Politics From the Eyes of Common Man

Politics is a term that has a broad meaning. Here I refer to politics in context with democracy where a common man is in the centre. However, how they reject politics despite being an integral part of it- is debatable.

People keep two types of relationships with politics.

Type 1, people deal with institutions, the ruling political party governs, e.g., education, health, civic administration, taxation policy, and even traffic laws, which affect our day-to-day existence.

Moreover, they cast their votes to elect public representatives but they do not consider them involved in politics. A common man belongs to this type in any democratic country.

Type 2, people actively participate in political activities by joining political parties, standing in elections, sharing power, and making policy decisions.

This logical paradox results from the belief that elected politicians and policymakers are the only people who are involved in politics. But, it is not true. Everyone plays an active role within the democratic structure.

How can someone deny not being involved in politics by accepting the laws of the country and dealing with the institutions, which are basically political?

Can you avoid politics? Yes, only at the pain of exile.

Here are some reasons to keep the common man away from politics:

1. Most people don't get involved in politics because it's tough and stressful. Politicians live under constant surveillance and the scrutiny of others. They encounter compelling situations to negotiate and compromise.

2. The people avoid joining active politics because of their negative views on politicians and political systems.

3. Politics often involves fierce power struggles, unwavering party loyalty, and rampant corruption. All these challenges can discourage ordinary individuals with sincere intentions of making a positive impact from engaging in politics because they fear getting entrapped in this polarizing atmosphere.

4. The financial and personal sacrifices associated with a political career are one reason people avoid getting involved in active politics.

5. Political work may pose hurdles for individuals who value stability and personal well-being, as it involves tasks like fundraising, campaigning, and investing significant amounts of time. Many find that the personal sacrifices and time commitment needed for a career in politics exceed the potential benefits noticeably.

6. Some individuals might argue that there are alternative methods to facilitate change more effectively. They think of making a desired change faster in issues they care about by getting involved in community organizations, activism, or grassroots movements, even without holding a formal political position.

7. There is a belief among some people that they can achieve change more successfully by working outside of the established political systems.

Politicians Are From the Same Society Where We Live: They Act on What They Have Learnt From Our Society

Four of my father’s brothers were older. There was a homely saint among them. He renounced material luxuries and was priestly celibate. To render familial affection in the face of property greed, the son of the second older brother began looking after him with no noticeable need.

What do people do in politics?

They pretend to behave selflessly with a heart of the lowest selfishness.

I was the principal of a school. Its managing trustee occasionally made secret calls to a few teachers to gather information about my work in the school.

Politicians also secretly monitor everyone in their circle.

The older sister of my wife frequently inquired about the gifts that her sister (my wife) planned to give to certain common relatives. Then, to establish her supremacy in the eyes of their relatives, she would often give more costly gifts than those of my wife.

In politics, people supersede one another to project a specific image.

A well-known builder in my area got private information on an airport planned to be built in a specific area. He bought an enormous plot of adjacent land at a cheaper rate.

Was it politics or business?

Many claim it’s a business. It is, in theory, the politics of benefits. Politicians use classified information to their advantage in elections.

When my wife bought anything, even a necessary item for our younger son, she always bought something for our elder son as well, maintaining a healthy balance of love and care between the two boys. Was that not the appeasement strategy that ruling politicians frequently apply to increase their chances of regaining power?

A policy of appeasement is not a political tactic, but everyone’s routine practice in our society.

Politicians Not to Be Blamed

Categorically, I reject to blame politicians for the prevalence of opportunism, nepotism and individualism. Rather, I consider the people more responsible who declare politics is dirty and counsel (without asking) to keep a distance from politics.

Some people may have the potential to think for the masses but, they sit in their living rooms to criticize. They are to blame for taking a back seat in the political system and allowing a bunch of politicians to play a shady game with the public.

They are to blame for not performing the duties of citizens in democratic countries.

Is it not a time to stop pretending?

How long shall we cheat ourselves with the excuse of corrupt politics to escape from our unavoidable duty?