To compare or not to compare?
Prof Rajan Kapoor
The recent comparison of India’s status on hunger index vis – a -vi´s its neighbours has raised a pertinent question: Are comparisons odious? Opinions are divided on this question. It is believed by some that comparisons are always weird and they are driven by the force of subjectivity. But, a few strongly oppose the notion that writes off comparisons. The standoff between these two divergent views has, therefore, been going on since time immemorial. Only a rational approach can resolve the issue. An extreme view won’t help much.
Parents are in the habit of comparing their kids with other kids. Even, a comparison among the siblings is often made. This comparison acts like a double edged weapon. It inspires a kid but it demotivates other kids! Parents forget the fact the even twins differ in taste and habits. A host of factors shape their behaviour.
Comparisons are made in every sphere of life. And, Bollywood and its business thrives on the art and science of comparisons. Dilip Kumar, the thespian of Indian cinema, is being hailed as the uncrowned king of Hollywood, whose aura is still intact. Any talk to pit Dilip Kumar against any other star is not welcomed and is often pooh-poohed.
The noted actor Sanjiv Kumar, though, seems to have, outdone Dilip Kumar by his excellent acting skills, yet Dilip Sahib rules over the hearts of his die hard fans. They do not brook the idea that downgrades their deity’s position! Sachin Tendulkar is often compared to Brian Lara.
Opinions are divided among fans over who holds superiority over whom. There are numerous fans of Brian Lara in India and many cricket buffs in the West Indies are big supporters of Sachin Tendulkar.
Kalidas is often compared to Shakespeare and a perpetual debate among the lovers of literature as to who is the great dramtist still rages on. In the same way, Bhagat Puran Singh who worked selflessly for the needy, orphans and scum of the society, is often bracketed with Mother Teresa.
Right or wrong, human beings have a tendency to compare a personality with another personality. They are psychologically inclined to carry out such comparisons. Their habit of comparing the things gives them pleasure and often makes them take pride in the fact that they have graduated themselves to critics!
It has been observed that comparisons are often controlled by personal feelings, likes and dislikes and, therefore, most of the time they are either funny or off the mark. O’Henry, the greatest story teller, strongly believes that comparisons are dominated and driven by prejudices. And, it is true to a great extent. Human beings tend to view things from their personal perspective which, in turn, influence comparisons.
The idea that comparisons are useless is what one should always avoid. Bonfide comparisons offer a host of lessons. A lot can be learnt by comparing the past with the present.
Comparisons should, therefore, be done with utmost care and they should not reek of bias. Comparisons become odious when the methods to hold them are arbitrary and unscientific.
(The author teaches at KRM DAV College, Nakodar, Ludhiana)
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