Two faces

These photos are of the same plant, the first one taken during the day and the second one during the night, when it was decorated with lights for a meeting. The two pictures show some similarities, but there are striking differences. The darkness, illumination with coloured lights  and night photography changed the appearance of the plant significantly. It is as though the plant has lost its identity with all the changes brought about by the environment. Even a plant has two faces.

What distinguishes humanity from the rest of creation is the dignity and value we consciously attribute to other humans. While on my way to work today, I happened to notice men quarrelling outside a shop which led to fist fight and injury to both. I was appalled the way others watched this ugly sight and made no effort to stop it.  

It is common now-a days to drop standards of civility in TV interviews when political opponents attack each other; lose temper in the sports field and deliberately hurt a player; resort to violence during protest marches; injure the spouse during a domestic conflict; take revenge on others who  happened to be a foe, etc. It is almost acceptable to use intemperate language against others during discussions or arguments and justify it somehow.

I counted thirty five references to violence initiated by people in a national news paper this morning, including one from some children. 

We as humans have traditionally practiced respect for others, esteem life, advocate harmony, restore peace, care for others, stand up for justice, shoe acts of kindness, etc. I feel the gradual decline of all these particularly among young people. I watched a young man shouting and abusing a bus conductor as the conductor did not accept a 500 rupee note for a payment of six rupees. The language was deplorable.

We humans seem to have two faces.  We profess to live by values. Where as we practice the opposite rather too often.

I liked the way, a group of ten students decided to promote practice of couteousy in the college by being courteous to others and having a meeting in the evening to recollect their experiences to encourage each other.

Let not the environment of hostility, competition, selfishness, and trust deficit mask our identity as 'human beings', created in the image of God to communicate love and charity! 

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)