This should have been the meaning of the current Indian Premiere league in India. When one looks at the amount of money invested in this league, one is saddened by this spectacle. This league is the symbol for the inequalities through which India is going through. But, i guess, since it is entertainment and glamor, it will be sidetracked like a lot of other issues.
The power of entertainment and glamor is evident here. Since, media's obsession with celebrities combines quiet well with people's own intrinsic gossip demands, the premier league fits their demand perfectly. For people not knowing what the IPL is, it is a cricket event formatted on the lines of football's English premiere league. Players from all over the world have been drafted for this league, promoting Cricket's new format, 20-20.
On the other hand, we have a sport like Hockey that has won us accolades abroad. I will admit that i have seen very few matches of hockey, but having read its history and its dominance, i cannot stand this slow and unnoticed death of this sport. If 6 crores can be invested in one player, why cant that same amount go into rebuilding and re modifying the infrastructure of hockey? If something is invested in one sport, then something should be invested in the other. This is the real motto of healthy capitalist competition.
But, the unfortunate thing here is, one sport is being invested in heavily, leading to the other getting killed off. Hockey is not followed by the youth, and attempts by broadcasters have led to minimum appeal and lack of sponsors. If someone does sponsor it, they suffer losses. The end result of all that has been no competitive league to encourage youngsters, no up gradation of infrastructure and not qualifying for the Beijing Olympics.
Unfair practices are shunned by ordinary people in their lives, but the generation today is unaware of the unfairness that is happening right in front of their eyes. The rich-poor divide is evident. But, in order to shun value judgment and fairness, i can add is the short time of the event. Can the media highlight the plight of the other sports on a regular basis? If this event lasts for 60 days, can the media show reports of how other sports are suffering in India?
Entertainment has always been important, but not at the cost of competition. The IPL vs Hockey is like a Goliath against nobody. It will take a lot for hockey to be David, but the unfortunate thing is it will still loose out.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
The Anti-Rich crusade
This is not a call for a class war. For generations, in Capitalistic societies, the rich and have always dominated the poor. The rich have wielded the clout, and they control every aspect of society. The rich have a tendency for vested interests, and this puts aspirations of others in the docks. The rich are responsible for inequality and social unrest, but it is the poor's apathy and helplessness which makes it unacceptable.
The influence of the rich is such that we are now seeing it in all forms. In polarized capitalist societies like India, the poor, a majority, tend to be marginalized. The rich occupy all aspects and mindsets. Everywhere you see, majority of the films are on rich aspirations, the economy is at an elitist level. The current sporting trends is the IPL (Indian Premiere league), which is a money making machine and no guarantee of talent.
In culture, economy and sports, the rich are dominating, which is a natural order of life. No one cares about the poor, and why should they? It is an accepted mindset that the poor should be kept poor, so that a status quo is not disturbed. There is no concrete method of equal distribution of resources. There are various methods of alienating the poor, because of the clout that the rich wield.
Certain films can show ways of how to fight inequality. Certain politicians can lead the crusade against inequality. Media can create awareness on such issues of inequality. But, for majority of citizens, this will not be an issue. Everyday issues of instant materialistic demands makes them ineffective to fight inequality. Hedonism and materialism are dominant, while only few fools can think about fighting inequality.
The influence of the rich is such that we are now seeing it in all forms. In polarized capitalist societies like India, the poor, a majority, tend to be marginalized. The rich occupy all aspects and mindsets. Everywhere you see, majority of the films are on rich aspirations, the economy is at an elitist level. The current sporting trends is the IPL (Indian Premiere league), which is a money making machine and no guarantee of talent.
In culture, economy and sports, the rich are dominating, which is a natural order of life. No one cares about the poor, and why should they? It is an accepted mindset that the poor should be kept poor, so that a status quo is not disturbed. There is no concrete method of equal distribution of resources. There are various methods of alienating the poor, because of the clout that the rich wield.
Certain films can show ways of how to fight inequality. Certain politicians can lead the crusade against inequality. Media can create awareness on such issues of inequality. But, for majority of citizens, this will not be an issue. Everyday issues of instant materialistic demands makes them ineffective to fight inequality. Hedonism and materialism are dominant, while only few fools can think about fighting inequality.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
A common man's fantasy
A common man has a very simple taste. His perception of many things is quiet different than many people. Now, a common man is detached from the thinking that urban elites indulge in. Urban elites are the symbol of consumerism, materialism as well as 'superior'. However, in comes Capitalism, and through its most creative medium, advertising, brings the common man to the level of the elite.
