One of the things you learn from watching epic movies and TV shows like Game of Thrones and the like, long before humanity became less trusting, you’ll learn how much people relied on things that were told to them without any means of confirming them. You could tell them anything, and people will have no choice but to believe you, as long as there is no one to counter your claims.
And then, the higher your standing in society, the more believable you become. And when it comes to two people arguing about something, the truth will most likely be seen to come from the tongue of the more powerful and affluent person. That’s how phrases like “you’d take the word of a peasant over mine? A Noble?” came into being. And even today, it’s still very much active.
Back in the day, people placed a lot of stock in things like honor and family reputation. The family name was sacred and should never be sullied. That’s why you could go anywhere and call your father, or your grandfather’s name, and just because of the reputation, doors might open for you. You’ll find things happening for your own good, and most of the time, by no act of your own.
But sadly, many times, this kind of blessing comes with a price. When people get more concerned about the family standing and the family reputation, it starts being more about the family and living up to its legacy than the individual components of the family themselves finding their own path outside of the whole. Because in the end, the family is bigger than everyone else, and so their private needs and dreams are secondary. They only do what they believe is best for the family, everything else will have to take the backseat.
And that’s why many atrocities get covered because it would taint the family name. Rapists are protected, people are forced into relationships they don’t want to have, and kids take career paths they don’t want for themselves. Everything is simply to elevate the family. On the outside, it’s all good, and they’re a family to be envied. But then, it all comes at a huge price. It’s all highly dependent on everyone playing their role to the tee, or it will come crashing down.
It’s all smoke and mirrors. Until one false report or one accusation destroys everything. And this brings me back to how my post started. All we had in the past was our word. I simply give you my word that I would do something, and then you go on believing that I would do it. Hell, if I don’t even live long enough to get it done, my child will be sure to also keep the promise. That’s how legacies are passed down through bloodlines and word of mouth.
So, what am I trying to say? In the past, people went to great lengths to have a good reputation and build a solid name, so that wherever it was mentioned, people knew what it stood for. And today, it’s very much different. People only tell stories, and if you don’t believe them, that’s just your cup of tea. Simple and short.
Do I prefer the old days when people could be taken at their word, or now that people have to prove being good before they’re believed? Honestly, I just don’t know. The thought just struck me, and I felt compelled to share it.
N.B: All images used in this post are mine. The thumbnail was designed using Canva.
