ইংরেজি ২য় পত্র প্রশ্ন

(2.1) Pleasures of Backbiting

Backbiting means speaking ill of someone behind his back. It is a bad habit, yet most people feel a strange pleasure in it, which explains why it exists in every society.

The first reason is that backbiting gives a feeling of superiority. When we criticise others, we silently tell ourselves that we are better than them. This lifts our ego, even if only for a moment. Secondly, gossip creates a bond between people. Two friends who share a secret opinion about a third person feel closer, and a group chatting about an absent colleague feels united. Thirdly, backbiting is an easy form of entertainment. It needs no money or effort, and stories of other people's faults are more exciting than ordinary talk. Finally, some people use it to release their anger or jealousy, because they cannot say their feelings openly to the person concerned.

But this pleasure is shallow and short-lived. Backbiting destroys trust, spreads hatred and harms the reputation of innocent people. The person who backbites is also not trusted, because others fear that they will be the next topic. Religion and ethics both condemn it strongly. Moreover, the pleasure often turns into regret when the words reach the victim and break a relationship.

In conclusion, backbiting offers a cheap and temporary pleasure, but its cost is high. A wise person avoids it and chooses to speak well of others or to remain silent.