Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, January 29, 1993 TAG: 9301290426
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-9 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By ASHOK SRIVASTAVA
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
ELECTION APATHY
ONE OF the most difficult problems for inquirers in Indian thought is the ultimate negation, in which not to have desires is perceived as a desire. Does the American public face a similar contradiction in presidential elections, where a non-vote is counted as a vote for the invisible candidate?A possible answer for the apathy of American voters may be obtained by examining this ultimate negation that is a contradiction.
For the monk, the ultimate contradiction works marvelously. He is far removed from social interdependence and is aiming for a perfect solution to the myriad problems of life. Thus for him, the choice of no desire is better than the scramble for gratification, and eventually the much-sought-after truth is revealed to him by his undistracted inquiry.
In modern society, the ultimate negation can also be resolved in a more pragmatic way - with the assumption that there is more wisdom in seeking the desired, with a hope it will improve the present situation of incompleteness, than in being apathetic to confronting issues.
This goes very well with the optimism of the Western world: Instead of seeking a complete truth in isolation, it combines the classical Karma Yoga with the purposeful action of this age.
Democracy has evolved as a matured manifestation of the desire for unhindered liberty, after several evolutions of various social systems, and represents a deep-rooted longing among humans seeking freedom. Extended experience with such freedom is perhaps leading the American people - complacently thinking the democratic process is absolute and will persist - into a trap of nonparticipation.
This nonparticipation in sociopolitical affairs could reverse the forces of freedom into anarchy, and may lead to a slow erosion of liberal standards. A combination of such indifference and high technology can snowball into unrestricted violence, and reactions among groups deliberately seeking a unique identity.
The 1992 presidential candidates pointed out such threatening situations to the voters, especially in the economic scene. However, most people feel comfortable not participating, hoping that the rest of the people can do the job of picking the winner of a presidential race.
The whole world appears to be in the grip of such indifference. Why should there be so much apathy in casting one's franchise?
America's Founding Fathers worked hard for a lasting democracy, but now there remains a sleeping country preserving 40 percent of its invisible votes and waiting for a miraculous, unique and perfect president. The media's influence is so strong that it is difficult to get to the true personality of the candidate, and the people are becoming indecisive in their perceptions. It would be difficult to alter the course of the high-technology mass media and their subtle influences. But the individual must stretch beyond such influences and find his or her free will.
Such external influences have a role, presenting several perspectives to the people, but eventually the people have to exercise their franchise. A concerned attitude and positive thinking can surely reveal unseen details about the candidates and issues, and can help in making the right choice. A passion within the mind for progressive change can lead the liberal self to eliminate the apathy and indifference in sociopolitical affairs.
The vote count in future elections can increase significantly if Americans perceive the way out of this difficult contradiction through reflection and responsible participation. It could also prevent the arrival of a new generation trusting in invisible votes.
Ashok Srivastava is a visiting scientist at Virginia Tech on an Indo-U.S. exchange program in science and technology.