on the necessity of voicing oneself

Silence is a powerful enemy of social justice
-Amartya Sen, in Essay 2 (Inequality, Instability and Voice) of "The Argumentative Indian", Penguin, 2005

In this book Amartya Sen deals with the great tradition of argumentation in India which flourished most during the reigns of Ashoka and Akbar due to the royal patronage it got. The argumentative heritage is an important asset, but its effectiveness depends on making proper use of it, and allowing its proper use. He rightly claims that acceptance of equality in our culture leans more towards acceptance (स्विकृती ) rather than recognition (मान्यता ). Acceptance implies that it can change from situation to situation and person to person. Even that has been waning of late.

Just like bad politicians are elected by good citizens who do not vote, many social evils are perpetuated by the silence of those whose voice can affect matters. It is seen at all levels, starting from small NGOs to the national level where well-trained pilots fall pray to tightlippedness. My own experience with small social organizations has reinforced my belief in the necessity of being vocal. Often because not enough of the other like-minded people are equally vocal, I do not succeed in my plans. But that is something one should be prepared for, and still continue being vocal. Be as logical as possible, try to take in as many circumstances and possibilities as possible, but always give your opinion on things that matter to you.

Hitguj is an interesting mixed example. Thanks to the mods and admin, it provides a platform for argumentation. Many users do not care about various matters so long as they can while away their time. Many others make use of the argumentative tradition to its full, if not beyond. While the good part is that the tradition is alive here, we do see that many prefer to stay tight lipped rather than argue. That is exactly what tilts the balance towards those who are more vocal. It is important to keep on saying what you feel is important no matter how futile it may seem in the face of opposite numbers. Their numbers are made because of those of us who do not stand up to be counted.


Silence may be golden, but argumentativeness rules.