The ads about Air Deccan, some time ago, pitted a common man's fantasy to fly in a plane. Now, due to the multiple interpretations of ads, it is very difficult to pinpoint the exact motive. One of the angles was indeed of common individuals rising to the level of the elite. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Indeed, convenient travel is a birthright of every individual who can afford it.
But, i cant think but imagine that Advertising is also cleverly fooling the people. There are moments when on the surface, the costs are cheap, but there are a lot of hidden costs. There are only certain circumstances in which the air-fare is cheap. The next set of problems arise when people decide to want more, and thrash the services of the flight. Lots of cases have been reported where people thrash the service the flight offers.
Advertising, in this case, proves that it only increases the greed of the common man. When he gets a service, the demands start to rise and the greed also rises simultaneously. Capitalism and advertising serves to increase greed, which disrupts the mental outlook that the common man may have, and he begins to think what he is not. The path provided by advertising between the ordinary and the prosperous will serve as a test case for sociologists and psychologists in this century. This case will be dealt with at length, because it is immense and also with no other alternative.
The ads about Air Deccan, some time ago, pitted a common man's fantasy to fly in a plane. Now, due to the multiple interpretations of ads, it is very difficult to pinpoint the exact motive. One of the angles was indeed of common individuals rising to the level of the elite. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Indeed, convenient travel is a birthright of every individual who can afford it.
But, i cant think but imagine that Advertising is also cleverly fooling the people. There are moments when on the surface, the costs are cheap, but there are a lot of hidden costs. There are only certain circumstances in which the air-fare is cheap. The next set of problems arise when people decide to want more, and thrash the services of the flight. Lots of cases have been reported where people thrash the service the flight offers.
Advertising, in this case, proves that it only increases the greed of the common man. When he gets a service, the demands start to rise and the greed also rises simultaneously. Capitalism and advertising serves to increase greed, which disrupts the mental outlook that the common man may have, and he begins to think what he is not. The path provided by advertising between the ordinary and the prosperous will serve as a test case for sociologists and psychologists in this century. This case will be dealt with at length, because it is immense and also with no other alternative.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
What about the other side?
From the time my colleague criticized me about my writing on the Tibet issue, i have been obsessed with the multiple perspectives that can be possible on any story. I have often wondered as to how it would be if all sides are considered. The conclusion that can be derived is that lack of space, time and understanding all stand in a way of being well-informed.
Watching an edition of Inside Africa on CNN today, I was marveled that somebody at least showed the other side of a continent. Africa has always been in the news due to conflict, famine, floods, droughts, AIDS, tribal warfare and other negative stories. But, today, we saw an Africa which is real in our subconsciousness. The Africa with a thriving culture, great films focusing on their themes and also the trend setters in African society.
Africa is also like any other continent. For far too long, the whole world has seen Africa as a depressing place. Even today, if we ask any person about the first impression that he gets on hearing Africa, he would blurt out conflict and tribalism. Now, only few media outlets are focusing on the Africa that is real and possibly one which is rich and unique.
Ignore the fact that it was done by CNN. They may focus intensely on the problems in Darfur, Zimbabwe, Central Africa and various issues, but we can at least be satisfied that it is willing to show the other side of Africa as well. The expectations for other media to pursue the same line could be problematic, but somewhere, they are trying to give the world the other perspective.
Watching an edition of Inside Africa on CNN today, I was marveled that somebody at least showed the other side of a continent. Africa has always been in the news due to conflict, famine, floods, droughts, AIDS, tribal warfare and other negative stories. But, today, we saw an Africa which is real in our subconsciousness. The Africa with a thriving culture, great films focusing on their themes and also the trend setters in African society.
Africa is also like any other continent. For far too long, the whole world has seen Africa as a depressing place. Even today, if we ask any person about the first impression that he gets on hearing Africa, he would blurt out conflict and tribalism. Now, only few media outlets are focusing on the Africa that is real and possibly one which is rich and unique.
