EDITORIAL | Abiding by social norms amid changing trends

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK:

We are an educated lot who are well-aware of social etiquette, but most of the time, it is always the ‘educated’ people who do the silliest things.

Now tell me, should we focus only on expanding our knowledge and wisdom?

If you say yes, you need to be reminded that knowledge and wisdom are not the only factors that contribute to a healthy and civilised societal setup.

We live in a civilised society guided by a set of rules and norms that separate us from animals.

So, if you’re wondering what I am talking about, it’s the fact that driving around the town at night and playing loud music has become a fast-growing trend.

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From teenagers to adults, it has become a common practise for some people to “hang out” in residential areas, in the comfort of their cars, as they play their loud music (most of the time under the influence of alcohol) into the dead of night.

Not only is this a nuisance to the entire locality unfortunate enough to play host to these “merrymakers,” but it is also a strong negative influence on children who end up waking from their peaceful sleep to the loud profanity-laced voices in the middle of the night.

It is sad to see that a few of the people out there think that it is cool to go to someone else’s locality at night to drink, argue and play loud music with no thought for others.

Not everyone is fond of listening to window-vibrating music at night. Some people have jobs, some have to take care of sick family members, and some take the opportunity to prepare for various examinations.

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Have some manners! No one is stopping you from having a good time with your friend. Drink and be merry if you have to, but don’t do it in such a way that it becomes an inconvenience to others.

Manners make a man, but this has failed to apply in a country like ours.

In 2017, a 21-year-old engineering student from Shillong lost his life after his neighbours allegedly assaulted him and his friends for “having a loud birthday celebration” in Shaheed Udham Singh Nagar area, Satnampura, Punjab.

Consider your surroundings lest you want to end up with a blue eye or worse – in police custody.

Not all residents will be too kind to let you off with a warning.

This applies to every citizen. If you’re having a party at home, think about your neighbours as well.

According to the World Happiness Report 2021, India ranks 139 out of 149.

Charity begins at home and it is noticeable that this country has failed on multiple fronts because of the lack of communication between parents, consumerism, competition, favouritism and many more detaching our lives with real-world problems.

Indeed, we can never reverse the clock, but there is time on our side to bring about a positive change.

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