Observation

I was bullied a lot during the teenage years. I was skinny and had some health issues, underwent a surgery as well but the bullying left emotional scars which take years to heal and sometimes they don't! The truth is society, at least in India, judges people on the basis of colour, money , status and physical features. There is a huge pressure on children to 'succeed' in life. Judging people is like a full time hobby in Indian society. Thankfully in some parts of the country , you can get your space and not get disturbed but that is true in only a few places! It is no coincidence that many students across various fields commit suicide under pressure. India as a society needs massive soul searching and introspection !

India has been ruled by foreign invaders for way too long. But the fight against Britishers and 'triumph' against 'colonial powers' only dismantled  a fraction of imposed structures . What about the structures that ailed the society before the Britishers ruled India ? What about the caste system and deep seated prejudices against the 'other' communities ? Foreigners who visit India and state that everything but human life is valued in India might make people angry but it is the truth. How long will we as a society live under the facade of claiming ourselves  great ? Everything revolves around power , money and fame here ! People in general have no regard for other people's private space or any respect for others. The way people talk and treat others shows a lot about the culture of that society. I wonder sometimes is it because the country is overpopulated that there is no regard for human lives ? But what were the reasons that led us to this situation in first place ?

Personally I have noticed that the way people behave with you depends on certain factors like your clothes, your physical stature , your status etc. Some people say that  antisocial elements exist in every society but what do you call a society in which almost 80 per cent of society is anti-social ? For instance when I was skinny , about 140 pounds , I was treated differently than at present , 210 pounds . I am 6'1 and generally the taller you are the more muscle is needed to look big . Smaller guys look puffed easily but that is not the point here . But this is not where it ends. There are three ways generally people are addressed here; 'tu' 'tum' and 'aap'. And then there is more ; 'oye' , 'abey' etc. The respectable term is only one 'aap' , 'tum' is neutral and rest are more often than not disrespectful ways of addressing . The only exception being the time when we are amidst friends, relatives or family where 'tu' is often a way of endearment and not disrespect .

So it is simple , unless you are massively strong , uber rich ,famous or powerful , be warned of unexpected barbarism. Calling others with 'tu' is the norm and 'aap' is a rare exception. With this kind of feudal mentality what kind of world are we creating ?