Why the majority MUST matter

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.