Rational thinking demystifies myths: Dr. Mubarak Ali

Myths gradually have lost their appeal in those societies where intellectuals produced new ideas, thoughts, and concepts to guide people. Myths flourish in those societies which are stagnant and rely on the out dated ideas. Therefore, in absence of new ideas, myths attract people

“Myths are promoted by despotic government in the past to protect their property and privilege” says Dr. Mubarak Ali. Dr. Mubarak Ali is an eminent historian, activist and scholar. He obtained his masters in History in 1963 and attained a PhD (on the Mughal Period of India) at Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany in 1976. He was the director of the Goethe Institute in Lahore until 1996 and currently editor of the quarterly journal Taarikh ("History"). He has been widely interviewed by electronic and print media in India, Pakistan, and the Middle East. In the following interview with Viewpoint, he talks about general myths prevailing in our society. Excerpts:

What are the historical basis for certain myths that take hold of mass mind in a certain society? In other words, how certain myths become part of common sense? 

The definition of a myth is that something which happened in far of past. Coming generations add their own vision and change it according to their need. It has become romantic to people and they believe its authenticity. Historians make attempt to demystify myths and, after deconstruction, try to make it historical but they fail and the romance of myths holds people in its tight grip. If we study the, myths of Greek or India, we find that gods and deities are important part in shaping this world. In these myths you also find some moral lessons

At present we have expanded the meaning of myth and include in it the customs, traditions and beliefs which are produce by society under certain milieu and as they are not challenged, people believe in these traditions as absolute truth. Myths and traditions are irrational. People attach to them romantically without analyzing them. Myths that are prevalent in our society are not like the old myths of Greek or India but product of our own time to protect the vested interest of the ruling classes.

There are certain myths or clichés, like ‘do char ko latka do, sub theek ho jaiy ga’ (harsh punishments will set it all right) or ‘women are less capable’, or ‘Hindus and Jews keep conspiring against us Muslims’. Is Pakistani society unique in subscribing to certain such myths or if myths rule every society? 

People derive this perception about myths and traditions from their milieu and by reading wrong history books. In which are written form the elitists’ point of view. Such myths are promoted by despotic government in the past to protect their property and privilege.

As far as the concept of punishment is, the best policy to protect private property is to punish people severely as warning and as prevention of committing crime without understanding the social, economic or political causes. History tells us that exemplary punishment has failed to check crimes. Why people do not demand to reform and change the society and demand to eliminate the causes of injustice and inequality? Neither our intellectual nor ruling classes are interested to change the structure of the society which provides them privileges and power...

Conspiracy theory is deep rooted in our society. It is easy to blame other for our problems and be satisfied. It shows that society is not ready to analyze its own weaknesses and faults. Again, it helps the ruling classes who are absolved from all sins by accusing the Jews, the Hindus, the West, and the Communists. Rulers fully exploit these beliefs in order to save their power.

Myths are part of every society but those who are historically conscious they are not misled by emotions and by romance of myths.

Could it be the case that certain societies are more driven by myths and others are more rational? If so, what leads to this difference: the level of literacy, influence of religion, empowerment (or disempowerment) or what? 

Those societies who are educationally and scientifically are advanced; the process of myth making is also weak. Rational thinking demystifies myths. Myths gradually have lost their appeal in those societies where intellectuals produced new ideas, thoughts, and concepts to guide people. Myths flourish in those societies which are stagnant and rely on the out dated ideas. Therefore, in absence of new ideas, myths attract people.

What role do you think mosque, media and educational system are playing in perpetuating certain myths that help curb critical thinking and inquiry? 

In a traditional society which does not accept new ideas, its media and its educational system, instead of creating critical mind, exhort people to believe in continuity rather than change. Media further strengthens the out dated system.

How the myths that are holding Pakistani society back can be challenged and how ordinary people be motivated to develop critical attitude? 

Pakistani society is fully under the grip of old and conservative traditions and customs. Religion as well as its intellectuals is supporting it. There is no space for a liberal and critical voice. As media and technology are used by conservative forces, religious extremism and fundamentalism are becoming stronger and stronger. In absence of any alternative ideology, people are Turing to religion as a solution of their problem.

Riaz ul Hassan has been actively involved in Social Media studies since 2006. He has held diverse editorial positions in different literary magazines including Ravi and Patras. Currently studying in Sweden and plans to pursue his PhD in the field of Social Media. Riaz graduated from Government College Lahore and has worked at the same institute for about one year as lecturer. He has keen interest and involvement in arts, theater and Social Media studies.