Ignore the fact that it was done by CNN. They may focus intensely on the problems in Darfur, Zimbabwe, Central Africa and various issues, but we can at least be satisfied that it is willing to show the other side of Africa as well. The expectations for other media to pursue the same line could be problematic, but somewhere, they are trying to give the world the other perspective.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
The flame simmers, for now!
The Quota verdict has now set in, and the Indian public and the media are scrambling ways to deal with this new change. For outsiders, the Quota verdict is the increase in the number of seats in educational institutes for the less privileged classes. There are two issues which can be highlighted. The very concept of change and reform has had a rethink and also a layman's understanding of Public Opinion.
People and the media have always called upon change. Reform of any kind which benefits the greater populace is always welcome. But, the hidden thought could be that the people themselves may wind up not opening to change. Change, as a term, is so vague that people tend to dismiss it quickly. The status quo makes the people beneficiaries in a system, and the overhaul makes them resistant to the would-be benefits in a new system.
Public Opinion has been the odd man out in Democracies. Lots of times, issues and laws have been raised by governments which have challenged the status quo. The issue of Social justics and positive discrimination are a case in point. In areas of education and work, this may lead to turbulences which can test the democratic foundations of the state or degenerate it.
Changes in the social scenario and changes in the economic front are always hard to comprehend. In this case, it would be better to trust the policy makers at the top. They are brave enough to do something which ordinary citizens are not raising. But, the solution is tainted if the politicians play dirty tricks or do not take into account the pros and the cons within the system. The reservation issue is like that in some way. The outcome is desirable, but it seems the government is fiddling with the system, threatening its collapse.
The bottomline now is that the fire has been set, and the flames will continue to simmer for a long time, as it involves people of all strata. Since it is has been bought out in the open, the people are left with two choices. Either destroy the system by bringing it to a halt or help the government in promoting a utopia called equality.
People and the media have always called upon change. Reform of any kind which benefits the greater populace is always welcome. But, the hidden thought could be that the people themselves may wind up not opening to change. Change, as a term, is so vague that people tend to dismiss it quickly. The status quo makes the people beneficiaries in a system, and the overhaul makes them resistant to the would-be benefits in a new system.
Public Opinion has been the odd man out in Democracies. Lots of times, issues and laws have been raised by governments which have challenged the status quo. The issue of Social justics and positive discrimination are a case in point. In areas of education and work, this may lead to turbulences which can test the democratic foundations of the state or degenerate it.
Changes in the social scenario and changes in the economic front are always hard to comprehend. In this case, it would be better to trust the policy makers at the top. They are brave enough to do something which ordinary citizens are not raising. But, the solution is tainted if the politicians play dirty tricks or do not take into account the pros and the cons within the system. The reservation issue is like that in some way. The outcome is desirable, but it seems the government is fiddling with the system, threatening its collapse.
The bottomline now is that the fire has been set, and the flames will continue to simmer for a long time, as it involves people of all strata. Since it is has been bought out in the open, the people are left with two choices. Either destroy the system by bringing it to a halt or help the government in promoting a utopia called equality.
The basis of value judgement
The world wants to make sense of events by attaching a certain value to it. Things are either good or bad, and it is this determination which brings about change in the world. However, is value judgment essential? Nowadays, classifying everything as good or bad exposes its own problems. George.W.Bush has tried it, and the whole world is in a dangerous state at the moment. We are just not able to understand that many things are a shade of gray nowadays.
I have used this blog as a method of expressing opinion in a balanced way. But, I feel that I have misinterpreted the meaning of balanced. By giving out opinions, i have fallen into the trap of value judgment. Giving two sides is alright, but giving out many sides, such that the pre-conceived notions are shattered is a real challenge. The media of today are guilty of not giving many perspectives. The public is guilty of apathy as well as lack of seriousness.
Two events have really made the need for the removal of value judgment essential. The protests of the Chinese crackdown in Tibet and the Quota judgment are the starting point from which value judgment could be sidelined. The facts are situational, because these two issues are very hard to pinpoint.
Tibet, as mentioned in previous posts by majority of media, is the peg upon which the world is wanting to hate China. But, if one has to look at it from a Chinese viewpoint, this is a simple aberration. If looked at hindsight, the independence of Tibet may be counter-productive to its own development. If independence is ever achieved, then its viability and sustainability comes into question. The issue will always remain that the world remains unknown of Tibet's real aspirations. The world has gobbled up the propaganda of the west, and is jumping into protests without knowing the true picture.
