Don't Know/ Can't Say

Yesterday, while reading the newspaper, I came upon a survey report. It was a usual survey, carried out for the news article itself. And hence, like most surveys, people's responses were in three categories, 'YES, 'NO', 'DON'T KNOW/CAN'T SAY'. 

Now the last one is pretty interesting. There could be so many triggers behind this response. People might actually not know what they think of the particular issue, another possibility is that they may be confused about their own opinions of the issue. There are chances that people don't want to answer out of fear, intimidation, etc.

There is a possibility that the person being surveyed is of the ideology of always taking the middle path. They cannot take a stand, and even if they can, they choose not to, and hence, the 'don't know/can't say' response comes to their rescue. 

Another reason why people would choose this particular response, could be the nature of the issue being addressed. I noticed that out of several questions asked in this particular survey, a majority of people have chosen this response for some questions. It could mean that the response also depends upon how controversial or sensitive the issue is, and it also highlights the tendency of common people, where they try to avoid any uncomfortable issues and questions.

Thus, a common response which is often considered insignificant, could give out so much, not just about people's mentality, but also about the issue being addressed. It mirrors the insecurities and uncertainties that prevail among the masses. Also, it highlights the extent of ambivalence or hesitancy regarding certain issues and ideas.

We all have, at some point or other in our lives, been at the place where our only response to a query or question has been, 'don't know/ can't say', because uncertainty and indecision are the part and parcel of being human.

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