Are we what’s seen outside?
How do we reconcile between what you in the outside and the turmoil or the feeling that’s inside?
These two question came up on the James Jarvis podcast, in which the author of “Stop Living on Autopilot“, Antonio Neves speaks about his book and what it took to write this book.
Month: March 2021
History Haters
I was just thinking of what to write and that’s when I saw this poster on Whatsapp.
This picture resonates with the kind of forward and opinion seen on Whatsapp. These days it’s a trend to become very critical of the historical events. And so, there are online warriors who come with a new version of history, trying to give a new meaning, color to old events. This is a very disturbing. I think this kind of activity is nothing new but now it has gathered more velocity. One manifestation of it is the way we Indians renamed the cities. Another more sinister is the way notes are rewritten according to their agenda.
What can you do to stop this twisting of historical facts?
Start Again Block by Block
These two blogs ( alearningaday and seth’sblog) are written everyday by the blog owners. Often, I too feel the urge to get into the habit of daily writing. I must admit that I have failed many times. But, does that mean, I should shop trying.
This line from Frozen 2 was quoted on alerningaday.
“But a tiny voice whispers in my mind
You are lost, hope is gone
But you must go on
And do the next right thing” | Anna in Frozen 2
Shall we start again, that half-read book, that call which you were supposed to call, or the letter which you to reply, a project which was unfinished, or passion/pastime left in the cold.
Break the Negative Chain
2020 March was the month when we faced a lockdown of unprecedented nature. That was the time when we learned new words such as quarantine, lock-down, social distancing and break the chain. In a way, Kerala spearheaded the campaign of break the chain, with images, public discussions, public health campaigns. Though we partially succeeded in break the chain moment to contain viral spread, we have miserably failed to spread of misinformation and message of hate. To me, this is more sinister, and insidious than Covid.
Break the Chain?
When Free data plan from Jio network started, I could never think it would have another side. The shower of good morning messages on Whatsapp was one of the first think Indians invented and nurtured. Next was the spread of messages which was mostly fake or half-truths.
We are now gotten used to seeing early morning Whatsapp messages filled with negative thoughts coming from people who belong to two different camps – one is from die-hard Modi fans ( bakths) and so called liberal or secular tribe. Here each camp trying to win over the other, making up some make-believe stats, reports, and quotes.
Well as you can assume, it’s the Modi’s camp is successful in spawning a string of messages which either glorifies their stand, or demeans the acts of others with highly critical words or graphics.
Well, I don’t have anything with neither of these two believers or supporters, but I don’t like the fact that they are spending their good life to share useless thoughts. This is unacceptable in a society where we share the same ration shop, values, freedom and space.
Why be part of the Negative Message Forward system?
Is there a way to break the chain which blindly forwards any message which support a group or philosophy? Have you stopped for a second and asked if it’s true, or if it’s beneficial or useful or it’s just to demean the other side.
At this point, it’s good to think and practice the 4 way test of the Rotary. ( Source: https://rotary5630.org/history-of-the-four-way-test/ )
Is it the truth?
Is it fair to all concerned?
Will it build good will and better friendships?
Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Cut the Crap in the Age of Digital Excess
Hey, you’re in this world for a better reason, not to just spread hatred or discontent. You were bought to share your love to your kin, your sibling and to the community. Then why did you all feel the need to shout out half-truth or thought that are only fulfilling some notion.
Educating Young People to Reduce Whatsapp Shares
There’s one way to bring some education and control on the way such thoughts are shared. That’s why we need to stem these from the bud itself. For that, it’s important to educate high-school kids on the morality of sharing Whatsapp or Facebook forwards. Apart from the normal lesson and curriculum, the moral class needs to include new age topics such as Cyber bullying, How to set privacy of social media, What are the netiquettes of forwarding Whatsapp messages, etc.
Adding a blog passage from Seth Godin – 8/3/21
And we’re now realizing that we have the power (and perhaps the obligation) to use shared knowledge to make better, more thoughtful decisions. And to intentionally edit out the manipulations and falsehoods that are designed to spread, not to improve our lives.
Source: Seth Godin blog
Today when I read his blog post, the last paragraph resonate with the thought I had in mind. I think, he’s also seeing how messages are getting manipulated to spread falsehood. But, each of us has the right to stop these messages from spreading beyond you.
Hiroshima Lessons
After a long space of time and will, I’m back with a post. This time, it’s snaps of pages of national Geographic magazine, about an article on Hiroshima. It’s just magnificent the way to recovery and stupendous growth of a city. And, so from the rubble incinerated by the atomic B, people build it from ground zero.
The question remains, how did they find the strength? It’s similar to how Germany rebuild itself after the world war. What was the collective thought behind the building of a nation? What was the priority? Was it guided by someone or it was an effort of unison.
When I look at my own life, as of now… drifting around without much of a goal or a task, i wonder what i can take from such a rebuilding effort. Or for that matter, it could be anyone who wishes to take the task of a changeover!
Out of the ashes has arisen a fully modern city with an unwavering sense of destiny.
Reborn from rubble and ash, the city is an advocate of global peace.
Flossy Ideas, Meetups and Views 