Introduction:
Definition: Customs are established ways of behaving in society, while traditions involve passing these customs through generations.
Transmission: Customs are sustained through tradition, shaping societal norms and behaviors over time.
Body:
Impact of Obscurantism:
- Definition: Obscurantism is the deliberate practice of making information unclear to prevent understanding.
- Consequences: This results in blindly following customs and traditions, often suppressing rational thought and promoting practices that can be harmful or discriminatory.
Examples of Harmful Traditions:
Historical Practices:
- Sati and Child Marriage: These customs persisted due to obscurantism, leading to exploitation and suffering.
- Animal Sacrifice: Still prevalent in some religious ceremonies despite modern ethical concerns.
- Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): Practiced in some communities, causing severe health issues.
- Honor Killings: Justified in the name of caste and tradition, leading to loss of life.
Religious Practices:
- Nikah Halala and Triple Talaq: Supported by some despite being illogical and harmful.
- Caste Discrimination: Continuation of purity-based practices leading to social inequality.
- Gender Inequality: Restricting women’s entry to religious sites like Sabarimala and Haji Ali Dargah.
Contemporary Issues:
- LGBT Rights: Traditional values casting homosexuality as a moral issue rather than a rights issue.
- Covid-19: Social gatherings promoted by religious leaders despite public health norms; vaccine hesitancy due to religious beliefs.
Positive Aspects of Customs and Traditions:
Relevance and Adaptation:
- Hygiene Practices: Indian customs like washing hands and feet before entering homes, now adopted globally post-Covid.
- Social Bonds: Customs fostering identity, belonging, and cohesion, such as prostrating before elders.
- Knowledge Preservation: Traditional medical practices utilizing herbal remedies and natural treatments.
Conclusion:
- Complex Relationship: Customs and traditions are deeply intertwined with reason and societal evolution.
- Need for Evolution: Customs should adapt to changing times and social contexts to prevent obscurantism.
- Guiding Light: Reason should lead the evolution of customs and traditions, ensuring they contribute positively to society.
Legacy Editor Changed status to publish September 17, 2024