I Care Too Much to Stay Silent, Even When It’s Exhausting

For those who carry a strong sense of awareness and high hopes for their country, feeling frustrated, embarrassed, or even fed up with the state of things is entirely understandable. I rarely discuss domestic issues on social media anymore—Facebook being the only exception, and even that is something I left behind long ago. I’ve chosen instead to focus on international topics such as politics, global conflicts, or more personal interests like music, anime, programming, and video games, all while quietly holding back my disappointment. If you feel the same way, trust me—you are not alone. Many people feel like strangers in their own home, so disillusioned that they begin to consider leaving the country or even changing their citizenship.

For those who have not yet felt this way, try stepping outside the social media bubble you usually consume. When you broaden your perspective, the exhaustion may eventually set in as well. This sense of alienation grows stronger when we witness public moral standards and logic seemingly turned upside down: corruption is treated as normal, education stagnates, and public discourse produces more noise than substance. Over time, all of this becomes deeply draining. This disappointment is often accompanied by fear—fear of speaking up, of being labeled, attacked, or silenced by those who disagree. At times, shifting attention to things that bring energy and comfort, such as music, anime, or global issues, feels easier and healthier. But here is the truth: frustration is a sign that you still care. If you truly did not care at all, you would not feel ashamed, disturbed, or moved in the first place.

One of the core problems lies in the low level of collective awareness in society. Take English education as an example. Although it is taught from elementary school onward, many students still struggle to speak, write, or even understand the language. The education system prioritizes memorization over comprehension, grades over real skill development, and in many areas, teachers are insufficiently trained. As a result, students often fail to master basic skills such as reading or arithmetic—a sobering reality in the 21st century.

A similar issue appears in cultural consumption, particularly in music. Many people play foreign songs simply because the melody sounds appealing, without understanding that the lyrics may contain explicit content, misogyny, or themes promoting violence and drug use. For instance, a song like “Location” by Playboi Carti is clearly inappropriate to be played casually in public spaces where children or teenagers are present. Yet due to a lack of understanding, it is considered “cool” or enjoyable purely based on its sound. This is a troubling irony. The herd mentality—following trends without thinking—remains deeply rooted. Critical culture feels rare, and many people accept things at face value without questioning their meaning or appropriateness, despite how accessible information has become. Without curiosity, digital literacy, and critical education, cultural consumption becomes shallow and unreflective.

Another clear example is low language literacy. The English word “guys,” which simply means friends or you all, is often misunderstood as something negative or sexually deviant. This is not just a harmless misunderstanding; it reflects a narrow worldview among parts of society, particularly those with limited exposure to global contexts. Ironically, those who misunderstand it often feel the most entitled to judge. The same pattern appears in the use of symbols and digital aesthetics. Many people use rainbow symbols in their profiles simply because the colors look attractive, without realizing that the rainbow is widely recognized as a symbol of the LGBTQ+ community. Others use Arabic script because it appears meaningful or spiritual, even when the text itself is irrelevant or nonsensical. Random usernames follow the same pattern—an obsession with digital aesthetics without depth, meaning, or a clear sense of identity.

Going further, there are Arabic-language songs that clearly do not align with religious values, yet are assumed to be devotional chants simply because they are in Arabic and sound pleasant. This reflects a tendency to mystify the Arabic language as inherently sacred, without examining context or content. At the root of this issue is a lack of cultural and critical literacy. Traditional taboos, or pamali, often become obstacles to rational thinking. They are frequently used to shut down logical discussion, while those who attempt to use common sense are labeled rebellious or lacking faith. Yet in the religion, the use of reason and critical thinking is strongly encouraged. Taboos that have no foundation in religious teachings or logic should be open to revision. When left unchallenged, they become social dogmas that make people more afraid of breaking cultural prohibitions than of committing actions that genuinely cause harm—such as dumping trash into rivers instead of disposing of it properly.

In communities still deeply tied to superstition, especially in rural areas, pamali is often used to restrict progress. For example, prohibitions against burning mattresses or diapers are justified as taboos, even though such practices contradict the religion teachings on cleanliness. When these taboos are continuously defended in the name of faith, they weaken critical thinking and ultimately conflict with the religion values themselves. Religious leaders have an important role to play here. With the trust and authority they hold, they can guide communities toward more rational understandings that are aligned with genuine religious principles.

I am aware that my approach can sometimes be too direct, which may make people feel cornered—especially if they are not yet ready to face criticism. However, in a society that is not accustomed to reflection and rational discussion, those who think critically are often seen as disturbing collective comfort. Precisely because of that, critical voices remain essential to progress. Critical thinking is both a gift and a responsibility. In a society still developing its literacy and culture of discourse, we must continue to speak with clarity—even when our words are not easily accepted.