By: Maqsood Shahi
George Orwell profoundly stated in his book 1984 that in the 21st century, superficial sentiments have been magnified to an extraordinary extent, while reality is seldom observed. Fiction has replaced reality, particularly among young people who find themselves emotionally disoriented, forming artificial romantic relationships under the guise of friendship with girls. This trend has emerged but remains incomplete due to dogmatic and exaggerated ignorance, as well as a lack of understanding.
“Vanity Fair” in universities refers to a culture or phenomenon where students prioritize superficiality, social status, and personal image over intellectual pursuits and academic growth. In such an environment, students may become consumed by appearances, popularity, and materialistic pursuits, often neglecting the true purpose of education.
The presence of “Vanity Fair” in universities can have several negative effects. Firstly, it fosters a competitive and cutthroat atmosphere, shifting the focus from learning and personal development to seeking external validation and social recognition. This can result in a lack of genuine engagement with academic subjects and a diminished passion for acquiring knowledge.
Moreover, the emphasis on superficial aspects can lead to the devaluation of intellectual pursuits, critical thinking, and meaningful discussions. Students may prioritize social events, networking, and partying over investing time and effort into their studies.
Since its inception, students intentionally and unintentionally attempt to fix and divert the stream of emotions. They spare no effort in the pursuit of lost dreams but often end up in a state of disarray. Technology and social media have played a significant role in fostering this trend. It is worth noting, without accusation, that some innocent and unwitting students peruse Facebook and Instagram profiles, unintentionally allowing societal influences to take hold in their unconscious minds. Such sentiments have been unnecessarily overblown and exaggerated.
In addition to the students’ shallow mentality, many are observed to be wearing colorful and lavish clothes despite economic and financial constraints, which is a result of societal mental weakness. Class struggle has devastated societal norms. Reversing this trend is not solely the outcome of youth but rather the collective responsibility of society. The class divide needs to be addressed, not only to fill the gap but also to restore hope for the future. Vanity and ostentation have emerged as new phenomena, overshadowing the horizon of educational competition. The impact of these dynamics extends beyond relationships themselves. In university settings, where social interactions and networks play a significant role, class struggle within relationships can exacerbate existing inequalities and divisions. It can reinforce cliques and social hierarchies based on socioeconomic status, further marginalizing individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. This perpetuates an environment where opportunities for upward mobility are limited, and students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may feel excluded or alienated.
The lack of an intellectual mindset among students in universities has detrimental effects on society. Without a strong emphasis on critical thinking, curiosity, and a thirst for knowledge, students may become complacent and disengaged. This leads to a shallow understanding of complex issues, a decline in innovation, and a limited ability to contribute meaningfully to society. Additionally, the absence of intellectual pursuits hinders the development of well-rounded individuals who can analyze problems, propose solutions, and adapt to a rapidly changing world. A society with a dearth of an intellectual mindset is at risk of stagnation and may struggle to address pressing challenges effectively.
Today, we not only need to restructure and re-engineer these exaggerated sentiments and trends but also move beyond these fictional stories and vanity fairs. The world is evolving outside our insulated bubble, and it is crucial to break free from the confines of fiction.
The writer is a freelance columnist. He can be reached at [email protected]