And mom, your times were better indeed
drawing room conversations tend to take a bitter and ugly turn. People are wearing politics on their sleeves and the complete lack of tolerance of a different viewpoint or belief is frightening. If it wasn’t a matter for serious thought, I would’ve laugh at the irrational reasons doled out almost daily by news agencies where the causes of ‘hurt sensibilities’ are ludicrous to say the least.
My grandmother would rue the ‘fast’ generation as the cause of all disruptions but she hadn’t reckoned for a brand new ‘media’ that would be the trailblazer for much of the malaise enveloping our country and people today.
The inconsequential drivel that is spooled out daily on social media sites, television and newspapers is mind boggling. The propensity to latch on to every word or move of a precocious teenager predicting an ominous end to the world; unnecessary space and time devoted to an Indian actor’s plunging neckline; the shenanigans of some royals in a faraway kingdom; a stand-up comedian’s taunting monologue during a flight; and mudslinging and shouting matches in the name of debates are all very well but when it sells its soul to corruption and propaganda, has a hand in spreading fake news and creating strife between its own people is when you know you have bred and unleashed the Devil!
So biji and mom, your times were better indeed. Universal brotherhood was more important than religion or honour back then. Personal belief and selfishness did not take precedence over humanity. We did not aim to destroy each other under the garb of unity. You wouldn’t recognise people today! Many seem to have lost their way, consumed with righteous anger and a false sense of duty. Many take pleasure in hurting their own brethren, seeking to destroy any voice of dissent. Many have conjured up a misplaced nationalism as the ultimate badge of honour and morality.
That they are not of ‘your times’, I’m certain.
MANY SEEM TO HAVE LOST THEIR WAY, CONSUMED WITH RIGHTEOUS ANGER AND A FALSE SENSE OF DUTY