What Went Wrong with Us

When we were growing up, we were tied, bound and gagged with rules and conditions. We were asked by parents to respect elders; even that uncle who is a public nuisance, that cousin who touches you every now and then, even that gossiping aunt. We were not allowed to ask questions about our own body. When we growing up, we were asked to shut up by teachers when we ask doubts. We were considered idiots if we repeat a question. We were asked to by-heart our subjects, and never question them. We were asked to believe in one religion, and asked to shun other religions. We were shown romantic movies, where the couples were glorified, and slapped when we say we like someone. We were never hugged, for emotional attachment is a taboo. We were asked to shun our dreams and follow the set path of supposed prosperity, as said in the college brochures.

We were bred to be controlled, manipulated and obeyed. We were expected to follow the system. We were expected to be model citizens by being numb. We were expected to be the pride of the family by satisfying the needs and requirements of those who are distantly or nowhere related to us. We were asked to wear a suit, tie and a mask.

And now they ask us what went wrong. They ask us why we elected criminals. They ask us why we are desperate for love and sex. They ask us why there are growing number of graduates and less number of innovators. They ask us why we rely on drugs and alcohol.

And yet, they don't ask why we don't take vacations, why we don't follow our dreams, why we don't seem happy. They don't ask why we can't show them the love they failed to show us. They ask us why we are alienating ourselves from them.

You want to know what went wrong? YOU! You commanded us, you manipulated us, and you made us obey. But it's OK! You were made to do so, like the ones before you, and we will do so, like the ones after us. Because the system demands model citizens, and model citizens are nothing but idiots. So let us blame the system, let us blame each other, and find solace by not blaming the obvious, ourselves!

And so is an artist an ungrown child. And an adult is a mere body without a soul.