| Chandler Cruttenden | Unsplash |
Recently, I had a chat with Baljeet. He’s a friendly individual who beams with joy when he discovers new information.
Even though he hails from a lower-middle-class background, he doesn’t argue with his parents over his desires.
He sports a black analog wristwatch on his left wrist, paired with blue rectangular sunglasses, and a radiant smile.
We had a discussion about the youth of the 90s compared to today, during which I mentioned the term Hedonism.
“With the evolution of hedonism into a more beneficial form, individuals are finding themselves more productive and experiencing reduced stress. Numerous experts are now accessible across various networks, guiding not just the youth but also those adults who feel lost.”
He looked puzzled; I could see the confusion on his face, prompting me to clarify the meaning of the term (which can be found in the list below).
Eventually, he grasped the entire context and admitted that he had never encountered that term before.
While I wasn’t particularly surprised, it sent a chill down my spine.
Once back in my room, I searched online for any information that came to mind. However, to my surprise, I found nothing at all.
No one had documented anything related to it.
In India, these terms are not frequently used, yet they hold significant importance.
This led me to the decision to pen this article.
Below is a compilation of essential vocabulary with examples that you should familiarize yourself with early in life.
1. Patriarchy:
A system where the eldest male serves as the family head, or a societal structure where men control power to serve their own interests.
- For instance: Patriarchy has not vanished—it has just transformed.
2. Narcissism:
An excessive preoccupation with and admiration of one’s own appearance and/or talents.
- It’s evident how much our understanding of others reflects our own narcissism, a projection of ourselves onto them.
3. Secularism:
The principle that religion should not interfere with the everyday social and political functions of a society.
- Recently, they must have made significant contributions to advancing secularism in the past year.
4. Criticism:
The act of pointing out the faults of someone or something.
- I have several critiques regarding your presentation.
5. Pessimist:
Someone who tends to focus on the negative aspects of situations or assumes that adverse outcomes are more probable.
- Transformation may not occur as swiftly, or as severely, as pessimists tend to worry.
6. Nihilism:
The belief that all political and religious institutions are detrimental, or a philosophy that asserts that no principles are meaningful or can be validated.
- However, Leo rejects this director’s nihilism in favor of a notion of redemption through language.
7. Hedonism:
Living in a manner that maximizes enjoyment of life, grounded in the belief that pleasure is the ultimate goal.
- This new paradox suggests that hedonism has inherent flaws.
8. Racism:
Practices, behaviors, and policies that create sustained advantages for certain racial groups while subjecting others to discrimination.
- The authorities are initiating measures to challenge racism in educational institutions.
9. Paternalistic:
An approach where those in authority make decisions for others instead of allowing them to assume responsibility for their own choices.
- The nation exhibits a paternalistic ethos.
10. Sarcastic:
In an ironic sense: When you aim to convey your resentment in a light-hearted manner that allows others to seem foolish instead of yourself.
Or
To Amuse:
A statement that employs verbal irony aiming primarily to entertain without disturbing others’ peace of mind.
- Low scores were marked by indifferent, apathetic, irritable, sarcastic, or belittling attitudes towards the child.
11. Sexist:
Implying that one gender is inferior in ability, intelligence, etc., compared to the opposite gender, or referring to their bodies, conduct, or emotions negatively.
- She described her previous supervisor as a traditional sexist individual.
Additional instances
- Women are frequently the target of sexist humor.
- The dialogue demonstrated that sexist attitudes persist.
- It’s somewhat sexist to claim that men don’t handle household tasks.
References:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15