Dictionary for our times

We need a new dictionary for our times, as words that meant something for so long are no longer able to convey what they actually mean in our context. It would be nice to consult something that is more in touch with our present. Words like sorrow, or ashamed no longer represent a sense of loss or regret. Instead, they are just words with no real meaning for us.

As the incidents of hate crimes against minorities continue in the country with full force, we should either say what we mean, or mean what we say. What we actually feel is not a deep sense of loss, but a feeling of inconvenience that we have to now once again talk about something that we wish remained under the radar. Whether it is lynching at a factory in Sialkot or burning of churches in Faisalabad, maybe we should use words that convey our actual sense of apathy or our desire for the news cycle to move forward quickly. We could use words like unperturbed, or if we want to be extra polite, we could say these events do not concern us.

Instead, we issue bombastic statements which give a sense of purpose that is simply not there. Our statements are rinsed and recycled from the most recent episode that was not too long ago. When the leadership of the country say that they are ashamed, or sorry, or vow to never let this happen again, they actually do not mean what they say. Neither does the public believe that it is our collective failure, our own views towards others and our boundless intolerance that is responsible for the evil we see around us. We are not particularly good at taking polls or getting the pulse of the nation, but it would surprise no one if we find plenty of apologists who would dismiss these actions as a consequence of our passion or inevitable reaction of those who care so much about their values. We are told that there is always a good reason for these things. People are upset because their core values were disrespected, and they felt that the system does not prosecute those who hurt their sentiments. We are always able to find a justification for evil. We must also not forget that it is only a fraction of the events that make it to the news. What becomes news is typically the scale of the event, or the brutality of the episode. If neither are present, it is unlikely to be news. The bar for what counts as news is high these days. There is stiff competition from palatial intrigue, new tweet and inanity of all kind — so routine harassment, persecution and injustice against minorities does not quite cut it.

A dictionary for our times should also include words that no longer require any detailed meaning or explanation. Conspiracy is anything that does not work out well for us. You could up the ante by putting the word foreign in front of it. Patriotism is more like a certificate with a short expiry date. That expiry date is also not fixed and can be altered on a whim. That transient certificate (or lack thereof) can make or break a career, or determine whether you are able to walk free or be behind bars.

Then there is the most important word in the dictionary — one that reflects the current state of our values and captures why the cycles of hate and evil repeat at such short notice. That word is complicit. It applies to most of us.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 22^nd, 2023.

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