One world?
July 19th, 2007 by Anindita Sengupta
These are difficult times. Today itself, 33 people were killed in bomb attacks in Pakistan. Waking up to reports of war and terror have become commonplace and we have learned to take for granted that our world is in perpetual conflict.
Noted Canadian author Margaret Atwood said: “I hope that people will finally come to realize that there is only one ‘race’ - the human race - and that we are all members of it.” But some days, it’s hard to wake up and feel a sense of kinship with the person living next door, let alone with someone living in another country. Yet, now more than ever, it’s important to feel this. Because in times of trouble, the world needs as many missives of peace as it can get.
The irony is that it’s never been easier for people to step over boundaries, see other places, understand other cultures, befriend people in distant lands. With globalization and increased travel, people are country-hopping at an alarming rate. Apart from this, technology has created shared spaces where the entire world can commune. In ancient times, people gathered around a bonfire to talk, share, feel the spirit of “community”; now, they power up laptops, click on the browser icon. The worldwide web is the modern-day bonfire. All this should lead to an unprecedentedly unified world.
But like with most other things, destructive forces seem to have the upper hand here as well. Terrorists and war-mongers are using the advantages of mobility and technology far more effectively than the millions toiling to eradicate poverty and disease, fight social injustice and bring about reform. Is it because the numbers are fewer? Or does it boil down to some ancient metaphysical law on good versus evil.
Perhaps, it’s because the positive voice is far more feeble. Most ordinary people who just want to live and let live–tend to do exactly that. They go to work, spend time with the family, hang out at a bar with friends, look after their kids. They don’t usually have the time and energy left over to spread passionate messages, torment other people or plan massive projects. Look at most discussions on message boards and blogs. After a point, the sensible comments will be overwhelmed by hateful messages with illogical arguments or personal attacks. Flamers and trolls just seem to have so much energy! To fight them, we must match their loudness of voice and passionate energy. In the virtual world–and outside it.
Secondly, the lines between right and wrong are often blurry and there are eternal debates about what makes one person’s view more ‘good’ than another’s. All things considered, I think it’s safe to say that causing damage and death willfully is wrong. If one functions with that as a basic, it can’t be that hard to figure out the rest.
This weekend, a large number of people will be unified by one thing. The last book in the hugely popular Harry Potter series will be released on Saturday and children (and adults) across the globe will devour the 900 or so pages to see if Harry finally vanquishes Voldemort. I am confident that most are hoping that good will ultimately win over evil. For now, that will have to suffice. In the real world, things aren’t so simple.