Unfortunately, my profession and obligation reduces such naïve resolutions to naught. Whether I dislike, condemn or disapprove of certain happenings is immaterial compared to the fact that this daily exercise only facilitates the heart to harden and I learn to take pride and conveniently label it as quality I possess namely ‘tolerance’.
Often, I wonder about being tolerant. Was it by default an intrinsic part or was it supplemented by the fact that I was born in a multi-lingual, multi- cultured, multi-religious and moreover a democratic country that has conditioned me to be moderate or liberal. Such adjectives sound perfect and in fact helps to flatter the ego and look at the ‘self’ in the eye. Unfortunately, being liberal, tolerant is just a mask, the naked truth is I and many others like me for certain are nothing short of cowards. Cowards wearing the mask of tolerance. Ignoring or showing indifference, or laughing the whole episode off are some other defense strategies adopted by losers like me.
There are very few instances in my entire life when I stood up and truly voiced my heart’s cry. It is much easier to be just an insignificant component of the sea of silent spectators. Thus, the world in general and media in particular at times too prefer being silent. Little wonder such ‘collective tolerance’ proves conducive for the world to be plagued by aggressive, dominant and destructive forces. Inhuman practices seem to ravage the earth as guerilla/wars reduces innocent civilians to dust, society nurtures culture where little children are raped even before they shed their milk teeth, and whether we admit it or not we all seem to be hand in glove with the mission of destroying the sole planet we possess.
Closer home, how else does one explain the careless comments of leaders who spurt venomous remarks and pass it off as personal opinion, and take the shield of ‘ Right to expression’. Representatives who give scant respect and scantier heed to the sentiments of the masses they represent. Leaders who air their pet practices, promote and popularize their personal ideals. We talk about sensitizing school children to the evils plaguing our society so that they become responsible citizens. But, men and women holding responsible posts can get away by their absolute irresponsible annotations. Do these leaders not serve as role models, do their thoughts and expression just create a storm in a teacup only to evaporate in the ethers ?. Every household will discuss and debate, children are very observant and quick learners. So what message are they getting? Probably or rather certainly- That the sooner they learn to become a part of ‘collective tolerance’ the better it is. In fact mandatory for their very survival-this collective tolerance…
