An examination of the disputes and verbal arguments on social media in Afghanistan indicates that, as a result of the escalating crisis, widespread disillusionment, and general frustration among the citizens of this country, a significant portion of its active force is devoted to self-destructive behaviors. A critical situation in a society leads to a reversed approach, where instead of addressing constructive and beneficial issues for everyone’s well-being, a skewed perspective is adopted, and a considerable amount of energy from the educated and even the intellectual members of society is diverted towards matters that deepen divisions, foster animosity, and spread hostility further. From the discussions that have emerged in recent days regarding the Hazara Encyclopedia to the celebration of International Mother Language Day and similar topics, it is clear how divisive and pervasive the spirit of convergence and solidarity is versus the strength and prevalence of destruction and self-destructive tendencies.
The critical situation can be observed where, on one hand, the basic rights of citizens are violated, millions of girls in that land have no access to education, there is no way to present the fundamental views and desires of the people, their freedoms are stripped away and suppressed, the economic situation of the people is at its worst, millions are fleeing from that great prison, and no glimmer of hope emerges from the darkness of the prospects. In addition to systematic discrimination, the reinforcement of fundamentalism, and the promotion of organized extremism, on the other hand, various marginal and inconsequential debates contribute to the plight of this society, wasting all their potential by transforming into the thoughts and discussions of a broad group.
Amid this turmoil, which is a sign of collective confusion in society and indicates, as Rumi says, that the hole of supplication is lost to everyone, discussions arise that divide the people of culture into several groups, pit the people of the land against each other, jeopardize people who have had thousands of years of shared history, create false concerns that serve no one, and this story continues. Extreme antiquarianism, exaggeration of the achievements of the past, promotion of a ritualistic view of local traditions, taboos on historical figures, showcasing lineage, and dozens of other marginal disputes are part of this critical situation.
People of any society indeed need to study their past, and with a better understanding, they can identify some of their current problems. Awareness of the past is never undesirable; indeed, it is one of the essential matters that all developed societies pay attention to. Awareness of the past will be genuine when it is based on scientific principles and valid research methods, relies on real evidence and documents, and stays away from bias or partisanship. This is one of the fundamental principles of any society, and there is no doubt about it. On the other hand, dealing with these issues, especially in a tension-inducing and controversial manner, and turning them into tools for reshaping alliances rekindling animosities sowing seeds of hatred and further inflaming the public space, is not a sign of attention to knowledge and awareness. Instead, it indicates a turn towards artificial identity formation and drawing new boundaries that, willingly or unwillingly, serve the apparatus of authority and the forces of political absolutism, tightening the grip of tyranny even further.
In terms of modern scientific studies, which genetics is responsible for, there is no pure race, and anyone can easily ascertain this by undergoing a DNA test to see that their gene composition traces back to various ethnicities and the majority of human lineages. In essence, from an objective standpoint, all humans on Earth belong to one race, and no individual or group stands apart from others and considers themselves to belong to a different race. From this perspective, discussions of ethnicity and race are conceptual and mental constructs that have been fabricated through historical narratives to serve the political agendas of individuals and interest groups.
From a historical perspective, civilizations that have emerged in a region have been the result of the collaboration of different ethnicities and lineages. While one language may have served as a means of communication among various ethnic groups, speakers of different languages have contributed to the construction of that civilization to varying degrees. Therefore, attributing the achievements of a civilization to the speakers of one language or members of one ethnic group contradicts historical reality, and such efforts cannot be accompanied by fair judgment.
Exploring historical pasts and delving into the cultural or civilizational roots of some of today’s phenomena seems desirable only if it can depict the true diversity of the past, highlight commonalities, and create a path toward convergence and acceptance of diversity. This need is crucial for the collapsing society of Afghanistan, and any such effort will have lasting effects on improving the lives of future generations. However, if the outcome of such endeavors is the entanglement of factions, amplification of cries, and incitement of hostilities, even if labeled as scientific work or specialized efforts, it is undesirable and incorrect from various perspectives. Discussions and debates should be guided towards a path that compels power structures to adhere to citizens’ rights, supports equality and fraternity among the inhabitants of a region, and puts an end to discrimination and injustice forever.
In the challenging and exhausting conditions that Afghanistan is trapped in, priorities should not be forgotten, and consciously or unconsciously aiding the authoritarian regime, which will only exacerbate divisions among people, should be avoided. In the shadow of a system based on the will of the people and committed to citizens’ rights, there will be ample room for any kind of research and free discussion. However, until then, society’s efforts should be directed towards liberation from the current situation and achieving freedom. Petty quarrels will lead to forgetting grand aspirations, and freedom and equality will not be visible on the horizon.