The Dissent Dispute

In a large democracy, the modern 21st era, where India is trying to establish its mark on mars and moon, Indians are trying hard to keep democracy together. Democracy is not just a political governance structure rather it is also an attitude and sensibility. Now in the social media-dominated times, and politically polarised society, India is caught in a communication crisis. One does not know the difference between freedom of speech and verbal abuse. It is polarised chaos that on one hand, people are scared to express their opinions in person, on the other hand, on virtual platforms people are ready to troll and abuse!

The Disagreement and Disrespect Factor

 In India, there is inculcated and deep-rooted culture where children are not supposed to oppose the opinions of elders, it’s often seen as great offence and disrespect. It is often considered to be mannerless to question or disagree with elders. It is a highly problematic attitude that makes society a place where dissent, an offence. Ironically, dissent is in-fact a strong tenet of democracy. Such an attitude often binds a society with fear rather than freedom. It has almost become that people do not know how to disagree politely. The majority of the media news channels are encouraging such an attitude where a debate often turns ugly for TRPs, reinforcing that disagreement should lead to personal attack or hatred. Such nature is creating a vicious environment in a society where people who disagree with each other do not know how to communicate with civility, causing damage to the democracy framework that India has carefully built over years. There should be a change in society 's norms where children are encouraged to question and disagree, but with respect. Children need to engage in debates, need to be taught how to disagree with civility.

The Anonymous Avatar

Many people now seek social media to abuse other people who have different opinions. It’s unfortunate that we are not taught to embrace multiple points of view and we are not taught disagreeing with someone need not necessarily have to result in hating that person. The virtual world is increasingly becoming a huge integral part of society. The internet or social media not only gave wings to fly but also gave many people a platform to troll and abuse. Anonymity helps people to not fear the consequences of shame for abusing or making fun of someone. Children now are widely exposed to technology. To resolve this, Rather than focusing just on restricting the platform, which could complicate things furthermore, it is important to combine social media etiquette in the studies and education. Children or even adults need to be taught the differences among freedom of speech, trolling, constructive criticism, and personal attack.  

Heaving to learn to disagree with civility, learning to constructively criticise are not just to protect democracy but also for the true advancement of the society that is not just in technology but to 

 build a healthy society that can handle multiple diverse opinions without breaking into violence.

                                                                                                                                      Deepthi N

a day in London

A place where past and present coexist is London. The historical castles, victorian houses take us back to the colonial time. In central London, when one sees rickshaw and “merc” (mercedes-Benz)  on Leicester square they are reminded of the coexistence. My day in London began with the amazement of multiculturalism. One gets to see the diverse nationalities around. And as an Indian we somehow get excited to see a fellow Indian, we talk and connect with other Indians that we would never have done in India. Familiarity and depending on the familiarity in a foreign land becomes important norm and culture there. 

UK evokes emotions depending on the season. In a typical summer day, it is sunny, peppy, with the flowers around and of course with bustling people. There is something that London has, and no other place in UK has. That is crowds. People always flutter about the city, that an Indian who is used to noise and crowds feels home right away. The systematic conveyance to the entire city made me feel calm and composed. The culture in London is extremely friendly. When I could not make out a station platform, the station staff was patient enough to explain not just to me, to everyone who asked. Being polite to each other is not only customary rather mandatory behaviour in London. Another peculiar behaviour that should be appreciated is that London people mind their own business. They do not stare or make you feel out of the place, only thing is in public places, one needs maintain the silence.  

Without any doubt, the best part of London is central London with multiple, wonderful castles, road musical shows, abundant food outlets and of course people. I spent an entire day just roaming around and observing people around trafalgar square. London bridge is not only a sight to behold but a place to relax and lazy out the evening with food and music and dances. There is something about London streets with bustling people and magnificent buildings, I can spend time visiting streets alone. 

How can I forget London’s food! While I did miss Indian food, the British food was a treat to the eyes, tongue and nose by just walking through the streets. The kind of variety fruits and veggies like zucchini, eggplant, asparagus, plums, avocados and not to mention I saw lot of wide variety of berries’ tress in parks even apples. From the cakes to the simple breakfast London makes us fast paced even in eating. While the local veggie and fruit markets were a treat,  how can one forget the winery where mulled wine keeps one warm in winters.  

In one day, central London visit, I fell in love with London, it was peaceful, eventful and educational not just about the history but about their culture. One of the few cities where you do not feel parted from India but you will also appreciate its uniqueness is London. It is closer and yet distanced to us fellow Indians historically and culturally. It is a place one must visit atleast once in a lifetime.