Daily Times

“In a controversy the instant we feel anger we have already ceased striving for the truth, and have begun striving for ourselves” — Buddha

These days everyone is engaged in debating on different topics and issues which is indeed a very healthy sign. For this purpose print, electronic and social media are being widely used. Communication is the essence of human life. Blessed with the ability to speak, there is no end to what can be done with our language skills as is obvious from the tremendous works of knowledge that grace the annals of man’s educational history. What we have achieved today is on the account of immense contributions, researches and literature left by our forefathers. Over the centuries, these have been subjected to perusal, criticism, modification and of course improvement. In subjects related to science, for example, a set of facts noted with authenticity are either endorsed or rebutted by subsequent generations, or further built upon. This comes with a lot of argument and discourse before arriving at any concrete conclusions; clearly implying that discussion is an integral part of the learning process. A classroom can best be described as the most appropriate forum for quenching the thirst for knowledge and satisfying our quest for scholarship. Here is where one grasps the essential elements of discussions and debates, learns to appreciate and respect others’ points of view but not necessarily concur with them.

From the times of Graeco-Roman civilisation, dialogue was considered a very useful tool to enhance understanding about various subjects. Scholars of Islam also adopted this method for the propagation of religion and interpreting issues arising in daily life. These discourses were meant to be civilised, and the meaningful exchange of opinions and arguments with agreement on fundamentals but variances on matters related to practice; reconciling and bridging the differences being the main objective. In fact, the art of debate was taught to students in madrassas (schools) to enable them to prove their worth during manazaras (public debates). Thus, emphasis was not laid on merely memorizing and passing on knowledge to others, it was also meant to be able to stand for one’s deductions, weigh them on the scale of arguments and in this way either prevail upon one’s opponents or surrender. Besides, as these discussions were sometimes held in public similar to our television talk shows, they also played a pivotal role in helping to educate the silent audience.

As a character, Levin says in Leo Tolstoy’s novel Anna Karenina, “The argument is really about the inner self. While we talk of logic on the surface, we are really in conflict because of our ego or some deeply, and emotionally, held position.” This indicates that instead of pursuing the truth, importance is given to an angered bloated ego, which is blinded when unable to handle controversies, principally on account of intolerance

While much can be argued about the usefulness of debates, there are some ugly aspects which are the outcome of controversies that aggravate into minor tiffs, culminating at times into uncontrollable violence. As a character, Levin says in Leo Tolstoy’s novel Anna Karenina, “The argument is really about the inner self. While we talk of logic on the surface, we are really in conflict because of our ego or some deeply, and emotionally, held position.” This indicates that instead of pursuing the truth, importance is given to an angered bloated ego, which is blinded when unable to handle controversies, principally on account of intolerance.

Such is the display of intolerance in the world around us in general and our society in particular.

An examination of the videos posted on YouTube will reveal the extent of violence in India, Sri Lanka, Kashmir, the Middle East, the US and our very own beloved country, on the basis of ideological differences. Day by day these clips are not only increasing in number but are also getting more brutal. This should be a wake-up call for those claiming to be leaders.

In Pakistan, each day we witness innumerable talk shows on television channels which thrive on provocation, heated discussions and arranging ‘verbal wrestling championships’ between opponents that have on some occasions extended to abuse and even battery. Many a times, anchors seem to be relishing the ongoing exchange of abusive content, intervening by adding fuel to fire for further incitement. In their enthusiasm to humiliate the opponents, more verbal artillery is let loose, much to the amusement of viewers but the fact is that more and more people are getting fed up of these aimless and uncultured conversations. Rather than educating the public on crucial topics related to their life, precious time is wasted on frivolous issues only to bag more sponsorships for media owners. These days, the electronic media has become very influential in shaping opinion of the masses. Rapid transmission of information is excellent but if done irresponsibly could lead to disaster.

The consequences of these impolite and impudent talk shows are becoming clearly visible on the streets of the country where the common man, who knew how to behave in public is now displaying traits of intolerance and violence. Getting their cues from speakers who at times, act with irresponsibility, the ordinary folk are now a formidable force to reckon with. Even women are treated with disrespect just because men, especially the so-called religious leaders display signs of aggression while talking to the fairer sex, whose appearance or thinking is not acceptable to them. So while they may appear to be courteous towards a lady whose eyes can only be seen, they can be quite rude and intolerant with a boldly dressed one or someone who dares to challenge their viewpoints.

Intolerance should be confined to lawbreakers, tax evaders, criminals, smugglers, usurpers of properties, violators of human rights, child abusers etc. However, over time, these transgressors are dealt with unprecedented tolerance, while those who are genuine are persecuted feverishly, publicly humiliated or even in some cases whisked off to unknown locations. With this state of affairs, no society can hope to flourish unless tolerance is inculcated in its members, and taught as an integral part of academia.

The writer is a lawyer and also an Adjunct Faculty member at Lahore University of Management Sciences

Published in Daily Times, September 2^nd 2018.