Bane of Bigotry in Politics & Religion

Bigotry is against human reason, though very common among humans. How can one political party be totally toxic & others totally good passes human understanding. The absurdity of it becomes evident when people change parties. Do they suddenly become Mr. Hyde, transforming themselves from Dr Jekyll? Most politicians have a (secret) agenda of their own irrespective of party affiliations. So taking a polarised view in these matters may not be wise for the electorate. DVG, the noted Kannada (& English writer) in his two treatises on politics called "Rajya Shastra" & "Rajyanga" puts forward an eminently sane viewpoint, devoid of dogma & bigotry.

Bigotry in religious matters is even more illogical & dangerous. Swami Vivekananda took the bull by the horns, when he boldly stated that there is no one true religion (as claimed mostly by the Abrahamic ones). If one is true, all are true. He even went further & stated that it is desirable for each to have their own personal religion.

Probably watching inter-religious strife, due to bigotry & dogmatism, throughout the ages, Thomas Paine, in his hugely influential book, "The Age of Reason", declared war against all organised religions, though he was a believer in God. In his equally pathbreaking book "Common Sense", he debunks the "Divine Right to Rule" leading to Monarchy. This may be another form of bigotry that accident of birth may enable persons to rule others. It may be recalled that Thomas Paine's Pen was as effective as George Washington's Sword in gaining American Independence."

Especially in the twenty first century, dogmatism & bigotry are being fuelled by the popularity of Indian film stars & popular cricketers. To get cheap popularity by the masses & probable later entry into politics, the dialogues are written for the actors to boost their image to the ridiculous extent that a few even give "darshan" outside their houses to their fans, like divine personages! This mindless exercise is peculiar to India. The ads by cricketers may also pass on subliminal messages. The minds of the gullible public being manipulated by what after all are mere entertainers & not nation builders is pathetic.

There are no better words against bigotry than those of Rev.Martin Luther King, Jr, who said "There is some good in the worst of us & some evil in the best of us. When we know this, we are less prone to hate our enemies."