We find it very convenient to point our finger at someone else, be it the government, local civic body, administrators, society, neighbors and anyone under the sun for any problem that surfaces.
Off late many of us would have been disgusted with the world around us, be it a barbaric act of violence, gender equality, child abuse and many more. We question everyone and every possible process. Do we ever ask ourselves as to what I do in my day to day life? Have I done something different?
I wanted to share my views and observations on some of these areas and would like to see what you all think?
1. Gender Equality and Respect for Women -
We start reacting when we hear a news about gender bias, atrocities against women or a girl. Have I every looked into my own home, my workplace, my neighborhood, introspecting to see how I treat a lady, a girl, a co-worker, a subordinate, my house help or even the vegetable vendor down the street?
Do I tell my son to have respect for his sister(s) and imbibe in him the sense of equality and that I am not partial to anyone? Do I love and respect a women/girl the same way I regard the divine power as in Goddess Durga or Lakshmi? Do I treat and talk to any lady/girl with respect and dignity? If not, then what am I teaching my next generation or even creating an example around me. Can I blame others? How can I be the change agent?
Has the "Educated City Dweller" stopped going to gender determination clinic and prevented a female foeticide? Can I practically have government and police looking over everyone? After all they are the same people made of flesh and blood.
2. Provoked Violence and Respecting Humans -
How often do I acknowledge a human as a human and not from how he/she looks , what is his/her social stature is, what religion/caste does he/she belong to? Don't I create a prejudice before even I try to know who this person actually is?
There are off course free radicals (fanatics) everywhere and there are people who want to instigate violence for their own benefit or seeking political goals. But as a matured individual (assuming I am impartial), treat everyone fairly, with respect and dignity.
Dignity of Labor is so critical in the modern era. Every work is important and every person doing it with respect and sincerity deserves to be treated well. The day I start to treat my sub-ordinates, security guard, vendor, driver etc. with respect and dignity, the place around me will be much nicer.
3. Child Abuse -
How often do you see young kids being employed / pushed to work at a tender age. To add on to that they are very often verbally and physically abused. Many face harassment and exploitation. What does this earn? A little money for the parents?
Have I ever thought that if I cannot take care of a child, should I really bring it to this world? Do I make sure I am not employing a child for my benefit and exploiting the poor soul?
Every change needs a driver and some of these pressing issues needs you to first drive the change and provide others a path to follow.
It is easy to blame other and everyone around you. But this only works, when I have made sure I have done the right thing and ensure that I never break the norm. Finally we forget - "When we point our finger at someone/anyone, there are three which point towards us"
