Dr Quleen Kaur Bijral
In our society of fast-paced news, fake news, hyped news, even spicy news the public is at a loss to engender an informed public opinion. There is so much distraction of limelight projects, dramatic speeches, heroic war of words and wit among the political parties, and of course the fervent coverage of meaningless issues- that naturally the Truth of farmer suicides, vigilante violence, religious extremism and more is buried, ignored and forgotten. Due to the strategic supply of disinformation, even the shocking jolt of child-massacres, killing of journalists, ethnic cleansing, and careless silence of the Government receives only a limited hue and cry. Where is the public uproar over the vicious cover-ups, vendetta politics, over the lack of remorse, accountability and action shown by the powers at the helm?
In the recent collapse of checks and balances, three shifts can be seen in the public response.
Violence is Natural – Due to the shocking repetition of violence, it has become so naturalised that we have become used to it – we expect it and don’t seem too alarmed about it anymore.
Why Bother? – Witnessing the apparent uselessness of public’s mass protests, somehow our will to care, to lend a few words or a 2-minute silence has been defeated!
The Scary Deterrent – When one sees how the protestors are met with trolls, scandals and even death threats, the public is invariably deterred to speak out. The tragic upshot of all this – the ruling parties in the guise of democracy are filling up their portfolios with absolute power while throwing pixie dust in the eyes of their ardent followers and unaware civilians.
Who To Attack And Who Not To?
In this criminal wave of neatly ornamented digression, the public emotion is unable to discern who to attack and who not to. Hence, now and then civilians are seen trolling and even persecuting academicians, artists, journalists over viral/scandalous social media posts that brand these social activists as anti-national, anti-Government, anti-religion, anti-moral, and many other disreputable accusations. Even though this vicious witch-hunt is painfully visible in front of us -we are but so exhausted, discouraged, and even intimidated to speak out.
When those who are speaking, are either ignored or silenced – what good are our words and action, right?
Lack of Interest – Where Are The Millions And The Billions?
While listening to the continuous tick-tock of the clock, our mind adapts itself that after sometime we don’t hear it anymore. As if the clock is not there anymore. This same tendency can be seen in our reaction towards crisis that keeps happening right at our doorstep. The more the repetition of it, the more we defensively/reflexively learn to ignore it. Yes, there are thousands out there who continue to protest even after bearing the brunt of death threats, scandalous trolls, and attacks on life. The question which needs to be strongly asked is – where are the millions and the billions? Desensitisation of the Masses – When thousands are vigorously challenging the disturbing designs, shameless negligence and grossly inadequate plannings of the government, where are the millions and the billions?
Is the news not reaching them? Are they isolated on an island? Do they not care? Or the continuous hopelessness of protests has overpowered them?
It is very well recognized that due to this careless or carefree apathy/ lack of interest shown by the public, absolute control is handed over to the leaders on a silver platter. The ones who are supposed to be our representatives – the country’s public servants and honest leaders, make a mockery of our public rights and demands. So much so, democracy which runs the nation, according to them, is nothing but an errant trend or fashion. Hence follows the dirty connivance/ complicity/ collusion between politics and other structures of power such as education, religion, economy which is then cemented and solemnised over Public Crisis.
Shouldn’t then we speak out rather than worry that our words would merely cause a ripple!
Lack of Remorse!
As vicious as the recent incidents which are destroying our country’s fabric are – those responsible for it directly or indirectly are refusing to take any responsibility for it all. What is more inexcusable – that the same powers are blatantly being negligent instead of giving assurances that such disastrous incidents do not happen again. No stringent steps are been taken to indict the guilty and to ensure crime is not repeated.
On the contrary – False cases are made. False explanations are given. Scapegoats are hung. Cover-ups are maliciously designed. Glittering projects and proposals are thrown to divert attention. Shrewd strategies and resources are spent to ensure that with time all this would be forgotten and dumped in the reservoirs of public amnesia/forgetfulness.
Loyal to the Nation or Political party? Hero Worship?
We all have allegiances to one political party over the other. Our support is our choice. But in time of crisis, when one party whom you religiously supported is found guilty, what then? Isn’t it logical to protest for the sake of the Nation than remain silent for the sake of one’s political liaisons/affiliations? To be critical of government’s incompetence, fractured plans, inefficient agendas and ill-equipped schemes is not just our RIGHT but our foremost DUTY.
Time to Take the Salute
As informed civilians, we should remember to show support for those journalists, writers, activists and so many brave citizens who confront the corrupt. If we choose to ignore, troll or assault them in order to satisfy our political beliefs – It is not that they will lose but our future will. As current spate of events demonstrate, it is high time to salute, support and speak for the activists exposing the saboteurs in our democracy.
(The author is a columnist)
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