FOMO and a Railing at a State FuneralCEFR B1
12 Jan 2024
Adapted from Janine Mendes-Franco, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Jas Percival Mamanta, Unsplash
FOMO, or the fear of missing out, has become common in Trinidad and Tobago. The author first heard the term after a weekend visit to the DDI, where a toddler stayed awake to avoid missing activities. Health experts link adult FOMO to the anxiety that others are having more fun, which can push people to act so they are not left out.
On Monday January 9, at the state funeral of a former prime minister, a former finance minister climbed over a railing at SAPA and spoke to media while doing so. A clip then showed another politician following her and scaling the barrier. Neither person appeared visibly grief-stricken in the footage.
The incident raised questions about behaviour and protocol at solemn occasions. Observers noted that reactions often depend on social status, and many memes and online comments followed. Some suggested quieter, respectful alternatives such as leaving and sending a sympathy card. Organisers have not yet said whether guest lists or security will change.
Difficult words
- miss out — to fail to join an activity or eventmissing out
- anxiety — a strong feeling of worry or nervousness
- solemn — serious and respectful, without happiness
- protocol — official rules about behaviour at events
- grief-stricken — deeply sad because of a loss
- organiser — a person who plans or arranges eventsOrganisers
- barrier — a physical object that blocks movement
- sympathy card — a written message expressing sorrow or support
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you seen FOMO affect people you know? What did they do and why?
- Do you think climbing over a barrier was appropriate at a funeral? Why or why not?
- If you could not attend a solemn event, what respectful actions would you take?
