Disagree with dignity

I couldn't bring myself to write about the historic protest that manifested in Tamil Nadu for Jallikattu, though I wanted to. I came across a lot of interesting articles that explained the sociocultural significance of the festival, it's impact on the biodiversity of the region, the political theories behind the ban and so much more. People all over the world were amazed at the way the protest was being led. I was filled with admiration and respect for the undaunted, peaceful protesters that included some of my friends as well. All that being said and done, when I distanced myself from all the happenings and looked at it differently, I couldn't help but see the terror, Technology is metamorphosing into. It reminded me of this anthology television series 'Black Mirror' that shows how technology manipulates people. And there I was watching a version of it in real life.

Be it the Chennai floods or Jallikattu protest, the youth have used social media adroitly to share information, form groups, take immediate action and what not. However, I think there is a need to sensitize people about what they share on social media. In the past few days, there have been many posts, humiliating and slandering people for so many different reasons, on social media. People used swear words on actors for not voicing out their support or for voicing out their opinions that are different. Actors are artists who are paid for the work they do, just like any other artist or professional. There is no necessity for an actor to declare his support for a cause or join a protest. He is free to keep his opinions to himself just like any common man. People also said disrespectful things about the Chief Minister, Prime Minister and the government bashing them for not heeding to their requests. While we are free to question authority and demand for our rights, there is no need to ill mouth anyone. A certain animal activist made a vile comment on the Tamil people. In answer to that, a young woman made a video abusing the activist in return. While we totally detest and dissent such an abusive statement made by an activist, I do believe there are better ways to express one's anger and disagreement than resorting to slander and abuse, bringing oneself down to the level of the abuser.

The danger here lies with the ease in which such behavior spreads through memes, posts and videos misleading a lot of people who have now found an easy platform to vent out their wrath. We have to learn to disagree with dignity. To set this right, may be we should refrain from posting stuff we wouldn't share in person, face to face. Or we could share our disagreements gracefully without making others flinch. Especially in times of emergencies, there is sometimes a thin line between what is just and what is not. So we need to be careful with what we share on social media.

Circulating among the Jallikattu protest videos and posts were the videos of a girl shouting slanderous slogans. Shortly after, there were people praising her and adoring her. Then started the criticisms, alleging the girl to be associated with a political party and finally ending up with Facebook posts calling her stupid and undeserving of the fame she has received. Concerns about the safety of the girl were raised. There were also messages about a missing kid shared numerous times on Facebook and Whatsapp. If we really want to help, we can always verify the authenticity of the message and then share on Facebook or Whatsapp. Whether you are the one baselessly slandering or you simply share an existing post on social media, you cause the same disruption. Even though there is not any threat to safety, your lazy click of a 'Share' on a rumor or unverified information causes more discomfort and confusion than help the concerned people. Like my dear friend once said, 'Do not click Share just because you can!'

Share with awareness and disagree with dignity, my friends!