Why Doing Good is The New Taboo

Why is it easier to vandalize than to volunteer? Why does society turn a blind eye to acts of negligence but scrutinize acts of kindness with microscopic precision? Have we reached a point in Kaliyuga, where doing good is no longer just difficult but downright dangerous? Why is it that those who feed stray animals are harassed while those who throw garbage on the streets are ignored? These are questions that pierce the heart of our moral decay.

The irony is glaring. Society seems to have developed a peculiar allergy to goodness while showing an impressive tolerance for misdeeds. The ‘Kaliyuga effect,’ as one might call it, is in full swing — where noble acts attract criticism, and wrongdoings attract apathy.

Good Deeds, Bad Receptions: A Modern Paradox

Consider the example of a woman feeding stray dogs in her neighborhood. While her intentions are noble, her actions are met with hostility. Neighbors complain about hygiene, noise, or the "menace" of stray dogs gathering near their homes. They yell at her, file complaints, and even call authorities to intervene. The poor woman is forced to defend her charitable act as though she’s committing a crime.

Now contrast this with the man who habitually parks his car on a narrow street, blocking traffic every single day. Do people protest? No. Do they call the police? Never. Why? Because confronting him risks a counter-attack — perhaps a heated argument or, worse, physical retaliation. The unwritten rule of society seems to be this: confront the kind-hearted, avoid the troublemakers.

The Curious Case of Selective Outrage

Here’s another example: a social worker dedicates her time to cleaning a park and planting trees. She does this to create a better environment for the community. But instead of appreciation, she’s bombarded with sarcastic remarks:

“Why bother? The government should do this.”
“What’s the point? It’ll just get dirty again.”
“Are you trying to prove you’re better than us?”

Meanwhile, the same community tolerates and even normalizes public urination, roadside spitting, and garbage dumping. A man spitting a red paan stain on a freshly painted wall goes unchallenged. Why? Because he looks “intimidating.”

Obstructing Good, Ignoring Evil

This peculiar social phenomenon isn’t limited to individuals. Even at a systemic level, we see similar behavior. Bureaucratic hurdles are placed in the path of NGOs trying to help underprivileged communities. Permits for feeding programs, stray animal shelters, or environmental initiatives are delayed or denied. Yet, illegal encroachments, black-market dealings, and corrupt practices thrive with little opposition.

In Bengaluru, for instance, a group of volunteers was stopped from distributing food to homeless individuals near a busy metro station. The reason? They were "creating a public nuisance." On the other hand, illegal hawkers occupied the same area with no intervention. It seems society has redefined the word "nuisance" to include compassion but exclude selfishness.

The Fear Factor

Why do people behave this way? The answer lies in fear. Confronting someone doing good is easy because they won’t retaliate. They are, by definition, good. Their very goodness makes them vulnerable. On the other hand, confronting someone littering, spitting, or blocking traffic invites risk — arguments, threats, or even violence.

It’s the classic predator-prey dynamic flipped on its head. The soft-hearted and benevolent are treated as easy prey, while the rule-breakers and troublemakers roam free, unchecked and unchallenged.

A Satirical Take on Society’s Priorities

Imagine this: a man walks into a crowded street, scattering grain for pigeons. Instead of applause, he’s met with scowls. “What if these birds dirty my balcony?” shouts a passerby. Meanwhile, another man rides his motorbike on the pavement, nearly mowing down pedestrians. Does anyone react? Not a chance.

Or picture this: a group of students campaigns to ban single-use plastic in their town. They are met with apathy and ridicule. “Plastic is convenient,” people argue. Yet, when a local shopkeeper burns plastic waste openly, releasing toxic fumes, the same people walk by, holding their noses but saying nothing.

The Bigger Picture: A Flawed Value System

This behavior reveals a deeper malaise in our society — a flawed value system. We’ve become experts at rationalizing inaction and criticizing action. Why step up and hold someone accountable for their wrongdoings when it’s easier to pull down those who are trying to do good? Why support those who aim to improve society when cynicism is so much more convenient?

What Needs to Change?

1. Encourage, Don’t Obstruct:
   People who engage in acts of kindness, such as feeding stray animals or cleaning public spaces, should be supported, not obstructed. Let’s create an environment where good deeds are celebrated.
    
2. Hold Rule-Breakers Accountable:
   From littering to illegal parking, small acts of civic irresponsibility often go unchecked. It’s time society musters the courage to confront these behaviors.
    
3. Redefine “Public Nuisance”:
   Authorities must rethink what constitutes a “nuisance.” Feeding stray animals or planting trees isn’t disruptive — it’s constructive.
    
4. Reward Goodness:
   Governments and communities should implement reward systems for acts of public service, such as volunteering, environmental conservation, or animal welfare. 

Final Thoughts: A Question of Priorities

Why has kindness become a liability instead of an asset? Why do we target those who seek to make the world better while tolerating those who make it worse? If Kaliyuga is about turning values upside down, aren’t we playing right into its hands?

Is it not time to reflect on our choices and change our priorities? Can we, as a society, summon the courage to stand up for what is right rather than cowering in the face of wrong? Most importantly, will we ever reach a point where doing good is as easy — and as celebrated — as doing nothing?