We are at a phase of our evolution in which an idea can spread rapidly across large sections of our population. This is further complicated by the fact that ideologies are exercising hardly any restraint – adopting manipulation of the masses as a means to establish a following. At times such as this, cynicism and a lack of compassion can add even more fuel to the fire. Are we then slowly degenerating into an era of cruelty? Letting our most basic instincts take over the compassion and tolerance that history has taught us?
The current situation is the result of several converging factors. Modern marketing – something that started out as an influencer for triggering product purchase – has now started playing a central role in molding societal thought and public opinion. I also feel an unfortunate outcome of our times is that several institutions that had remained neutral through most of our history, whether media, judiciary or religious, are no longer so, and are in fact shaping an increasingly prejudiced population.
Good intentions aside, our ability to co-exist respectfully with those that express a different opinion than ours seems to be diminishing. And this is becoming a divisive force, fueled by media and polarized camps of supporters. Whether the last US presidential race or the Brexit referendum, nearly all political activity around the world is either falling prey to or actively relying on such manipulation of public opinion.
But what is most alarming, is how these methods have found willing allies in some venerable institutions of society. For example, Academia is increasingly expressing perspectives and preferences that can influence and skew public opinion, rather than retaining its identity as a neutral ground for debate and discussion. The very fact that most of our press is commonly spoken of as being in one political camp or another is a disturbing trend. The neutrality of these social mechanisms is absolutely essential to the functioning of a democratic society.
Eventually, if all information is filtered through the lens of opinion and prejudice – no matter how well meaning and good intentioned – what we are left with is not communities, but angry, antagonized camps of people supporting a particular viewpoint.
I am a firm believer of humanist values and an inclusive society that aspires to universal good and tolerance. Of course, this might appear to be a utopian mirage, but dream we must, of a world that is more equal and just.
I have individual values and opinions that may be at odds with those of another group or person, but the world I would like to see would be one that allows each idea to be debated and considered with an open mind. In my opinion, we are very close to adopting a dangerous position where compassion and kindness are becoming conditional to what we believe in, rather than being a non-negotiable part of our humanity. Justifying cruel acts against a person or community because we do not favor them is the ultimate degeneration of society.
Our only future is together and universally inclusive. We must not allow the technologies and powerful abilities that we have developed to be used to dehumanize and isolate us. We must not use our knowledge, our power and our progress to create fear and instigate cruelty. Humanity can only thrive when it considers diverse ideas, opinions, and embraces differences. It’s okay to build alliances with those that share our perspective, but hateful tribalism – that strips those we perceive as our opponents of their humanity – leads us down a very dark path indeed. It’s time we started to see ourselves as one noisy family – with divergent opinions – again, rather than mutually exclusive and warring tribes.
