Democracy Versus Subordination

Democracy can’t be exported anywhere in the world because it’s not merely the name of holding elections, rather it is a culture of governance and decision-making that ensures participation at the lowest level. In practice, democracy is the most abused concept in the contemporary history, where any action can be labeled as a democratic act.

As Abraham Lincoln rightly said that democracy is a “Government of the people, by the people, for the people.” In practice, the executive uses democracy as a tool to advance their agenda through token representation. A study of the governance structures of the Post-Soviet countries reveal that majority of the population is unaware of the soul of democracy where participation is not real, rather a show, where the executive proposes an idea, in an authoritarian way - leaving no room for dissent -  takes a decision and then declare it to be perfectly democratic. This is subordination rather than democracy. A significant number of people thinks that, having a right to select the car they want to buy, dress they want to wear or a home they want to live in, is democracy and they are happy to have this right because they didn’t had it in the Soviet times.

What is required, is a culture of democracy, where participation in decision-making is ensured at every level not merely a cosmetic measure.

Ageism & Youth

The social norm that I experienced all my life and that disturbed me the most is the phenomena of “ageism”; people tend to judge you by your age rather than your work or wisdom. Whenever young people want to contribute, their suggestions are rejected on the plea of “They are young, and they don’t know, what we know”. This attitude of elders discourages initiative and critical thinking in Youth, which is vital to for growth and progress. Similar is the case at work places, where junior (Young) staff members are never given a part in policy deliberations. One reason could be insecurity from the highly qualified young staff, who are far brighter and pragmatic in their approach.

Youth needs openings to get their voices heard, to contribute positively to the society.

Youth's Cut: Consensus -building?

Youth's Cut: Consensus -building?: "Today I got a chance to be part of a brainstorming session. The aim of that session was to reach a “consensus” on a brand name. During th..."

Consensus -building?

Today I got a chance to be part of a brainstorming session. The aim of that session was to reach a “consensus” on a brand name. During the process, when the debate got heated and dissent was in the air, suddenly the boss (who claims himself to be an experienced facilitator and a mediator) said: “let’s close the discussion and reach to a consensus.” Then he intimidated the members to select a name of his own liking.

That’s how democracy works in Pakistan. This very incident reflects the level of understanding that we as a nation have on democracy and consensus-building where dissent is considered as disrespect and deviance. Electoral process (no matter, how bizarre and messy it is) is considered to be a legitimate excuse to govern people in the most demeaning way.

I think it’s time that we differentiate between electoral democracy and democratic governance. We need leadership who practice democracy as a way of governance, rather than a tool to manipulate and dictate their vested interests. We need to understand and practice the essence of democracy rather than limiting it to 'Tokenism'.

Waiting for divine help

Today I went to the Islamabad traffic police office to renew my driver's license. The rising security threats have forced the "Protector" to sit inside bunkers and barricade their offices. The pedestrians had to walk past a number of security check points in the sizzling July heat. On their way to the office, the visitors were criticizing the "Corrupt president Zardari" for all there problems, and praying that May America take-over Pakistan, and then we all get rid of these "Corrupt Politicians". I inferred a couple of things from this incident:
1. People of Pakistan thinks that 'Global North' is the perfect world, free of Corruption, Nepotism, and Cronyism.
2. They criticize the people governing them, but lack the initiative to take control and be a change, in fact they are waiting for some divine help.

I urge the 110 Million Pakistani youth to ponder over it, and take affirmative action. Take initiative and be the change they want to see around them.

"Peace"

The word "Peace" has become really 'sexy' in Pakistan, where everyone wants to work for Peace, without knowing the semantics of the word "Peace". All the Human rights activists, gender (women) rights activists (Who are indifferent towards the rights of other genders), and defense analysts (who monger war in the name of peace) are now the experts on peace in Pakistan. It is for this reason that the peace index in Pakistan is falling at a rapid rate. It's time that we need 'real' peacebuilders to take control and build peace from below. Youth that comprises of 78% of the population of 180 million, is the most important stakeholder, who are not aware of their immense potential. It time that Youth take an initiative and come forward to play their rightful role in the Pakistani society.

Hello Everyone

I am new to blogging, just started to see what small difference can I make through blogging.