No Comment is a Comment

by Zaharan Razak on Saturday, January 29, 2011 at 1:00pm

At a fundamental level, we are a mere witness, an observer; at a higher level, we make a stand, and, at some risk, make a statement. The intention is to show appreciation for and support the right and point out the wrong.  At the lowest level are those who have nothing to say, prefer not to out of displeasure or disfavor, or are just shy, lacking in self-confidence being the victims of social bullying, control and repression disguised as the need to teach morals and manners. Out of sheer perversion, some would stick out their tongues and declare, "No comment!" But no comment is a comment. It reveals the pavlovian mindset of a badly-trained dog who just do the opposite of what its trainer wants  the dog to do. It is meant to pull the carpet from under your feet. Fair enough, some noisy and nosy pokers need to be given the short shrift treatment but more often than not it is the failure of many members of society to stand up and make a stand on issues of the day. Number one, they don't follow the news and issues in the first place but even if they do they are afraid to open their mouths and risk be judged. Their motto seems to be, Better to keep my mouth shut and be thought a fool than open it and remove all doubt (Mark Twain?).

Why is it important to make a stand? To share with others similar and differing views on an issue, to open up a debate or discussion on the issue so as to be able to look at the issue from many perspectives to help strengthen the base and premise of one's stand, to fine tune it or abandon it altogether in the light of a more sound one suggested from the debate and discussion. And, that way, we grow. Otherwise, we will forever remain dwarfs, circus clowns, caged canaries existing self-satisfied in our own bubble of a make-belief world.

Of course all of us live in a make-belief world of our own making (often copied from a received or indoctrinated template) but it is a good idea to look over the fence (kandang) and see what's cooking in the neighbor's kitchen.

Call it a reality check if you like.

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