There are various types of narratives, but to put it simply, a narrative is a story. Those creating narratives (especially those operating in socio-political and religious realm) have a responsibility to nurture human society by establish harmony with nature and espousing the importance of being free to seek truth. Although, political correctness is a conundrum, modern society has embraced it as the highest virtue. In fact, modern society boasts “political correctness” as its foundation. What could possibly be the end result? Because of the repercussions several narratives being shared today, contemporary society is facing a volatile situation. These narratives (especially related to socio-political and religious identity) circulating in society err because they diverge from natural law and don’t aim to foster the common good. It’s the role of narrative to bridge the gap between philosophy as abstract theory, ideas in the ether, and life as lived on the ground.
America is gripped with violence and fear over a narrative with the slogan, “Black Lives Matter.” This narrative is based on context — excessive violence against black — but can be misconstrued because all lives matter, whether black or white, brown or yellow. Fighting injustices by segregating people, based on race, color, creed has great consequence. Justice ought to be fought for humanity not for race or creed. For example, the emancipation of slaves in the United States was based on the principle that, “All people are children of God and share the same human nature.” This narrative is based on truth, and labels slavery as contrary to natural law, which supply the narrative with moral impetus to fight for emancipation, even at the cost of losing one’s life.It is surprising that some Indian TV news anchors are criticizing the United States for racial discrimination and supporting the “Black lives matter” narrative. India has no moral authority to make such statements, when this society is structured on a caste system. The caste system is an abomination that encourages great injustice to humanity in the name of God.
People around the world are terrified by so many senseless killings. Terrorism is the new narrative. What gives people the moral courage to sacrifice their lives so cheaply, and kill innocent people? The narrative is attributed by its adherents to a religious book that promotes Jihad or holy war. Could it be that the text is misunderstood? It is imperative to discern this narrative and its source. God is the source of life and death. No one has the right to take one’s life, much less the lives of others. That right belongs to God alone because God alone gives life. The terrorism narrative is totally evil and against God’s will. It is against nature and natural law. There is no truth in it. But, who will change the narrative? When a narrative is promoted as in sync with a holy text and has the backing of religious leaders, its impact is of cosmic proportion. This explains the apprehension and panic of thewhole of human society. This example shows that those creating narratives should be mindful, especially when narrative emanate from religious source or from a sense of heightened?It is a worrying time for Indians. Indianism equals Hindutva is a false narrative (created by RSS and BJP) and is dangerous not only for India but for the world at large. It has ingredients that can nurture destruction of cosmic proportions, because it calls upon religious sources and fosters a false sense of national pride that excludes many Indians.
People have to be mindful. Political correctness has created narratives to legitimize that which is morally and naturally wrong, and society is going gaga about it. When society digresses from nature and truth, the repercussions are of biblical proportions. Roger Zelazny famously said, “No word matters. But man forgets reality and remembers words.” What should be the narrative? And, what is the proper source for narrative? Truth is the only source; the object of reason. When a narrative is devoid of truth, it ushers in injustices, falsehood, violence, terror and death. Modern society is continuing to witness the deadly effects of false narratives, and yet, it continues to uphold political correctness. Political correctness is an offshoot of relativism and skepticism. These theories are far from truth and reality. Hence, those who create narratives and those who are influenced by it, should first check the narratives’ purported facts. Otherwise, the trajectory of humanity is grime and precarious.
