A Reddit user recently shared a candid and emotionally charged post expressing deep frustration over the current state of affairs in India. The user questioned the idea of national pride in light of persistent societal issues, writing, “Proud to be Indian? Look around—rape, filth, corruption, and apathy.”
The post begins with a blunt admission: “Sometimes I genuinely hate being an Indian because this country is a mix of filth, chaos, and hypocrisy”.
The writer goes on to describe how difficult it is to feel patriotic when surrounded by systemic problems that include widespread violence against women, lack of sanitation, political dishonesty, and a general lack of civic responsibility.
The user pointed to everyday observations—drivers disregarding traffic rules, people spitting or littering in public spaces, and social divisions rooted in religion and caste—as reflections of deeper societal dysfunction. They also highlighted a concerning level of desensitization to crime, noting how even serious offenses fail to elicit public outrage.
There was also frustration about the disconnect between taxes paid and the quality of public services. “We bleed taxes through GST, income tax, tolls, and cess only to get potholes, garbage mountains, and cities drowning after one rain, while our money vanishes into corruption and political drama”.
The post continued with criticism of the country’s self-perception. Despite these issues, the user noted, India is often portrayed as an emerging global power. However, in their view, essentials like clean streets, safety for women, reliable infrastructure, and mutual respect are still out of reach for many citizens. “Still, we thump our chests calling ourselves a “superpower” while living in a country where clean streets, women’s safety, functional infrastructure, and basic respect for each other are luxuries”.
In the final remarks, the user expressed a sense of helplessness. “Sometimes it just feels like the majority of us don’t care as long as our own bubble isn’t disturbed, and it’s depressing as hell to watch a nation with so much talent and potential rotting in ignorance, apathy, and mediocrity.”
Public Response on Social Media
Many users on Reddit and other platforms resonated with the original post, sharing their own observations and frustrations.
One commenter pointed to poor traffic conditions and ineffective law enforcement, writing, “Just drive one kilometer and you’ll see what this country has become. Traffic rules are meaningless. Millions were spent on surveillance cameras, and no one knows what they’re for.”
Another user described the country as being perceived negatively on the global stage, calling it “the laughing stock of the world.”
Others shared personal anecdotes reflecting the normalization of poor civic behavior. One individual recalled an incident where they were mocked by friends for choosing to keep candy wrappers in their bag instead of littering. “They found it hilarious,” the user said.
Some responses even took on a more existential tone. One commenter wrote, “To be honest, not even proud to be human,” reflecting a broader disillusionment beyond national boundaries.
The Reddit post has since been taken down. — mint
