Rejecting the Unjust Tyranny of Chance by Olusola Joshua Opaleye
Emmanuel Jesuyon Dansu
Assistant Professor, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
"Chance is blind. Chance doesn't care about fairness."-Terry Moore
History is replete with stories of men who seized the chances offered by life. However, there is an abundant supply of men who, on a daily basis, consistently suffer blows dealt by the unjust tyrant of Chance.
According to reports, 46.9% of the world's population is considered poor. Being poor means lacking the provisions or financial capabilities to fulfill life's minimum essential necessities. This implies that of the over 8 billion individuals currently in existence worldwide, more than 3.7 billion are struggling to seize a chance—a possibility of something happening, an event, or a spark for a turnaround of fortune. But chance is a bully, a tyrant to those who come uninvited. It is only responsive to the man who can replicate it.
In every sphere of existence, the unpredictability of chance is expressed in how it determines the paths many lives follow while they look on helplessly. While chance plays a role in shaping our circumstances, it's unjust when it becomes a tyrant, dictating outcomes without regard for merit or fairness. Rejecting the tyranny of chance means making a demand to be considered, to be invited to the table.
In the realm of academia, the notion of chance often lurks ominously, dictating outcomes that seem beyond individual control. Students frequently find themselves at the mercy of unpredictable factors, from exam questions that don't align with their strengths to grading biases that favor certain demographics. However, while chance may wield significant influence, it need not reign supreme. Empowered students can reject its unjust tyranny by embracing proactive strategies and fostering a mindset of resilience and determination.
The first step in mitigating the impact of chance is for a student to be proactive in their approach to education. Nothing beats taking ownership of your learning journey. The need to seek clarification and actively engage with course materials can never be overemphasized. By cultivating a thorough understanding of the subject matter, students can minimize the element of unpredictability in assessments and increase their chances of success.
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Furthermore, building strong relationships with educators can serve as a powerful buffer against the whims of chance. Establishing open lines of communication allows students to advocate for themselves, address concerns, and seek support when facing academic challenges. Additionally, forming study groups or joining academic communities can provide valuable peer support and insights, further enhancing one's academic resilience.
Finally, advocating for systemic changes within educational institutions is crucial in addressing the structural inequities that perpetuate the tyranny of chance. This may involve advocating for inclusive curriculum design, promoting diversity and equity initiatives, and holding institutions accountable for addressing bias and discrimination.
In conclusion, while chance may exert a significant influence in academia, students possess the agency to defy its unjust tyranny. By adopting proactive strategies, being resilient, redefining success, and advocating for systemic change, students can reclaim control over their academic journey and pave the way for a more equitable educational landscape.
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