticized. However, in this approach of his, it is most obvious that Shell is an organization consisting of individuals that are involved in acts that are displeasing the majority of the citizens. Aside from them, there are also the individuals in the military as well as in the government, who are responsible for all the chaos and confusion that disrupt the lives of many Nigerian citizens (Himmelfarb, 1982).
Mill believes in the individual acting according to what pleases him, and since, according to a doctor’s moral thinking, killing one to save another does not please him or her the action would be wrong. Hence, one cannot really assert that in order to stabilize processes within Nigeria killing of a few is essential. This is completely unreasonable, and certainly, everyone can see through such a disguise (Himmelfarb, 1982).
Mill also has emphasized that the individual has suffered a great deal in the past when monarchs were rulers. In those times the individual was without freedom to express him or herself. In Nigeria, there is a similar thing taking place with the military defending Shell. However, this all has to change, and individuals should be given more freedom. If this turns true, it will be related directly to the promotion of the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people (Himmelfarb, 1982).
The manner in which previously oppressed people progressed in the direction of freedom was because of the fact that most individuals had been granted the rights to express themselves without subjugation. However, this did not mean that all individuals were free, as those in minority remained suffering at the hands of those in majority. In his treatise ‘On Liberty’ Mill refers to this as “acts of public authority” or “collective opinion”. Mill proposes that this is something that has to change if all individuals have to be freed (Himmelfarb, 1982). Certainly, the acts of authority or rather power on the part of the Nigerian government and military have to change.