Desiree Fernandes
On several occasions, we find ourselves caught up in an enticing gossip trivia or might indulge ourselves for the pleasure of it. No civilization has ever escaped it and the possibility of the wrath that it might entail is endless. Day in and day out we engross ourselves in a tete-a-tete chat with peers, catch up on the latest by tuning into the social networking sites, the effervescent digital print and the like. But nothing beats the domestic gossip at the tinto (local market place), church squares or even the cafes. What is it that makes us want to be curious and inquisitive into the happing events around us?
We might do so to upgrade our memory which in turn influences our paths of perception. At times it can be deceptive and even demoralizing when people indulge in idle chat as we call it. Our impressions about another can indeed envisage a lot about the way we view ourselves and value the opinions of people. At the social level, people interact with relatives, friends, neighbours and it even extends to befriending strangers. The conversations that revolve round these groups is much a listening pleasure to the ears. Even eavesdropping while travelling in public transport can make it worth a jolly good ride. Beginning with an initial greeting and stretching it on with virulent gossip about family affairs. Though political drama may have become a mundane thing of sorts, we still would never get enough of the gossip chats. It has proven to be relaxing to the mind and can rejuvenate our spirits. But when people start probing into the personal lives of others, things can take a turn for the worse. It is wise enough to tame the tongue before letting it loose. In doing so, a person learns to value an individual’s privacy and simultaneously restrain one’s thoughts before lashing out mindlessly. Our thoughts and opinions are greatly shaped by the society we live in. We want to be accepted in the social circle and thus make ourselves readily acceptable victims of people’s opinions. It is indeed a two way process involving much give and take. Be mindful of judging people for the sake of pure gratification of one’s social need. People in the film fraternity too are no strangers to this. But still many manage to ignore the lies written about them and get along with their personal lives. At times the local paparazzi in our communities can pose a nuisance to our living. Gossip magazines and reality shows seem to have become the norm of the day. People are cashing in on the lives of others to earn a living.
Gossip on the political and professional front has a much more reputed side to it. It may involve a healthy discussion or debate on the essence of work ethics by offering opinions and suggestions in the public domain. Likewise it helps one to enhance their skills. Backbiting is a common occurrence at work places where the opponent indulges in catharsis to pacify their inflated ego. It has become obsolete nowadays at work places to exchange healthy conversations. Employees thrive in their respective social frameworks permitting them to share information with like minded persons.
On religious and moral grounds, gossip is considered to have a malicious take on it or rather perceived as adroitly addressing ones grievances by flogging the flaws of the offender. However its necessary to understand that pruning a healthy appetite for gossip is of paramount importance.
