democracy vs dictatorship

Terms like ‘democracy’ and ‘dictatorship’ are more often than not misinterpreted and misapplied. A crystal clear understanding of these terms is then clouded by any contextual inferences or personal biases that individuals concerned may attach to them. This in turn is dangerous as individuals associated with either phenomena are in threat of being enclosed in boxes of stereotypes – shielding us from the bigger picture. The ‘democracy vs. dictatorship’ debate merely becomes a noisy squabble arguing for petty personal preferences. Therefore, to insure clarity of understanding, it is imperative that by eliminating all mental cobwebs both terms are defined firstly.

The word ‘democracy’ hails from the Greek word ‘demokratía’ that translates as ‘government of the people’. Democracy is hence the type of government that allows all capable individuals to be a part of the state’s governing. All citizens have an indirect or direct part to play in influencing the laws of the country. It is a right provided by the constitution. It is a system that promises a voice for everybody. Democracies hope to be signified by social justice without ethnic, able-ist or sexist constraints.

On the other hand a ‘dictatorship’ is simply put a ‘one man show’. A dictator, in the Pakistani context is somebody who usually takes power through the military’s assistance and has full, authoritative control over the country’s affairs. A dictator boasts the principles of responsibility, discipline and submission. Dictatorships are signified by a clear-cut oneness. One leader, the nation is viewed as one entity and hence one system of ruling is exercised for the entire nation. The dictator leaves no room for confusion or chaos.

Even though, democracy represents freed...

... middle of paper ...

...cy. We have always endured a dictatorship be it in the form of a military dictatorship or a civilian dictatorship. That is the truth; democracy is a case of wishful thinking coming into play.

In conclusion, dictatorship and not democracy is the best option for Pakistan’s system of government. The arguments against dictatorship are faulty and irrational. Democracy in Pakistan has never manifested in a form that promises freedom and the right to change. Pakistani democracy represents corruption and false promises. Dictatorship on the hand represents morals, self-sacrifice and discipline – what Pakistan lacks and desperately pleads for. Gazing down history, Pakistan does better in dictatorships even if problems are endured. Nothing is ever perfect, we must realize that. The entire system is crooked and even if we must tolerate, we must. For the greater good, we must.