Big Brother is (probably not) watching you

Orwellian
Definition: To describe something as “Orwellian” is to say that it brings to mind the fictional totalitarian society of Oceania described in George Orwell’s novel Nineteen Eighty-Four.

In Orwell’s novel, all citizens of Oceania are monitored by cameras, are fed fabricated news stories by the government, are forced to worship a mythical government leader called Big Brother, are indoctrinated to believe nonsense statements (the mantra “WAR IS PEACE, SLAVERY IS FREEDOM, IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH”), and are subject to torture and execution if they question the order of things

“Aren’t you worried about the repercussions of your post?” A friend asked me. He was referring to my post the other day on Female Genital Mutilation and the reaction I would get from leaders of my community.
“It’s just a small personal blog that nobody reads. I’m sure they have bigger fish to fry.”
“A fish is a fish,” he replied.

I often wonder why there is so much fear in our community when it comes to standing up and expressing our opinion if it goes against the status quo. There seems to be an innate fear by all, a combined worry that if you step out of line the consequences will be dire. In all honesty though, what is the worst that can happen? Our community is evolving into a community scared to speak their mind, silenced and controlled by an implicit threat of the unknown.

But is this the only reason that we stay silent?

I spoke out openly about an issue that is very close to my heart, knowing so many others who have been affected by it. Some said I was right, some said I was wrong, but people said something. Dialog was initiated, even if it was a ripple in an ocean. Log kya kahenge? I don’t really care. Some people will think me brave, others insolent, others smart, others stupid. Either way, it really doesn’t affect me. What will be the repercussions? As yet, nothing, except women with shared experiences coming forward and telling me that they share my sentiments. Is that really something to be afraid of?

I’m not here to start a revolution. I don’t believe that we live in a community where we are silenced and unable to speak our mind. I think we collectively fear speaking our mind. Masked by the excuse of repercussions from above, the real fear is the fear of other peoples’ opinions of us. By other people, I mean other people in the community. Along with the sound of azaan before namaaz, waaz and chatter through jaman, there is a constant soft murmur. A quiet but steady chorus of gossip, bitching, rumor-spreading, judging and belittling. This is what we are scared of.

Log kya kahenge

Except it is not killing dreams in this scenario. It is killing the well being, happiness and health of our beloved daughters, sisters and mothers. We are creating an Orwellian community and it is up to us, and us alone, to change this.

Log kya kahenge.
3 simple words.
Strong enough to prevent society from progressing.

So let’s throw caution to the wind and progress.