A lament on how a defective education system, eroded faith, and technology are glorifying self-harm and crippling young minds
By Syed Mustafa Ahmad
For the past five or six months, I have been closely observing a disturbing trend: some young people and even children consider themselves brave and fearless, to the extent that they do not hesitate to inflict pain upon their own bodies. At first, I couldn’t understand how it became possible for human beings to fall so low on the ladder of humanity, lower even than animals. Children can still be excused for their ignorance, but when adolescents and adults engage in acts contrary to human dignity, any sensible person is left in utter astonishment.
Foolish actions are now being glorified as skills or talents. One can only lament the intellect of those who regard such indecent acts as art. One young man beats his bare chest violently; another hits his head with a kangri (a traditional fire pot used in Kashmir). Such animalistic behaviours are spreading across social media like wildfire.
In the old days, the foolish behaviour of a madman was limited to a small area, since the world wasn’t as interconnected as it is today. Moreover, madmen were looked upon with pity or contempt. But today, the tables have turned—madmen are now called influencers. Lunatics are being honoured with lofty titles like leaders and trendsetters. Displaying one’s private life in public has become a pastime for people devoid of sense. This is a plague that cannot be cured with medicine. One can take precautions against an epidemic, but when a mental epidemic spreads openly in society, mere precautions are not enough — many other measures must also be taken.
Before moving further, we must understand some of the main reasons that cripple people’s minds and drive them to drag others into the same pit of madness.
- A Defective Education System
What can be expected from an education system that helps a person become everything — except truly human? Our curriculum lacks lessons on what real life is and how to live meaningfully in this world. It does not teach how to coexist among diverse people. The difference between lawful and unlawful livelihood has become so blurred that it is difficult to distinguish one from the other. In such circumstances, it is not surprising that many engage in shameful acts online or in real life. This system has never taught them what the true status of a human being is, or what qualities define humanity.
- Distance From Religion
Except for a small percentage, the majority of people have drifted away from religion. The fast pace of modern life has loosened the grip on the rope of faith. Acts and incidents that once seemed unimaginable have now become commonplace. Children and adults alike are showcasing their madness on social media, humiliating themselves and their families. One of the most harmful effects of this is that others get influenced by such behaviour and follow the same path.
The true purpose of religion is spiritual and moral purification. Foresight and avoidance of narrow-mindedness form its foundation. But today, religion itself has been turned upside down. Forget about building a pure society—we cannot even examine ourselves under the shade of faith. Seeing others punished for their sins, we ignore our own.
- The Ugly Face Of Science And Technology
Science has countless benefits, but it also has an ugly face. It has enabled every ordinary person to upload their filth online and invite humiliation and ridicule. A young man, after working hard for days to earn enough to buy a smartphone, uploads his foolish acts on the internet and shares them widely, opening the door to moral destruction.
Before the situation worsens further, we all must awaken. Any kind of negligence can lead to disaster. Parents, the government, and responsible members of society must play an active role. No leniency should be shown in the upbringing of children. Teachers must also take the lead in guiding students properly. Religious institutions, instead of drowning in internal disputes, should focus for a while on the true progress of society. This is the need of the hour.
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