THE common man, often seen as the backbone of society, paradoxically embodies its deepest flaws. In everyday roles — from selling fruit to driving buses — he manifests shameless dishonesty and recklessness. Rotten fruit hidden beneath fresh, reckless driving as a norm and bureaucratic inefficiency exemplify his conduct. Even in government office, his behavior is marked by unhelpfulness and frequent prayer breaks that disregard public needs. This portrayal underscores a societal mirror where individual actions collectively shape a culture of deceit and negligence, challenging the very fabric of trust and responsibility.
Shopkeepers treat customers poorly and refuse returns or exchanges, while customers exploit return policies and engage in fraud. For instance, they use items extensively and then attempt to return or exchange them. Abroad, the common man is just as deceitful, returning used items to stores and faking disabilities. In the US, he buys new mattresses for guests and returns them after they leave, while in England, he uses a wheelchair outside but jumps around at home.
At home, he litters the streets, encroaches on public spaces, and neglects communal responsibilities. He spends millions constructing houses but cannot spare a few thousand to fix the broken road outside. He occupies streets and sidewalks with his goods when setting up shop. In government departments, bribery and negligence are rampant: gas department workers take bribes for (il-)legal connections, electricity workers record meter readings from home, and telephone operators ignore calls.
Politically, the common man serves politicians slavishly, supporting their rallies and defending their wrongdoings without demanding accountability. This servitude ensures poverty and stagnation within his own family while he remains loyal to political parties. He willingly lays out carpets at political rallies, chants slogans and runs alongside politicians’ cars. He fights with friends and relatives over political allegiance but never demands his rights from these leaders. His family remains impoverished for generations, yet he proudly supports a political party, justifying politicians’ major sins and mistakes instead of condemning them.
Socially, the common man torments others, demanding dowry and encouraging his daughter to dominate her in-laws while treating the Imam at the mosque like a servant. In business, he cheats on weights and measures, and as an employee, he is disloyal to his employer. As an employer, he neglects his workers’ food, clothing and well-being. He chases after spiritual leaders but neglects his elderly parents at home.
The common man criticizes politicians endlessly, believing himself to be righteous and his views final. However, he fails to recognize his own flaws and responsibilities. True societal improvement hinges on self-reflection and accountability. The common man must acknowledge his faults, commit to honesty in all dealings and respect others regardless of status.
He should actively contribute to his community by avoiding harmful practices such as littering and illegal encroachments. Constructive criticism and civic participation are crucial for positive political change. Personal development through education, skills training and ethical living are a key to societal improvement. Developing empathy and compassion can help support others rather than exploiting them.
By embodying these principles, the common man can rise above his current state and contribute positively to society, leading to a ripple effect of positive change across all levels. The transformation of the common man into a true human being is essential for improving society and the corridors of power, but this hope for transformation remains elusive. Self-reflection, accountability and proactive efforts toward personal and societal betterment are crucial steps toward this goal.
—The writer is former Regional Executive Inclusive Development at NBP, Mirpur AK.
