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30 Sept 2009

Defraud the frauds

A humbling experience.

Somebody told me the story of a professor who solved 10 math problems, got 9 answers right and 1 wrong. All his students save 1 pointed out the error. The one said 'Sir, you got 9 right'.

Now, most people would think that the one guy is positive while the rest are negatively biased. Yes? If you're one of those, I suggest a paradigm shift.

Most people will spot the error & point it out because we expect the teacher to be right. Pointing the error is not about finding a fault but aiding in getting the wrong corrected. What is the problem with that? The one remaining guy was willing to compromise and accept a mistake. No good.

Another one. Young girl gets molested. She says nothing. No one knows. Life goes on. One day she decides to raise her voice against the molester. What happens? Everyone knows she is screwed. Her friends dwindle in count. Some people do not want to associate with her for she is a victim, some because she spoke of it, some just to stick with the others... the reasons (excuses, if I may) are aplenty. The family and society ostracizes her. The guy walks away unmoved, helped further by the delay in the girl's response to his act.

What should she have done? Which is right and wrong here? Of course, she would have her share of supporters, most likely most of them strangers (NGOs?) willing to take up her cause. Would that make her happy? Will that change the quality of her life?

Who gets to decide what is right and wrong?

Colleges do not want girls to wear jeans. Offices expect employees in formals. Each has their own reasoning, moral ideologies in making rules and defining ethics suitable for them. What if someday someone slipped? How bad is that?

If I said something I thought was wrong and I used harsh words, would you fix my issue or punch me for my strong reaction?

I pay my maid for her services. Does that give me the right to tell her what to wear, what to say and how to spend the money I give her?

There is no one thing that is right for everyone, no one way that is good for all. Yet, we like to control not only our lives but that of others. We justify it with "Why do you do this to yourself? I am doing this for your own good". Also, "You have your whole life in front of you. Treat this as a learning".

How do I know what is good for you? Why am I teaching you what should your best is?

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