I have decided not to get involved in Maldivian channels of Clubhouse and the Maldivian Twittersphere

Some friends recently recommended that I join Clubhouse and Twitter in order to get more “views” and publicity for my blog. They are well-meaning but the truth is that I don’t care what the larger society thinks of my writings and therefore, these friends perhaps are unaware that the purpose of this blog of mine is to express myself and get engaged with friends and followers who are interested in my thoughts and emotions and get involved in things that are of common interest. It is not a platform for visitors to spit verbal abuse at one another.

Nevertheless, just out of curiosity, I joined Clubhouse, because my friends said that there are channels “specializing” in topics for people of various interests. I found that there are both Maldivians and foreigners discussing and debating interesting subjects.

I listened to foreign users talking on some channels which were intriguing although I refrained from talking because I am not much of a talker; instead I am a listener and am more comfortable in writing down my thoughts rather than expressing them verbally.

As for the channels on Clubhouse inhabited by Maldivians it was understandable that we Maldivians are venting our anger and repressed feelings and emotions at a time when our society is so corrupt and functioning in the manner of organized crime units for maybe inevitable reasons: everybody is doing everything they can do to merely survive in a country where the establishment has failed.

Hence, you see “subcultures” such as drug trafficking, prostitution, human trafficking, and gangsterism etc., rampant as underground movements which the government has failed to bring to a control. In a society on the thresholds of abject poverty of the have-nots, what else can you expect as individuals are forced to get involved in these subcultures to make ends meet?

It's so mentally disturbing to come to know the realities of Maldives' society and politics in so stark a manner. So I have decided not to enter any Maldivian channels hereafter. I don't need my mental health to be upset by a daily dose of negative vibes although the users, quite understandably, find Clubhouse a necessary platform to express their frustrations and gain some kind of psychological relief.

As for Maldivian Twittersphere, I did not join it but went through it and found out that it is nothing better than a “traditional Maldivian holhuashi with lots of zuvaabu” (arguments) with bullying, trolling by paid human chatbots, and all sorts of nasty goings-on. Just imagine under social circumstances such as this if, like the United States, Maldivians are allowed by law to possess guns and other firearms under the guise of self-defense?

I decided that I don’t want my sense of peace, calmness, quiet, and tranquility to be disturbed by opposing players playing ping pong with Maldivian politics. So, if I do join Twitter – which is highly unlikely – I would do so only to get engaged with foreigners who are not embroiled in Maldives’ politics and instead can enlighten me on subjects that interest me as broadly falling under “humanities” such as the environment, science, technology, lifestyle, culture, sports, recreation, entertainment, etc.

If you are wondering what I mean by “humanities”, here’s how it is understood according to ChatGPT:

Humanities is a broad academic discipline that encompasses the study of human culture, society, and the human condition. It explores various aspects of human experience, such as history, literature, philosophy, art, language, religion, anthropology, and music. The humanities seek to understand and interpret human achievements, values, beliefs, behaviors, and interactions throughout history.

The humanities provide critical perspectives on human existence and help us analyze and interpret the meaning and significance of cultural artifacts, texts, ideas, and practices. They also contribute to the development of critical thinking, creativity, empathy, and cultural awareness.

Key fields within the humanities include:

1. History: The study of past events, societies, and civilizations, aiming to understand and interpret historical processes and their impact on the present.

2. Literature: The analysis and interpretation of written works, including novels, poems, plays, and essays, to explore themes, styles, and cultural contexts.

3. Philosophy: The examination of fundamental questions about knowledge, reality, ethics, and the nature of existence through logical reasoning and argumentation.

4. Art and Art History: The study of visual arts, including painting, sculpture, architecture, and their historical development, as well as the interpretation and appreciation of artistic expressions.

5. Music: The exploration of musical theory, composition, performance, and the cultural and historical contexts of music from various traditions.

6. Religion: The examination of religious beliefs, practices, and traditions, as well as their influence on societies, cultures, and individuals.

7. Linguistics: The scientific study of language, including its structure, history, meaning, and social aspects.

These are just a few examples, and the humanities encompass a wide range of disciplines and interdisciplinary approaches. The field emphasizes critical thinking, analysis, interpretation, and cultural understanding, fostering a deeper appreciation of human creativity, diversity, and the complexity of human experiences.