For too long, democratic governments all
over the world have followed a policy of minority appeasement and one wonders
when a volcanic upsurge of reactions will happen. For too long, minorities have
been seen as vote banks that can swing the results in favour of a particular
party or candidate. For too long, the vast majority in most so-called
democracies have remained a silent mass, mere mute spectators.
How long will this go on, is the question.
Like an ocean that is usually calm, all it could take is one little shift way
below the surface to cause a tsunami. And not taking into account the majority
viewpoint is a tsunami waiting to happen. The burning question is, why do
politicians do what they do and ignore the many to pamper the few? The answer probably is that their priorities
are short term. After all, winning an election is much more important than long
term plans for the general good. If winning means divisive politics, so be it.
Any problem that arises after that can be dealt with on a need-to basis. Or so
they firmly believe. Sufficient unto the day is the success thereof.
The majority versus the minority can exist
simultaneously on various levels in most countries. It could be a division
along lines of religion, colour, class or castes, race or even age or gender.
When it comes to the majority having to matter, the argument would be, wouldn’t
that make it a totalitarian state? The thing is, in a totalitarian state, it
doesn’t really matter. There are certain rules set and they must be followed,
whether the original community is the majority or not. However, in a democracy,
that isn’t the case. Elected representatives come into power because of the
majority vote and they stay in power too often because of divisive policies
that involve the minorities.
Religion is perhaps one of the greatest
dividing factors. When minorities are indulged and the majority is made to feel
their religious sentiments have been disregarded, there’s a simmering
underbelly of tension that grows unseen. And then, one day, a little spark sets
off a flagrant fire. Too often, self-styled leaders of the minority take
advantage of politicians’ largesse and try and squeeze as many favours out of
them. In the long run, this can only be to the detriment of the large number of
the minority community which doesn’t really want to get into a conflict with
anyone, least of all those who form the majority. It gets worse when the
simmering resentment becomes apparent in slights, in nuances of speech, in a
word or a look. This has the effect of the minorities bunching together for
safety and the lines are drawn more sharply.
Why does it make sense to ensure that the
majority’s rights are protected? Because then a government could be in for the
long run. Too often, governments in power in democratic countries are voted out
rather than voted in. If a party wants to be in there for the long haul, it
might want to think about majority politics. When you keep the majority happy,
you’ll find a more benevolent attitude towards the minorities and that augurs
well for peace and prosperity.
When you break it down, it’s all about
human nature. Let the larger group feel that they are being looked after and
they will in turn be more tolerant of the smaller group. When the smaller group
flexes its muscles, you can be sure there will be retaliation some day. Now a
flexing of the muscles need not be a mere show of strength. It could be
manifested in so many ways. By asking for special exemptions, for reservations,
for tax deductions.
In most democracies, there has tended to be
a kind of apathy when it comes to the majority and maybe this is why
governments have gotten away with what they have. Flashing smiles, false
promises and a great big ‘Pretty Please’ usually work with the ones who bestir
themselves to go and cast their vote. It’s only when the majority wakes up and
realises that while it is paying to keep the wheels of the country turning, it
is being taken for granted and very often ignored, that the first rumblings
begin. Astute politicians will hear and take note – unfortunately, most are too
busy enjoying their new-found power to bother. All it takes is time for the
rumblings to grow to a full-fledged revolution. Then, a ‘let them eat cake’
attitude will only fan the flames.
It’s time to think about what democracy is
all about. It is of the people, for the people, by the people – the people who
are in the majority. It’s time to realise they matter. They must matter before
it’s too late.
