A Glimpse into Our Humanity
Imagine a night or an entire day when the world's power goes out simultaneously. At first, people would likely complain and curse the modern conveniences they've come to rely on. But as the darkness envelops them, something profound would happen, they would be forced to sit with their conscience and the people around them. You see, we humans are inherently social creatures. No matter how wired we've become, there comes a point when we need each other's company.
In today's world, the social hierarchy has taken on new dimensions. Millions of dollars are spent on surgeries, cosmetics, and flaunting one's image as if it were the most important thing on Earth. The beauty industry, like any other, generates jobs and fosters creativity, but it seems to have cast a spell on people. Children as young as four wake up to videos of women applying makeup, discussing skincare routines, men flexing their muscles, and people portraying idealized lives on social media. This becomes their first lesson – the importance of looking good.
During my high school days, I had a teacher who always had a witty remark at the ready: "If you're not attractive, use your brains, because that's what the world expects from you. Don't be fooled by those good-looking folks; they seem to have it easy." It's an idea that has been prevalent in movies and books – the notion that the beautiful or handsome ones effortlessly navigate life, gathering opportunities like flowers in a field.
Let me be clear; I don't share this out of resentment towards attractive people. I just want you to pause for a moment and think about the world we live in Somewhere along the way, we've forgotten that beauty runs deeper than the skin. True happiness doesn't stem from the number of achievements, possessions, or awards one accumulates; it's about the soul and its connections. Souls don't form connections on the surface; they seek what lies within. Life can be challenging; it sharpens our edges, making us gruff and irritable, causing us to lose our innocence and naivety. Yet, the world remains the same; it's the people who've changed. Humanity is hanging on by a thread.
When we encounter someone new, our initial judgment often revolves around their worth and what they bring to the table. The 'who' has been overshadowed by the 'what.' It's heartening to see that some corporations are starting to shift their focus towards soft skills. A life without purpose lacks meaning, but a person devoid of a soul has no life at all. Beauty might open doors and give us a head start, but it's our hearts and our souls that set us apart.
In today's world, it's common for people to embrace victimhood over issues both significant and trivial. Yet, we don't hear stories of Stone Age people complaining about the dark; they worked toward creating fire. As a wise person once said, "Easy times create weak men," and it's true. We are born into an advanced world where nearly everything is at our fingertips, and we're exposed to all forms of media. Babies are often babysat by phones and TVs, and children may not remember the last time they had a simple conversation with their parents or elders.
Yes, the outside world is competitive, and many subscribe to the "fake it till you make it" mantra. Confidence and dominance appear to be prized traits. But before we point fingers at others who have changed or adapted, let's each take a long look in the mirror. Have we truly welcomed and treated every person we encounter the same way? Chances are, not always. This is how far we've come. To create an inclusive society with no inequalities, we must begin by assessing ourselves as individuals. As Wangari Maathai wisely said, "It's the little things citizens do. That's what will make the difference."
