Why do people gossip ?

People gossip because they are afraid to speak their minds in open.

Why? The reasons are :

• There would be repercussions if the matter is spoken in front of the subject.
• There are no avenue to voice a person's opinion.

In open society e.g. Western countries, people tend to be straightforward about things. They speak directly in front of the subject because they know the western culture values truthfulness and freedom of expression.

However, things are not the same in Eastern countries or even in religious-environment. Talking truthfully would invite repercussion and retaliation. That is why ancient Eastern scribes and poets masked their criticism in satirical works or ridiculous stories.

In some religious organisation, speaking truthfully but with an opposing view would invite trouble for the speaker. He may be viewed as being rebellious for having a different opinion. These organisations do not value much differed opinions as all they want their members to do is not to question but toe the line. Thus he has to say things in privately.

Yes, we all hate gossips especially if someone are talking about us behind our back. But do we give him a chance to say things in the open or are we going to label him as being rebellious and retaliate if he does?

When someone gossips about us, there maybe something wrong with us.