Last night, Shah Rukh Khan, in an interview on a news channel, was talking about his dostana with politicians. He stated that he has never had discussions on political ideologies with them. Why do we hesitate to discuss our political beliefs?
Reluctance in Discussing Political Beliefs
In my third year of college, I got the opportunity to visit Lahore to participate in a dramatics festival. The university officials leading the delegation clearly declared to the students that it was strictly a cultural trip. We were not supposed to initiate or encourage any political discussion. Somewhere, for me, it seemed to defeat the purpose of the trip at its outset. Yes, political beliefs come under sensitive areas of discussion when the participants are from India and Pakistan. However, it is their political beliefs that they feel about so strongly… probably even more than the theme of the play that they would be staging as part of that festival.
My Political Beliefs
Among my primary political beliefs is the belief that democracy not only brings me the right to elect my government, but also the freedom to speak about my political beliefs openly. I respect Shah Rukh for his achievements and I would expect a public figure of his stature to represent this freedom of political discussion. If he disagrees with me on this, he should not restrict conversation with me on the films he is working on. On the other hand, he should lay down what his political beliefs are. We can still be firm on our own political beliefs.
You’ve touched a valid point and I think it is important for all Indians to speak about their political beliefs openly. The Constitution of India is the world’s best living document that enshrines this principle and offers us the right to freedom of expression which includes political expression as well.
You have made a very valid point..we have all right to speak about our political belief , one shud not stop other as well as himself to share his/her political views..
Unfortunately Ankit there is a group of people and individuals who will use the term “political belief” for advancing their own nefarious agenda. For instance, is jingoism, espousing hatred towards a particular group and threats of death a Political Belief? The KKK, Hitler are great examples of “political beliefs”, however Western democratic societies have made these “political beliefs” illegal. Rightly so!!!
Jess, I understand what you mean. While banning beliefs that can be detrimental to the harmony in society is one way, I believe that men in the modern world would never buy such beliefs anyway. Thus, opening these political beliefs to discussion would actually spread higher awareness about why these do not deserve to survive. Also, that will be more democratic.
If somebody comes up with the ideology of persecuting Jews today, the world will crush that belief unanimously, recognizing that it not a positive belief at all.
Just to add to Ankit’s thoughts… I believe that there will always be some people who are fanatics (especially when we talk of politics and religion). However, our route ahead should not be defined merely by an attempt to curb fanaticism. It should be meant to encourage more people to voice their opinions and have a healthy argument. After all, we can not become fanatical about curbing fanaticism!
@ Swapna and Deepti : Thanks