Actions Speak Louder Than Words: Unraveling the Reasons Behind Our Rude Behavior
Article:
Man, I've seen some nasty stuff lately that's left me shooketh to my core. First up, that bloody bombing in Gaza, mates. It ain't just razed the place to the ground, but left its inhabitants high and dry without help. Israel's relentless attacks, their callous refusal to let foreign aid agencies bring in food and meds, and clear disregard for every rule is inhumane and borderline unjustifiable. Imagine not having food or milk for your kids - those women deserve our sympathies, man. It's enough to make you question everything, even God himself.
The other thing that got me was that Bengaluru victory parade that turned into a goddamn stampede. Fans were trampled, died, or got injured, and ambulances couldn't reach em quick enough due to a traffic jam. There was hardly any police presence after the bigwigs left, making everyone point fingers. No one wants to take responsibility for this tragic episode, and once again, we've got two parties comparing whose stampede was worse.
But, let's dig a bit deeper. Why does this damn stampede shit keep happening in India, man? In the last year alone, there've been at least three tragic ones. I've often wondered why we Indians are such a mess when it comes to lining up orderly or waiting for our turn. Check out any bus stop or railway station, and you'll see people pushing, shoving, disregarding old folks, women, moms with babies. The only place where we're civilized is the Metro, so no one spits paan or smokes. But the second you step out, we're back to being savages.
There are a couple reasons for this, mate. One, design and vigilant staff. Only legitimate passengers get in, and a firm line keeps the chaos at bay. The other, perhaps, is that once a sense of good civic behavior is established, no one wants to break the rules. We take pride in our Metro stations, so no one does anything crazy there. But, as soon as you step out, we go wild.
Another reason is that in a developing world, where everything is scarce, people are desperate to get their hands on whatever they can. The concept of taking turns hasn't truly caught on because most of the time, what you want is already gone. On the other hand, when we can line up at an ATM, we still butt in line at hospital waiting rooms. Folks in developed countries know that groceries won't run out before they can get some, and another bus will be along shortly. If all the seats are filled, the conductor won't let anyone in. And that rule is accepted without any fuss.
It might take some time before we'll have the self-assurance that we can secure what we need without bribes or pulling strings. Another reason is that our bosses never use public transport, creating a "do as I say, not as I do" situation.
I reckon I've mentioned this before, but digitization has destroyed the personal bond between banks and their customers. Banks are becoming void of people, and every few months your customer service rep gets transferred, so you've gotta start all over again with a new face. I'm old-school enough to deal in cash, and rarely use UPI or PayTM, even though friends and family have been trying to convince me to make the switch. Sometimes, the feel of a note and the sacrifice of handing over a 500-rupee note makes me think twice about frivolous purchases like expensive cherries.
Spending actual cash keeps a check on impulsive spending. I believe young people today are overspending because they can't see the money leaving their wallet. The same goes for buying fancy gadgets, cars, or phones on installments without checking the interest rates. Many folks now live beyond their means, and if, heaven forbid, they suddenly kick the bucket, who'll cover the debts? Essential items like food, clothes, shoes, and many other disposable items are now available with just a click. It's important to remember that just because you can buy it, doesn't mean you should.
So yeah, digital payments have changed the way we buy and pay, and the world is in awe of our advancements in this area, but it's also made us spend without thinking.
The writer is a social commentator
[1]– Greene, W. H. (2011). Dhaka traffic: Unruly cars, buses, motorcycles, rickshaws, and pedestrians create dangerous situations. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/31/world/asia/congested-dhaka-embraces-cyclists-to-ease-traffic.html[5]– Akshayachitra. (2008). Farhatabad: A Forgotten Rajasthan Town Struggling to Exist [Documentary]. YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJQr5xz6lMQ
- The writer's perspective on recent events highlights not only the inhumane nature of Israel's actions in Gaza but also the impact on civilians who are left without food and essential supplies.
- The author questions the lack of accountability for tragedies such as the stampede in Bengaluru, suggesting that it's not necessarily about who has the worst situation but rather the systemic failure to address these issues.
- In discussing the causes of recurring stampedes in India, the writer raises concerns about the lack of self-assurance in securing necessities and the influence of bosses who don't use public transport, creating a hypocritical environment.
- The writer comments on the effects of digitization on spending habits, suggesting that the convenience of digital payments can lead to impulsive and irresponsible spending on non-essential items like expensive gadgets.
