Think Again, by Adam Grant discusses some complex yet psychologically and scientifically relevant matters that determine our thinking, henceforth, the outcome drawn from our inherent capacity, mindset. The book presents lessons we can adopt for improving the decisions we make in conflicts, leadership role, relationships, or social interaction.

Adam Grant’s interpretation can challenge the mindset we’ve developed from life experiences; however, the lessons are simple and impactful that can transform our motivation towards life in general. For example, it was the innate skill of ‘listening’ that enabled efforts to resolve conflicts between the government of Uganda and the Lord’s Resistance Army. Betty Bigombe was later called ‘mother’ by the anti-government forces because she only ‘listened’ than offering resolutions to the conflicts. That’s the power to empower others find creative solutions.

The book proficiently explains that our opinions and beliefs tend to trap us in unconscious bias that hinders our creative thinking, and we usually fall into the mindset of three professions: i) preachers, ii) prosecutors and iii) politicians. We become preachers when people’s beliefs seem to challenge our ideology and we begin advocating for the sake of combating contradicting ideas. We turn to prosecutor mode to find flaws in people’s opinions to the extent that we dismiss others having any opinions. Then we become politicians seeking validation from everyone for our opinions. I’ve been engaged in community development activities for many years and can affirm that people’s capability in offering solutions are constrained by the unconscious bias we usually deny possessing. When we build curiosity for the purpose of learning, we can recognize flaws in our views; when our pride is replaced by humility, people will connect with our purpose. Rethinking requires consistent nurturing of the ability to learn and unlearn than becoming persistent in changing other people’s beliefs/ opinions only because we assert that we are right. The logic they offer: because we think differently.

Hazaras In New Zealand

New Zealand is home to a few thousand Hazaras (ethnic group from the Central Highland region in Afghanistan) who are spread across both North and South Islands. The first families arrived by the famous Tampa Ship in 2001. That was literally the introduction of New Zealand to most Hazaras and more Hazaras decided to migrate in the wake of generosity and hospitality of the people and government of New Zealand. The second largest group of Afghans (Hazaras) arrived in 2013 with the withdrawal of NZ military forces from Bamyan, where they had established a Provincial Reconstruction Team from August 2003 – 2013. Then in 2021, another group was evacuated through an emergency program, who were involved in implementing security and development operations of New Zealand government before the infamous fall of Afghan government in August 2021. And there are those who came through refugee quota, professional and student visas or family reunification programs.

We are a small community but growing bigger and better. One judgement always surprised me, that is the question about the level of our unity as an ethnic group and criticizing religious practices of those who live by their belief system. We have been persecuted for our identity, religious belief, and democratic values. We felt the loss of our brothers & sisters in target killing and inhumane treatment of Hazaras in the neighbouring countries of Afghanistan and we mourned on the systematic killing of our students and politicians in Afghanistan every time. I come from the part of Afghanistan with some of the greatest Hazaragi musicians/ artists. And I was brought up in an environment, where we recognized Hazaragi culture, religious and cultural ceremonies with pride. I frequently come across questions like: why do Hazaras spend thousands on religious activities and not on cultural events/ entertainment? We need to study the history of Hazaras where religion was source of therapy, social structure, and purpose amid institutionalized prejudice and later persecution by those in majority. Why do people commemorate an event that happened in Karbala some 1400 years ago? I wish I could explain how Christianity became religion of more than 2 billion across the world which began in the Middle East, why there are Hindus beyond India and what made Persians/ Iranians become Jewish. I’m not a defender of those practicing their faith but we need to acknowledge the resource mobilization and financial management system of the institutions that mobilize both human and financial resources to meet the needs (spiritual, emotional, and social) of their followers. Or else, we should strengthen congruity, celebrate diversity of belief, and find harmony for ourselves. The best example was, ‘The Hazara culture Day 2024’ organized by United Hazara Association, New Zealand.

Hazara Culture Day

Hazara Culture Day is celebrated on 19^th May as a movement to recognize our identity and honour the cultural uniqueness that made us a resilient ethnic group. It was the first-ever mega celebration of Hazara Culture Day in New Zealand where music, vibrant handicrafts and educational activities were integrated in a way that created a sense of community, oneness and jubilation. Beside celebrating the rich culture, it was an opportunity to cherish uniqueness of Hazaragi heritage, foster respect among each other, and to promote creativity in presenting our culture prominently and proudly.

Watching people dressed in Hazaragi costumes was affirming the sense of self-worth that is passed down to the younger generation. The representation of women in the form of facilitators, performers, and volunteers was refreshing maintaining the definite standards of inclusion and board-mindedness. Two stalls displaying Hazaragi handicrafts and books with references about Hazarajat, Hazaragi culture and history welcomed the guests at the entrance. The speakers spoke of our valour at times of war, paid tribute to the heroes honouring our identity in sports, politics, art and literature. Every great name they called made me realize the positive impact they’ve had, which is often under-appreciated. The singers not only entertained the audiences but inspired everyone with their lyrics and beautiful Hazaragi storytelling, such a cathartic experience after years. There was quiz competition between two teams, poetry, and dance performances but the highlight was Question for the Audience (trivia). The hosts asked the audience the meaning of Hazaragi words/ expressions, and they did not fall short of expectations _such an engaging activity. 

The hosts made it a family-oriented and culturally entertaining event with their brilliant, befitting, and amusing hosting. The delivery of poems, announcing segments and getting the audiences to applaud was adequately Hazaragi. Thumbs up to them.  

Final Thoughts

We should safeguard our community union and ensure the continuity of these events regardless of differences. It’s everyone’s responsibility to enhance a support system where we feel protected while practicing our democratic rights and celebrating the significance of our culture and traditions. It truly was a win for everyone; those organized and those who experienced it.

Ending this post with a line from the book, ‘The curse of knowledge is that it closes our minds to what we don’t know. Good judgement depends on having the skills – and the will – to open our minds’.

Jawad Jahid