By This post is also available in: ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ (GREEK) TÜRKÇE (TURKISH)
Public mobilisation on both serious and less serious issues can drive improvements. However, this activation must occur within the framework of a constructive effort to highlight gaps and errors that need addressing. This prerequisite demands democratic and civilised dialogue based on reasoned arguments and substantiated viewpoints.
In our current era, where everyone feels they are a determining factor in domestic and international developments, dialogue is not conducted in terms of problem-solving but rather in stadium terms. This is why the opinions typically expressed are dogmatic, levelling, and inherently toxic. The foundation of almost every discussion is black and white thinking.
Having concluded that “we live in a corrupt political system”, we have all suddenly become “anti-establishment”! We absolve ourselves of any participation, whether small or large, in this very system. And we throw the doors wide open to the “anti-establishment” Fidias, the “subversive” ELAM, and the “saviour” Odysseas Michaelides.
In the same manner, we concluded that the judiciary is also corrupt. And the police, and the church, and medicine, and non-governmental organisations, and… This absolute nihilism and levelling approach creates conditions of anarchy and rolls out the red carpet for extreme populists who have no positions, who will solve no problems, and who simply express existing or manufactured popular discontent. Until they achieve their goal: to become the system themselves! The example of Donald Trump in America should, if nothing else, give us pause for thought.
We have established that social awareness and activism are both correct and necessary. However, if these are exhausted by calls for “so-and-so must go immediately”, we simply transform the effort to improve situations into an arena of mutual destruction and sick satisfaction of our worst instincts.
Because, let us be frank, today’s shouters were yesterday’s silent observers of far worse examples. Just as yesterday’s shouters have suddenly fallen silent. At the end of the day, everyone chooses their role. Whether they genuinely want to improve things in this country or simply take pleasure in scoring a victory against whoever happens to be their opponents at any given time.
This article was first published on 09.07.2025
Source: In the age of anarchy
