"Where the Mind is Without Fear"

For quite some time, I have been intrigued by the study of human psychology and have developed a keen interest in understanding why people behave the way they do. In most cases, their behaviours can be explained by analysing factors such as their social and economic background, upbringing, and environment. However, there are instances where these known factors do not fully explain their behaviour, which adds to the fascination of studying human psychology. The element of the unknown, uncertainty, and infinity in human behaviour is what excites me the most.

 

Let's take the example of an imaginary political ideology that thrives on division, superstitions, religious fanaticism, and emotions such as hate, superiority complex, anti-intellectualism, patriarchal mentality, and pseudo-nationalism. It is evident that certain individuals in society will be naturally inclined towards this ideology. For instance, someone from a semi-literate background, raised in a highly patriarchal household where blaming others (based on race, religion, caste, or nationality) for collective failures is the norm, and limited exposure to the world beyond their comfort zone is likely to endorse and worship such a political ideology regardless of their future circumstances. However, real conflict and confusion arise when individuals from unlikely backgrounds, with educated parents, a cultured upbringing, and a relatively non-totalitarian environment, also embrace the same political ideology. Cases like these make the study of human psychology even more intriguing and fascinating.

 

Although politics is not the main focus of this discussion, the subject of human psychology has led me to contemplate the culture and behavioural patterns of majoritarianism. Whether it is examining the effectiveness of majoritarian democracy in a semi-literate country or studying the dynamics between populism and individualism, this subject has always captivated my interest.

 

During our school years, we are constantly pushed to be the best, to outperform our peers. Parents, teachers, and even relatives wake up every day with the sole purpose of moulding us into being better than the majority. We are presented with examples of the "best boys or girls" in our class or neighbours, urging us to emulate them rather than becoming part of the 99% majority. Interestingly, as we grow older, the norms and dynamics shift. Regardless of where we are in the world, voicing opinions or beliefs that go against the popular opinion can make us think twice. It doesn't matter how strongly we believe in something; if it contradicts the beliefs of the majority or makes them uncomfortable, we are likely to refrain from expressing ourselves or pursuing that path. Those who dare to do so often become the subject of criticism, ridicule, abuse, and disrespect. In some countries, they may even face legal consequences.

 

As an example, Bengalis in Delhi or Mumbai might greet each other in Hindi in public spaces, inadvertently perpetuating stereotypes about their own community. In doing so, they may feel a sense of pride in being "global" or "modern." They might even Anglicize Bengali words like "rosogolla" into "rasgulley" or refer to Rabindranath Thakur as "Tagore" simply because some people struggle with the correct pronunciation. Similarly, individuals from Tamil Nadu or Kerala may be willing to alter the pronunciation of their own names to better fit in with the majority.

 

Some individuals find solace in the idea of becoming "Indian" as a means to transcend regionalism. While the idea of striving to become "human" should ideally supersede the concept of nationality, for the sake of discussion, it is important to understand what it means to become an Indian, as it is often considered the first step toward a global identity. Exploring and appreciating different religions and cultures does not require customizing them to fit our preferences or matching them with our own. Instead, we should strive to experience indigenous cultures in their purest form and immerse ourselves in them. True integration and unity lie in this approach.

 

Majoritarian democracy is not an ideal scenario and often leads to the same problems as a dictatorship. It can marginalize minority groups, foster intolerance, prioritize short-term interests over long-term sustainability, disregard individual rights and freedoms, and be susceptible to manipulation by those in power.

 

In conclusion, the failure of majoritarian democracy stems from its potential to marginalize minorities, cultivate division and intolerance, prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability, overlook individual rights, and be easily manipulated by those in power. Additionally, majoritarian democracy often overlooks the importance of individual rights and freedoms. In the pursuit of collective decision-making, the rights and autonomy of individuals can be sacrificed. This not only undermines the principles of democracy but also limits personal freedoms and inhibits the ability of individuals to express themselves and pursue their own interests and aspirations.