I have anxiety, which means it doesn’t take much to bother me, but most things that do are within my control or are just a normal part of life. However, certain behaviors and attitudes that are beyond my control and cannot be written off as “just life” create a sense of discontent, urging me to strive for a better world. Here are the five things that bother me the most:
1. Hypocrisy: The Duplicity
We all have some contradictory behaviors. As long as people are aware of them, I don’t have an issue. Hypocrisy for me is when people deny this personal conflict and preach the opposite of who they truly are. This duplicity undermines the moral fabric and discourages genuine efforts toward positive change. Striving for integrity means aligning our actions with our words, promoting honesty, and fostering an environment where transparency is valued over deceit.
2. Subservience Leads to CORRUPTION
While slavery no longer exists and most countries are free to vote for their governments, it bothers me when people in power do not stand up for themselves or their beliefs out of fear of the authorities above them. Despite India being free for 77 years, it’s sad that people still give up their integrity to please their bosses. It’s easier to remove people from slavery than to remove the mentality of slavery from people. Being subservient, or excessively compliant, stifles creativity, independence, and personal growth, becoming a breeding ground for corruption, political play and mental stress. Encouraging assertiveness and self-confidence can lead to more innovative solutions and a more resilient community.
3. Taking Nature for Granted
Our planet is a fragile and finite resource that we often take for granted. The casual disregard for nature, seen in pollution, deforestation, and unsustainable practices, is deeply troubling. When the Indian men’s team won the Cricket World Cup, it was a moment of pride. Unfortunately, the celebrations across the country led to damage to city signboards and rubbish left on the roads. In our moments of joy, we forget that such actions harm our country and our planet. If we feel proud, we need to respect public property. This disregard multiplies when we believe everything around us in nature is for our taking. It’s essential to cultivate a sense of responsibility towards our immediate environment and the world as a whole. It’s not just the government’s responsibility to protect natural resources but ours as well to make conscious choices in our daily lives to reduce our ecological footprint.
4. Taking Freedom for granted
In Indian elections, voter turnout in big cities is often less than 50%. After a hard-fought independence mainly spearheaded in these cities, one would expect eagerness to vote. However, many people think their vote won’t make a difference. Complacency, or acceptance of the status quo without question, hampers progress and innovation. Striving for continuous improvement and questioning the world around us can lead to breakthroughs that benefit everyone.
5. Inequality: Injustice
Inequality, in its many forms, creates divisions and perpetuates injustice. Recently, we’ve seen how the rich can get away with even murder by writing essays, while those from less influential families face severe penalties for minor offenses or worse, are framed for crimes they didn’t commit. Economic disparity, social discrimination, and unequal access to opportunities hinder collective progress. Recognizing and addressing our own biases and advocating for policies that ensure equal opportunities for all is crucial.
striving for integrity, empowerment and responsibility
These five issues—hypocrisy, subservience, taking nature for granted, taking freedom for granted, and inequality—are significant barriers to a just and sustainable world. By striving for integrity, empowerment, and responsibility, we can address these concerns and contribute to a more equitable and harmonious society. It starts with self-awareness and extends to our interactions and the broader societal structures we support.
What are the issues that bother you, and how do you address them?
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