The fight to be ‘free’ ironically leads you to be ‘oppressed’.

Being modern means to get approved? Isn’t that contradicting the actual idea of being modern, which was supposed to be free? Traditions are considered limiting and constraining as they are set by the people of past generations and must be followed and respected to fit in. The world wanted to find their own reasons, their own purpose and their own freedom to live the way they wished to and so they chose ‘modernity’. But, as I look around I see the modern world seeking approval from the ‘society’ to fit in too? What’s the point?

Almost six years ago, I wrote a feature for a national daily newspaper- Tradition v/s Modernity.

A little snippet from my already published work-

“We grow up with tradition and embrace modernity around the same time. But tradition is always at loggerheads with modernity and thus it gets challenging to accept and balance living with both. Tradition is described as a principle or a belief that society follows for long. Anything that’s been proved beneficial through the decades deserves to be considered well before it is replaced by what many today call modernity. However, moving with time and adapting to the change is true modernity. It’s possible to enjoy the best of both the worlds if we realise that these both can co-exist.”

My perspective today-

It’s not a tough calculation to do when it comes to knowing about your roots, your background, how progressive your ancestors were or how traditional you can be in this ultra dynamic world of today. At this age, I find myself wondering, more than often about the ‘dependency for approval to fit in, leading to a complex act of being superior through the social media platforms.’ I believe in ‘live and let live’ but the world today lives by focusing on the contrary. The traditional ways have been categorised as ‘uncool and boring’ by those who market well with the modern ways that last no more than a few days, weeks at most.

As I waited for many years to find a better perspective about the coexistence of traditional ways and modern ways to live, I found the tunnel of disparity. ‘Convenience’ took the wheel and has been the driving force behind every(almost) person you meet, even you.

The aim of pleasing the society and finding a spot to be accepted by following the latest trends, hosting flamboyant parties, living an exquisite lifestyle just to be ‘modern’ has taken the road of desperation.

The fight to be ‘free’ ironically leads you to be ‘oppressed’.

With the moving gaze around the coffee shop, it’s hard to find a spot without getting approved. And that’s exactly what our world has come to. Okay, now as I find a good angle to this feature, I am eager to share my opinion.

Firstly, the whole point of shifting our focus from the traditional ways of living and moving to a modern and a supposedly cool way to live has not been fulfilled. Well, let me break it down for you.

Tradition has always been considered as the set way in which a respective society works. People following their values, beliefs and principles. The clear understanding of their relations, their duties and staying true to what was taught to them, following a traditional (proven) way towards life.

With time, as modernisation came into existence, the traditional way was put aside. The world had been welcomed by the ‘new and convenient’ way forward. And who could let go of it? Everyone wanted to know more about this phenomenon that came into existence within just a couple of years.

The ‘internet’ was the point where the ‘modern’ world took off for the roller coaster ride of endless possibilities.

Tradition was still valued if not absolutely practiced. But, the world was too occupied with the growing advancements to understand the ‘modern’ system better and soon ‘latest’ became the new ‘tradition’.

It was the’ new age media’ that shook the world and consumed the souls caring about humanity to become vastly invested in building a presence, a social media havoc took tradition by its roots and tossed it away.

The concept of ‘being modern’ is directly proportional to following the ‘latest trends’, even if you don’t like. So, being traditional can actually work as a saviour for you to know how you feel about following what truly matters to you rather than walking on others footsteps. The insight about finding reason with these two ways of life is that tradition allows you to choose what you respect while modernity, sadly has been altered in a way where it chooses you. To find a balance can be a wise decision. Confidently preserve your traditions while adopt modernity with dignity and sense.

Pro tip: Next time you find yourself caught between ‘traditions’ and ‘modernity’, evaluate your values and preferences. The combination could be a good compromise.