“Duniya ka sabse bada rog, kya kahenge log?” This is something I’ve often heard. And chances are many Indians are already familiar with this “log kya kahenge” phenomenon in one form or another. Especially when you’ve wanted to do something that doesn’t align with societal norms- like dropping out of college, not getting married in your twenties, pursuing an offbeat career outside of engineering, law, and MBBS, etc.
This age-old question was recently re-iterated by actor-model Milind Usha Soman, who took to his official Twitter handle to ask once and for all:-
Why are people's opinions important ?
— Milind Usha Soman (@milindrunning) August 17, 2020
And Desi Twitter had a lot to say. Many tried to dig into the potential reasons as to why we really fear other people’s opinions:-
May be because we are social beings and seek approval and validation of others so that we are ensured that we belong to the society.
— Aparna (@apex05_tech) August 17, 2020
Because we are social and political beings who thrive in groups / tribes, dependent on each other for various reasons. Therefore people's opinions are important. Helps us decide who we want to tribe with and who we want to keep away for our own well-being.
— Manali Reddy 🧢 (@kmanalireddy) August 18, 2020
Because if establishments do not provide civilized ways for people to voice their opinions, history has shown that people will find new(often violent) ways to make sure they are heard. People's opinions may not be right always but suppression has always led to instability.
— Ishan Bhatt (@ishanbhatt_) August 17, 2020
I think it has an evolutionary explanation…we assess risks etc taking into account what most people believe is true. We don't want to stray away from the crowds and face ostracism, uncertainty or calamities. Hence we seek opinions and approvals.
— Charu Pokhriyal (@Charupokhriyal) August 17, 2020
Some Twitter users tried to differentiate and explain how to sift through the sea of opinions to determine which ones truly matter and which ones could potentially be ignored:-
Not everyone's opinions matter. Virtue signallers and the ones making ad hominem arguments should not be taken seriously and should be ignored.
— Parijat Singh (@ParijatSingh23) August 17, 2020
Well @milindrunning, as long as we live our life in the manner it does not in any way inconvenience nor harms others, opinions must not matter.
None should live their life for validation from another. Live a happy, content & blissful life. None knows if we shall be alive 2morrow.— Sunil Ramakrishnan (@schunell) August 17, 2020
As long as it's personal life none has any right to comment anything on anyone but when it collides with national issues people's opinions matter because it's democracy!!!
— Ram Vedi (@001RamVedi) August 17, 2020
Not everyone’s opinion matters all the times. But different peoples opinion matter at different times as it could have real consequences on us.
— Avinash Patil (@AvinashPatil) August 17, 2020
It depends from whon you are taking opinions…
We should sometimes take opinions from the ones who are better than us. Take opinion, learn and grow— Ameya | Get_Holistic_Fit (@ShindekarAmeya) August 17, 2020
For me personally, I believe in not taking criticism from someone I wouldn’t seek advice from. What are your opinions on the “log kya kahenge” discussion? Tell us!
And if you’re amongst the ones who wish to break free of the society’s cookie-cutter system, and live life on your own terms without caring what anyone thinks, here is some inspiration on why “log kya kahenge” shouldn’t matter.