We are living in strange times; an era that can arguably be called more materialistic and superficial than ever. The demands of these times are humongous; the high achievement prerequisites set by society, the standards of beauty raised a million notches higher, the social media personas to be maintained, the projection of happiness versus inner peace, and the race to do it all, see it all and be it all! Amongst all this hullabaloo there are some intrinsic values and ideals that are not only being ignored but dying a slow painful death; kindness being one such casualty!
We have collectively raised the bar for our 'normal' and anyone who fails to live up to this standard is rejected by the all of us a a society. Bullying, stereotyping, and shaming are rampant, making individuals more and more isolated. Precarious, unwritten rules dictate that monetary prestige, approved relationship status, and other such benchmarks define the ‘right’, the ‘normal’, the ‘ideal’ set of people for us to interact, bond and be affiliated with within the society.
Whatever happened to honesty, warmth, and compassion; apparently these are non-entities in a world where the exterior defines the person.
What of those classified as ‘social misfits’? Those who say the wrong things at at the wrong places as per our standards. Or who look and dress in a way we do not find appropriate or good enough. Having fun at the expense of another person’s ego, pride and dignity is so normalised that we all point fingers at others, blissfully ignorant of our own such behaviours.
Perhaps its high time we stop tand help the ones left behind, to make a conscious effort not to laugh at another person’s weakness, to try to come out of our comfort zone and see those who need help. Let’s give a helping hand to the invisible ones, see them, feel them and communicate. A smile, a hug, a minute to just listen, small gestures that are invaluable to someone fighting a silent inner battle. Could we pause in this mad race to be in the ‘inner’ circles and start to make our own small circles of compassion and benevolence that ripple around to create many new loops. Let’s revive kindness big time!
