We hear this term a lot – civilised, Civilisation, civilised people. It sounds as good as it can be, but in reality, it’s not quite like that. We say we are civilised. But have we ever taken a moment, with a calm mind and focused attention, to think if we truly are civilised or, in simple terms, are we really refined?
But my belief is quite the opposite. We are only pretending to be civilised. In reality, we are not. Many people might not agree with what I am saying, and that is okay. But today, I will force you to think and believe that Civilisation is merely a facade. So let’s move the discussion forward.
Let’s try to understand with a small example. And here, I will only talk about Civilisation.
Civilisation and unCivilisation are like two sons of the same mother. One appears well mannered, disciplined, and sophisticated on the surface, but his heart is filled with flaws. The other is rebellious, openly chaotic, and unrefined, accepting his flaws as part of his identity. Yet, both are her children, born from the same system. This analogy forces us to question: are we truly living in a civilised world, or have we simply constructed an illusion of progress, while perpetuating inequality and exploitation?
Civilisation: Polished on the outside, flawed within
What we often perceive as ‘Civilisation’ is nothing but a structured system. It boasts technology, infrastructure, law, order, luxury, and education, everything appears well organized, sleek, and sophisticated. But deep within this facade lies a world of inequality, discrimination, hypocrisy, and injustice.
Imagine a person who dresses sharply, speaks eloquently, and maintains a polished demeanor. But when you scratch beneath the surface, you discover selfishness, prejudice, and a lack of empathy. This is what Civilisation often is, a surface-level sophistication, masking the cracks of inequality. It is a system designed to benefit a select few while leaving the majority to struggle in silence. From political power plays to corporate structures, it perpetuates a biased hierarchy.
The Connection: Two sides of the same coin
Let’s explore this in more relatable terms, take a look at our everyday experiences. Civilisation and unCivilisation are two faces of the same societal system, operating in different shades. On the outside, it may look like progress is being made, new technology, better infrastructure, and modern amenities. But behind all of this, the systemic problems of class divide, bias, and exploitation persist.
1. Corporate Office vs. Employee Partiality
A corporate office is often seen as an epitome of order and discipline. However, beneath its structured system lies a world of favoritism, bias, and unfair promotions. Employees with power, influence, or those who flatter their superiors find success, while the hardworking, yet less connected, individuals struggle to make a mark. This is not just a problem in private companies but also in government institutions, where efficiency often takes a back seat to political influence. So, where does the ‘Civilisation’ in this system lie? It’s a facade, well organized but fundamentally flawed.
2. Private vs. Government Schools: Education as a commodity
The disparity in education systems paints another vivid picture. Private schools, with their luxury facilities and branded education, cater to the rich, while government schools, with limited resources, cater to the poor. The reality is that access to education is often dictated by wealth. If Civilisation were truly about fairness and equal dignity, the education system would cater to all, not just the privileged few.
3. Private Banks vs. Government Banks: Efficiency vs. Accessibility
Private banks boast of professionalism and customer-friendly service, yet their underlying motive is often profit. Government banks, on the other hand, are perceived as slow and outdated but are often the only support system for the economically marginalized. It’s the same system with a different level of accessibility. Does efficiency alone equate to Civilisation, or should accessibility and fairness play a role?
4. AC Coach vs. Sleeper Coach: One train, two worlds
Take a train journey. On one side, we have the AC coach, a world of comfort, peace, and luxury, while the sleeper coach tells a very different story. Overcrowding, discomfort, and struggling passengers define the latter. Despite traveling in the same train, one group experiences comfort while the other is left to navigate discomfort. This stark contrast highlights the divide in modern Civilisation, where infrastructure is developed but equality remains elusive.
5. Well Organized Restaurants vs. Dhabas: The branding divide
A fine-dining restaurant may offer exquisite food in a well maintained, luxurious environment, but a humble dhaba or street vendor offers the same food, often made with more care and effort, yet society deems it inferior. Civilisation here seems to be about branding, pricing, and class divide. Are these really the indicators of progress? Is it about the brand, or is it about the experience and the effort behind it?
6. Rich Man’s Crime vs. Poor Man’s Crime: The justice divide
Crime in society is judged differently depending on one’s social standing. A rich man caught in a financial scandal might be described as facing a ‘business loss,’ while a poor man caught for petty theft is harshly punished. This unequal treatment by the justice system exposes a significant flaw in our ‘civilised’ society. If Civilisation truly meant equality, would not justice be the same for everyone?
7. Private Job vs. Government Job: The divide in work culture
In private jobs, employees are driven by deadlines, competition, and pressure to perform. Government jobs, however, often come with job security and less stress. This is not about efficiency; it’s about how the system shapes opportunities. Does Civilisation mean equal opportunities, or is it simply about which job or position you can secure within a rigid system?
8. Digitization vs. Accessibility: The divide in technology
While the world moves towards digitization with online banking, AI, and automated systems, many rural and economically backward individuals are still left to rely on manual methods. Civilisation may advance in technology, but accessibility remains limited for the masses. This digital divide paints a sharp picture of inequality in a supposedly advanced society.
9. Work-Life Balance vs. Capitalist Slavery
We often hear about the importance of work-life balance from the wealthy and corporate elites, but for daily wage workers, it’s a luxury they can’t afford. Many are forced to work long hours just to survive, with no rights or protections. Where is the balance? If Civilisation means fairness, why does such stark inequality persist?
10. Freedom of Speech vs. Selective Tolerance
In today’s world, free speech is celebrated by the rich and powerful, but for the lower classes, their voices often go unheard. A celebrity’s opinion is amplified, while a farmer’s or a laborer’s struggles are ignored. True freedom of speech should be for all, but in a ‘civilised’ society, it’s often selective.
11. Law and Order vs. Power Game
The law may treat the poor with severity, but the rich and powerful often escape justice. Traffic violations, loan defaults, or petty crimes lead to punishments for the weak, while the powerful often get away with breaking the rules. True Civilisation would mean equal application of the law, but what we have is a system that punishes the powerless and shields the powerful.
12. Luxury of Silence vs. Struggle of Noise
We live in a world where peace and tranquility have become privileges of the wealthy. While the elite enjoy peaceful surroundings, those in the slums are surrounded by noise, pollution, and constant struggle. In a truly civilised society, should not everyone have access to peace, health, and a decent quality of life?
Are we really civilised?
As we look deeper into these examples, we are forced to ask: Are we truly civilised, or are we just living in a modernized version of a jungle, where the rules of survival still apply but with more sophisticated methods of exploitation? Civilisation is not just about progress in infrastructure and technology, it’s about fairness, equal treatment, and respect for all. Until we address the systemic inequalities that still persist, we cannot claim to be truly civilised.
In the end, the idea of Civilisation must extend beyond mere structures and rules. It must embody fairness, equality, and human dignity. Until then, we remain trapped in a sophisticated yet fundamentally flawed system.
Also Read: The hidden cost of overwork in the Indian middle class
