I am sure most of us would like to raise our children with all the right
values. Many of us do go to lengths to see that they do not pick up
traits that
is harmful to the society in a bid to create a holistic society
that is more tolerant
and respectful of the other. And, this is urgently needed today even
as we wake up everyday to horrifying news about molestation, a childhood gone wrong,
tolerance plummeting to lower levels and apathy growing to newer
heights. However, I really feel dismal about the future as I observe how a section of adult population thinks and acts, setting a bad precedent for the next generation.
I am a member of my apartment forum- a space for the community residents to discuss issues and share news regarding the gated community. Many a times, issues are blown out of proportion with more people disagreeing about a particular point and taking the topic thread to a very different level from where it started. It is interesting to note how each thread gets almost 50 responses added to it within no time of it being started. Of late the kind of responses to certain issues thrown up has drawn me to realize how actually so many people think alike and respond in a manner that seems to disregard everyone else that do not form a party of their limited circle. It is only the "I, me, myself" stance that echos largely from all the group discussions.
Issues are made out of non-issues. Every small point raised as a suggestion or just as a small concern has 50 other people pouncing on the first person, shooting down the idea/suggestion given, raising other ugly/petty counter-concerns that of course might have been triggered off because the suggestion involved a miniscule amount of inconvenience to them. Just to cite an example: a small issue about having a bus-load of non-resident school children entering the complex premises has been blown out of proportion with concerns like security and petty concerns like road-maintenance, etc thrown in. The initial thread that was started to discuss one thing lead to a series of unnecessary detour on the issue and people really stooping low with their thinking and mentality.
It is appalling and sad to see a part of the society that wants the best things only for themselves and cannot bear to share only because they take pride in being above certain others. The common refrain goes thus:
"I don't care about what others go through. I pay the maintenance and it is my at most duty to see that I do not accommodate even an ant to enjoy the privileges that I get. Mind you, I will not contribute even iota of my time, resources to help the committee (that is set up to see that the community functions smoothly and the privileges offered do reach the people) do its job. I will make all possible attempts to put a spoke in the wheel whenever some changes are suggested because I can't compromise for larger benefit. "
With such an attitude prevailing in a community of just 500 odd residents, is it any wonder that the society at large is going to the dogs? Is it any surprise that the city newspapers have crime reports filling out every page? Is there any hope that tomorrow if I am stuck in any trouble, I can expect help from strangers?
I know, I sound very pessimistic. I believe, there is still some good left and I do hear of positive and heartening reports of good Samaritans but is the 'Good' good enough for the wicked and selfish who seem to growing manifold?
I am a member of my apartment forum- a space for the community residents to discuss issues and share news regarding the gated community. Many a times, issues are blown out of proportion with more people disagreeing about a particular point and taking the topic thread to a very different level from where it started. It is interesting to note how each thread gets almost 50 responses added to it within no time of it being started. Of late the kind of responses to certain issues thrown up has drawn me to realize how actually so many people think alike and respond in a manner that seems to disregard everyone else that do not form a party of their limited circle. It is only the "I, me, myself" stance that echos largely from all the group discussions.
Issues are made out of non-issues. Every small point raised as a suggestion or just as a small concern has 50 other people pouncing on the first person, shooting down the idea/suggestion given, raising other ugly/petty counter-concerns that of course might have been triggered off because the suggestion involved a miniscule amount of inconvenience to them. Just to cite an example: a small issue about having a bus-load of non-resident school children entering the complex premises has been blown out of proportion with concerns like security and petty concerns like road-maintenance, etc thrown in. The initial thread that was started to discuss one thing lead to a series of unnecessary detour on the issue and people really stooping low with their thinking and mentality.
It is appalling and sad to see a part of the society that wants the best things only for themselves and cannot bear to share only because they take pride in being above certain others. The common refrain goes thus:
"I don't care about what others go through. I pay the maintenance and it is my at most duty to see that I do not accommodate even an ant to enjoy the privileges that I get. Mind you, I will not contribute even iota of my time, resources to help the committee (that is set up to see that the community functions smoothly and the privileges offered do reach the people) do its job. I will make all possible attempts to put a spoke in the wheel whenever some changes are suggested because I can't compromise for larger benefit. "
With such an attitude prevailing in a community of just 500 odd residents, is it any wonder that the society at large is going to the dogs? Is it any surprise that the city newspapers have crime reports filling out every page? Is there any hope that tomorrow if I am stuck in any trouble, I can expect help from strangers?
I know, I sound very pessimistic. I believe, there is still some good left and I do hear of positive and heartening reports of good Samaritans but is the 'Good' good enough for the wicked and selfish who seem to growing manifold?
