Traditions Being Abused

As soon as we hear the word traditions, most of us immediately picture something orthodox or deeply cultural. And yes, traditions definitely carry those meanings, no doubt in that. But what we often forget is that many traditional practices have evolved over time, adapting themselves to fit into our changing routines and the facilities available to us. Some practices have even been left behind, either because we no longer have the time for them or, in rarer cases, because they are no longer relevant in our present context. Yet, despite this, we still treat them as ideals, almost sacred, even when we don’t fully understand them.

Notice how many of you might have clicked on this blog simply after seeing the word tradition. It acts as a sort of bait because this word is powerful; it draws attention no matter the domain: school, college, social media, or even politics. But the problem begins when, in politics, for instance, tradition becomes a trigger for clashes and conflicts instead of encouraging healthy discussion. Politicians know the weight this word carries, and they use it to gain traction, often exploiting it as a tool to manipulate emotions. That’s one way the term tradition gets abused.

The same trend spills into social media. Take, for example, the countless videos exaggerating the struggles of being a married homemaker handling daily chores. Such content drags in two groups of people: on one side, those who believe in patriarchal ideas and see such videos as justification to continue living in outdated setups; on the other side, self-proclaimed feminists who rage against the stereotypes and try to “prove men wrong.” Now, glance at the comments under these posts; it’s a battlefield of arguments, insults, and heated debates. And where is the creator in all this? Silent, of course, enjoying the rise in engagement, views, and earnings. The irony is that the viewers get nothing out of it. The orthodox feel satisfied because their morals seem validated, but they’re only reinforcing delusions. Meanwhile, the so-called feminists waste their energy in rants that lead nowhere. In the end, both sides lose, while the creator gains. Wouldn’t you agree with me?

And now, with festivals around the corner, the misuse of traditions reaches another level. Social media becomes flooded with festive posts, colourful outfits, cultural captions, and endless displays of pride. Appreciating and celebrating our culture is wonderful, no doubt, but the sad part is how little we actually understand the significance behind these practices. Many of us follow traditions blindly, some perform rituals just for the sake of it, while others do it only for the pictures and validation. Isn’t it ironic that something so meaningful has been reduced to a trend for likes and shares?

I genuinely wish more people took the time to learn about the traditions they follow,  their origins, their real purpose, and their deeper value. That awareness alone could reduce the abuse of this word we so often throw around.

You’re most welcome to share your opinions on this. I’d love to hear your perspectives and learn from your point of view.