Accept Others as They Are to Enjoy the Variety and Moments

It is normal human behavior to expect others to do our bidding. It could be from those we are close with like our own children, relatives and friends or even work colleagues. And we tend to get disappointed when they have a mind of their own! We expect even other countries to toe our line which is one of the root causes of friction among countries. The reality is we are created different; even toddlers stand their grounds! One has to win them over through love and confidence-building; same applies to countries with much different history and cultural diversities.

Modern tools of communications and media have united us in terms of realizing how other societies have evolved but the basic human urge is the same; to live in peace, bring-up the family and continue with basic societal values. Of course, a minority evil lurks beneath to seize any opportunity to assert themselves at the cost of a silent majority. In no time, the peace loving majority is subjugated, especially those in less educated societies. Their daily ordeal is a source of friction as free societies feel it is their moral obligation to find justice for all.

Where do we draw the line between accepting the diversity and interfering in others' internal affairs? It is always a gray area. Many societies have accepted their status quo; for the existing writ run within their boundaries. Few could well feel uncomfortable with unbridled freedom of free-wheeling democracies that are the accepted norms among developed countries. Even the all powerful Chinese leaders fear such freedom! They feel it could well be a ploy to de-stabilize their country!

Earlier times, patriarchs in feudal societies had their writ run uncompromisingly; their word was the law. Times have changed to such extent that we find the younger generations are taking the law into own hands! They set new benchmarks to the dismay of the old! But generally, it is not an issue as the old is giving up without a fight! Let bygones be bygones; just another era, no more relevant to modern day lifestyles!

But certain fundamental differences refuse to be compromised and stick out like a sore thumb. Subjugation of basic rights of people is too glaring when they are under the thumbs of tyrants. When their countries' wealth is being looted and people permanently short-changed. One can feel the simmering discontent but brutally suppressed through tyrannical reprisals.

It is always a breath of fresh air to see the festival of democracy ruling roost in erstwhile dictatorships; people enjoying their nascent power to elect their leaders. But are they exercising their rights judiciously or few among them seizing the opportunities for self-interests? Though majority will seems to prevail, true democracy is hard to triumph. Vested interests easily divide people and tend to hold sway.

Though we know what is just and fair, we have severe limitations. What appears for the picking is always elusive or proves a temporary triumph; there is always the few usurping power for own selfish ends. The majority is left to mind own business in the end; accept certain harsh realities and people, as they are. In a way, just to enjoy the positives among the many negatives that proves intractable to overcome. We need to make lots of compromises to find balance in our lives. Those who are passionate enough, with firm resolve to follow up with tough actions, lose their way in the face of those who pursue their selfish goals.

We are left to accept with a give and take attitude to find balance in our own personal lives, but still we need to lend our shoulders to just causes so that basic human rights and decency are never trampled upon. Let us be aware of our basic goodness & obligations that need no explanation, and inborn within each of us, even as we accept the many day-to-day inequities that dog us no end. It is an endless battle between the majority good and the few evil that threaten to set our agenda!