The 21st century been an age of social media commentary, and it's often the outside perspectives that open our eyes. A French woman who loves to travel to India recently went viral with a simple and impactful message: "Hating won’t help." Her comments were a direct appeal to the people of India to stop spreading negativity about their own country. She suggests that constant self-deprecation makes Indians overlook the incredible progress and beauty that is right in front of them.
The pervasive culture of self-criticism
The traveller noted the stark difference between her positive travel experiences and the constant hate and complaints she sees online. She suggests that every nation has its problems, but the constant self-critical narrative among Indians overshadows a genuine appreciation. This reflects a deep-rooted habit of focusing only on the worst aspects without offering solutions. National pride should not be conditional. She emphasises how citizens of most countries, including her native France, stand by their nation despite their faults. The tendency to constantly undermine one's own country to global audiences is counterproductive. She argues that this negativity damages the country's reputation more than any external criticism ever could.
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Ignoring the resilience and hospitality
She criticises the frequent ignorance of India’s unmatched qualities by Indians themselves, specifically its hospitality and the resilience of its people. She has always encountered warmth and generosity in India. These elements are often absent from the usual negative commentary surrounding infrastructure or bureaucracy. These human qualities are the true markers of the nation's character. The traveller urged to shift the energy. She believes that the time spent hating could be better invested in helping. She says that people should channel their frustration into constructive criticism or local action. She correctly points out that negativity is passive, and genuine change requires active participation and a belief that things can improve.
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The Frenchwoman’s appeal gives us a reminder that the stories a nation tells about itself become its global identity. It creates a skewed perception for the rest of the world about a country when its own citizens are its loudest critics. She requested Indians to use the power of their voice and to be careful while choosing narratives. She urged them to celebrate their heritage, development, and complex identity, rather than perpetually broadcasting their struggles.
