Cliche is the foundation of society, and opinion its soul. 'Opinions are like...', goes a very cliched saying that doesn't end pleasantly. Let's be uninterested in that cliche for a while. Let's just consider the aspect of opinions. Opinions are shaped by multiple factors like upbringing, economic and social class, independent thinking and judgement, tastes, likes, perceptions and many other such factors. Opinions are often not honest. At least on social media. One may have a secret life with a different set of opinions running inside him but often finds himself playing to the galleries because that's what is considered acceptable or posh or hipster or just because everyone thinks it is good.
I remember my friend and I visited Providence Bakery in Neredmet X Roads, Hyderabad when was in seventh standard when someone asked me, 'What's your favorite drink?' I replied, 'Maaza', without hesitation. The man asked the same question to my friend and he said, 'Thums Up'. After a brief chat, the guy left. I knew my friend had lied because he and I loved Maaza and detested any drink that caused difficulty in swallowing because of the gas. I asked my friend, 'Why did you lie about your favorite drink?'. My friend nonchalantly replied, 'Maaza is a sissy drink. What will he think of me if I tell him him my favorite drink is Maaza?'. Then I asked him, 'But you had Maaza in your hand when you said Thums Up? What about this hypocrisy?'. My friend had no answer. He just looked at me and said, 'Oops' as he stuck his tongue out.
What I see today in adulthood is no different. Quickly adjusting an opinion to match up to that of whom one is jealous of, is the oldest trick in the holy book of hypocrisy. One of the other things people do is to state opinions that will or are most likely to offend other folk who you don't like. Now this one too, finds its origin in the same book. Third is the standard, non-existent high-standard claim-emphasizing opinion that undermines the others and their opinions. Now this is the deadly lot. This is the bunch that markets and circularizes sadness in the society.
With social media emerging numero uno as a communication tool, opinions are being shoved down our throats with or without our consent. The sad part is not the shoving that happens without consent - if you're unwilling, you can always log off. The sad part is the opinion consumption that is happening with our consent. There are so many layers of opinions and thoughts that are masking the original thinking capability that I sometimes wonder what my opinion on a subject really is!
The other day I expressed my major disappointment with a very popular film because I seriously found it shadily hammy and insanely moronic. I got pounced upon by people. There was a time when I would simply join the bandwagon and just mute my inner voice. Then there was a time I would fight and defend my case. Not anymore. I would still like to have my own opinion. But this time, I will not express it. And that is where I have found the sweet spot. Opinions stress you out. They make you tired. I don't want to get tired because of something that is not fun. In the master George Carlin's style, I have realized, peace lies in the commandment, 'Keep thy opinion to thyself'.
- Deepak Karamungikar
