By Shams Ur Rehman Alavi
People consider 'group interest' as own interest and thus the sentiment or emotion makes them choose sides, take decisions.
Fifteen or twenty years later, many realize that the political parties they fought for, were never truly for them and that they had spent years, wasting own energy.
The feeling of 'collective' benefit or strength of entire majority or minority is not the absolute truth. It brings a feeling of elation but that's for those who haven't got enough in life & get happy easily.
Ultimately, each person is alone and one's failure in life or a certain progress is personal. Hence, falling for emotion and supporting the parties, ends up hurting in the long run.
Politics gives a sense of power. But is it worth it?
Or it takes you down a road that ends up weakening you! Should a man simply focus on improving his and her lot, own family, rather than falling for politicians' promises!
It doesn't mean that politics should be rejected.
But that one must not get brainwashed and spend own energies for the sake of those who use citizens for a ride.
Not everybody is absolute fool or fully intelligent. Some are lucky and some don't get enough options.
But the sense of collective strength is a chimera. It makes a person feel stronger.
Is sentiment enough run a life. Does it make a person prosperous, his family wealthy and ensures that he would live his life comfortably in future.
The feeling and the imagination that everyone who is 'like us' or belongs to 'our group or community' must have a common interest and similar trajectory in life, is far-fetched.
Truly independent and far-sighted men look beyond this obsession and the pettiness. They aim right, work for themselves and don't get befooled.
In the West Bengal election, lot of people voted in a particular way because the sense of fear was instilled in them that other group will outgrow or take over resources and is being pampered.
That's how fear works. For one group, it is this fear. For other group, the fear is that if they didn't keep a party in power, the next party will take over and harass or target them.
That's how fear works. For one group, it is this fear. For other group, the fear is that if they didn't keep a party in power, the next party will take over and harass or target them.
In a way, both the sides are in the same boat. The minds are manipulated. Fear is instilled in their minds and the growing sense of paranoia or obsessive fear that turns into hate for the 'other', drives them to keep acting like soldiers of the parties.
The real independent man is the one who is never fooled or who has learnt from his mistakes. One who is neither paranoid, nor obsessed, but is completely having his sight at this mission, not willing to act as a tool for politicians.
SUMMARY: The urge for 'community' interest is about sentiment--fear or hope. That our group should dominate or shouldn't suffer.
It is understandable that more people fall for it, quickly.
That's a sure-shot formula. In a way, it's good also. See people, understand them, but always chart your own course.
What are your views!