We the people, you the populace

CK Lal is a writer and columnist based in Kathmandu.

Published on

Got to recognise

Who is the real builder?

Who is the true martyr?

Who is the right leader?

Who is an authentic poet?

Which is the genuine song?

Shrawan Mukarung in Utkhanan

There are certain questions that 'mass' media never raise. What exactly is the definition of 'people' in the expression, "We, the people"? What constitutes 'public'? What makes for the 'populace'? What differentiates citizenry from consumers? Who decides on these definitions, for these everyday terms create conditions for fierce political contestations? The dynamism, stagnation, decay or destruction of a society depends, among other things, on definitions agreed upon by opinion leaders. Mythmakers are important, but no less crucial are the role of makers of meaning, for they are the ones who set the terms of public discourse.

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