The world is so much better connected thanks to the social media apps and groups on WhatsApp under the nomenclatures like ‘Alma Mater Friends ’ , ‘Office Buddies’ and ‘Our Family’ and other colourfully chatty affiliations have sprouted like wild and wanton flowers blooming across barren fields, bringing kindred joy & uniting lonely souls, if one tried to put it poetically !
However, it’s observed in certain groups there has been a noticeable cool off from earlier bon-homie that old buddies and long time associates of years shared. The harmless banter that friends would often indulge in with their inane interactions through old PJs, ribald pics & clips posted were meant to amuse and no one tried to influence another beliefs and loyalties to causes. Differences in opinions in matters of public policies appears to be driving a strange wedge because some take it upon themselves to act more righteous and vociferous on issues debatable and not easily explained away.
Virtual altercations occur on what’s euphemistically called one’s ‘ideological choices’ that always tends to happen with quintessentially ‘argumentative Indians’. Some of it must be attributed to the exploits of the thriving W’App University that seeks to influence thinking with inventive forwards, memes, stories ! The dissent comes from those who want the group free from that.
One of my dear school friends from an old fun group rued that people took offence to posts by which they felt was mere propaganda. In his eloquent words ‘Friendships endure millions of aberrations, they are incredible as they aren’t judgemental but extremely tolerant and accepting’! He adds that we shouldn’t crib on what others post, it’s their birthright of free speech ! Not to be upstaged in a ‘battle of wits’ here’s my poetic rebuttal to him :
Friends add friends and don’t do things to divide them,
They take a stand for them and don’t go with the flow,
They carefully ponder over what others feel and think,
They’re what they are, real friends don’t put on a show !
Working on Living 