Reality, Bangladesh and me

What is real to me? This is indeed a complicated question. Do I truly know the answer? In one sense, everything feels real to me, yet at the same time, nothing might be real. It raises the question: Who defines what is real? Who constructs reality? To me, reality is what I believe in. It signifies the existence of something. Normally, we believe in what we see, but sometimes, what we see may not be true. Growing up, our parents taught us what is real and what isn’t. We live in a society constructed by people, where the entire system influences what we perceive as real. Therefore, it’s difficult to definitively say what is real and what is not. Reality, I believe, is an abstract concept. In the context of Bangladesh, reality has multiple meanings. For instance, the fact that we are Bangladeshi is a significant reality. But who defines this? We could argue that the whole world is our home, but that’s not how society operates. Every country has its land, people, and culture. Society defines boundaries, and the system tells us we are Bangladeshi, Americans, or others. In Bangladesh, another stark reality is poverty. Many people live below the poverty line and cannot meet their basic needs. Some have no roof over their heads and struggle to eat even two meals a day—something unimaginable to others. During a multimedia production project last semester, I spent a day with construction workers in Dhaka. I was shocked to see their working conditions. They labor under the scorching sun, boiling coal for pitch—a task in an unbearably hot and unsafe environment. I asked them how they endure it, and they replied, “It is our work, and we are bound to do it.” This is their reality—a harsh one—and it’s part of ours too. Another reality is the inequality faced by women. Women are often subjected to physical and mental abuse, a grim truth shaped by societal norms. Many people believe women are incapable of doing certain things and expect them to follow rules created by men. But this isn’t real to me. I believe I’m a smart woman, pursuing my education, and I will do what I want. What others think about me doesn’t concern me. My reality is that I live according to my beliefs and aspirations. Living in Dhaka presents its own challenges. The endless traffic jams, corruption, and issues with law enforcement are often accepted as unchangeable realities. However, I believe these are constructed illusions. We have solutions, but we don’t try to implement them. Instead, we have normalized these problems as part of our reality. For me, reality is something entirely different. I strive to evaluate things using my knowledge and reasoning. I refuse to accept illusions or blindly follow societal constructs. Reality, to me, is not external—it is deeply personal. It is what I am and my existence. This revision enhances the structure and flow of your ideas while maintaining your original message. Let me know if you’d like any further adjustments! What is real to me? This is indeed a complicated question. Do I truly know the answer? In one sense, everything feels real to me, yet at the same time, nothing might be real. It raises the question: Who defines what is real? Who constructs reality? To me, reality is what I believe in. It signifies the existence of something. Normally, we believe in what we see, but sometimes, what we see may not be true. Growing up, our parents taught us what is real and what isn’t. We live in a society constructed by people, where the entire system influences what we perceive as real. Therefore, it’s difficult to definitively say what is real and what is not. Reality, I believe, is an abstract concept. In the context of Bangladesh, reality has multiple meanings. For instance, the fact that we are Bangladeshi is a significant reality. But who defines this? We could argue that the whole world is our home, but that’s not how society operates. Every country has its land, people, and culture. Society defines boundaries, and the system tells us we are Bangladeshi, Americans, or others. In Bangladesh, another stark reality is poverty. Many people live below the poverty line and cannot meet their basic needs. Some have no roof over their heads and struggle to eat even two meals a day—something unimaginable to others. During a multimedia production project last semester, I spent a day with construction workers in Dhaka. I was shocked to see their working conditions. They labor under the scorching sun, boiling coal for pitch—a task in an unbearably hot and unsafe environment. I asked them how they endure it, and they replied, “It is our work, and we are bound to do it.” This is their reality—a harsh one—and it’s part of ours too. Another reality is the inequality faced by women. Women are often subjected to physical and mental abuse, a grim truth shaped by societal norms. Many people believe women are incapable of doing certain things and expect them to follow rules created by men. But this isn’t real to me. I believe I’m a smart woman, pursuing my education, and I will do what I want. What others think about me doesn’t concern me. My reality is that I live according to my beliefs and aspirations. Living in Dhaka presents its own challenges. The endless traffic jams, corruption, and issues with law enforcement are often accepted as unchangeable realities. However, I believe these are constructed illusions. We have solutions, but we don’t try to implement them. Instead, we have normalized these problems as part of our reality. For me, reality is something entirely different. I strive to evaluate things using my knowledge and reasoning. I refuse to accept illusions or blindly follow societal constructs. Reality, to me, is not external—it is deeply personal. It is what I am and my existance.

Sex issue Through a Bangladeshi Eye

Sex is a topic often kept secret in Bangladesh. Most people are not comfortable discussing it, as the socio-cultural structure of the country discourages open discourse on this matter. This is largely because Bangladesh is a nation deeply rooted in religious values—both among Muslims and Hindus—and people are expected to conform to societal norms and values. However, it is important to understand that sex is not a vulgar topic; rather, it is a matter of education and awareness. In recent years, AIDS has become a significant public health issue. One of the primary causes of AIDS is linked to unsafe sexual practices. I remember when I was in school, there were songs about AIDS broadcast in the media. However, they failed to clearly explain how AIDS is transmitted or what precautions people should take. Instead, awareness campaigns depicted a man in a wheelchair, covered in a white cloth, with a black cat nearby, and no one around to help him. As a child, I mistakenly believed the black cat caused AIDS. Thankfully, the media’s approach has changed over time. Now, campaigns emphasize the message: “If you want to live, you have to know.” The media is playing an important role in raising awareness. However, these efforts remain confined to the media and have not yet penetrated the family space. Many families still switch off the television or change the channel when advertisements or discussions related to sex or AIDS are aired, believing such content is harmful for teenagers. This is problematic because adolescence is a crucial period of physical and mental development. Teenagers need a clear understanding of relationships and sexual health. Unfortunately, many children and teenagers in Bangladesh become victims of sexual harassment but are unable to share their experiences with their parents, who often consider sex a taboo subject. In contrast, some foreign countries include sex education as a formal part of their school curriculum. Even in India, sensitive topics are discussed in schools. In Bangladesh, however, schools avoid these issues entirely, leaving the younger generation uninformed and vulnerable. As a result, many young people lack an understanding of what is right or wrong and fall prey to exploitation. For instance, video game shops often expose children to sexual content, and many teenagers become addicted to pornography, which negatively affects their lives. I believe this also contributes to the rising addiction to drugs like “Yaba.” Family upbringing plays a critical role in shaping attitudes toward these issues. Yet, the societal perception that boys and girls are fundamentally different often reinforces harmful stereotypes from a young age. This perception, coupled with limited guidance, leads to destructive behaviors among teenagers, including addiction to pornography and casual attitudes toward unhealthy relationships. This situation must change. Society and family systems need to evolve to address these challenges. Media can play a pivotal role by disseminating educational programs, dramas, and news targeted at teenagers. Schools should also employ counselors to provide students with proper guidance on these topics. Despite the current challenges, I remain hopeful that this situation will improve. Change takes time, but with consistent effort, a more informed and open society can be achieved.