But, Independence and its issues are such that our mind allows pre-conceived notions to establish our frame of thinking. The emotions that it generates leads to absolute polarization, and this thought can be put out also in the Quota debate that is threatening to polarize India.
The Supreme court verdict on backward class reservation is out. The basic issue of Merit versus Caste has always being a constant talking point in Indian society, and today it is a divisive force threatening to bring about disruption. Now, on this issue, it is instinctive that the media take sides. The magnitude of lives being affected of generations, as well as the thought of revamping the system, is daunting. But, the court's verdict could be the tonic of social justice that the country needs. It is always the question of how this is framed. For the media and several peer groups, the question of merit vs caste will be the framework. For students, it is for versus against reservation. For detached and ordinary individuals, it is change versus turmoil.
Issues by nature are sometimes intent on bringing out pre-conceived notions among the public. Tibet and the Quota system are several of the many which are there in the world. If the media claim that by painting everything good or bad is making the public aware, then they are truly mistaken. This has made the public isolated from the world, and has made them vulnerable.
Tibet and the Quota verdict are watersheds from which the world must know that no issue in this world is black and white. Everything is painted in shades of gray, and that every issue has multiple perspectives. The problem, with the advent of technology, is that people want to make quick decisions, and the media, for more advertising money, complies with not covering all perspectives. The 21st century should now usher in the 'Principles of Multi-Perspectives', not "Principles of Objectivity'.
I have used this blog as a method of expressing opinion in a balanced way. But, I feel that I have misinterpreted the meaning of balanced. By giving out opinions, i have fallen into the trap of value judgment. Giving two sides is alright, but giving out many sides, such that the pre-conceived notions are shattered is a real challenge. The media of today are guilty of not giving many perspectives. The public is guilty of apathy as well as lack of seriousness.
Two events have really made the need for the removal of value judgment essential. The protests of the Chinese crackdown in Tibet and the Quota judgment are the starting point from which value judgment could be sidelined. The facts are situational, because these two issues are very hard to pinpoint.
Tibet, as mentioned in previous posts by majority of media, is the peg upon which the world is wanting to hate China. But, if one has to look at it from a Chinese viewpoint, this is a simple aberration. If looked at hindsight, the independence of Tibet may be counter-productive to its own development. If independence is ever achieved, then its viability and sustainability comes into question. The issue will always remain that the world remains unknown of Tibet's real aspirations. The world has gobbled up the propaganda of the west, and is jumping into protests without knowing the true picture.
But, Independence and its issues are such that our mind allows pre-conceived notions to establish our frame of thinking. The emotions that it generates leads to absolute polarization, and this thought can be put out also in the Quota debate that is threatening to polarize India.
The Supreme court verdict on backward class reservation is out. The basic issue of Merit versus Caste has always being a constant talking point in Indian society, and today it is a divisive force threatening to bring about disruption. Now, on this issue, it is instinctive that the media take sides. The magnitude of lives being affected of generations, as well as the thought of revamping the system, is daunting. But, the court's verdict could be the tonic of social justice that the country needs. It is always the question of how this is framed. For the media and several peer groups, the question of merit vs caste will be the framework. For students, it is for versus against reservation. For detached and ordinary individuals, it is change versus turmoil.
Issues by nature are sometimes intent on bringing out pre-conceived notions among the public. Tibet and the Quota system are several of the many which are there in the world. If the media claim that by painting everything good or bad is making the public aware, then they are truly mistaken. This has made the public isolated from the world, and has made them vulnerable.
Tibet and the Quota verdict are watersheds from which the world must know that no issue in this world is black and white. Everything is painted in shades of gray, and that every issue has multiple perspectives. The problem, with the advent of technology, is that people want to make quick decisions, and the media, for more advertising money, complies with not covering all perspectives. The 21st century should now usher in the 'Principles of Multi-Perspectives', not "Principles of Objectivity'.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
The Grey Zone
The Olympic torch disruption has thrown up several obstacles to China. Paris, London and other cities where the torch is due to be relayed are facing massive protests and promises of disruption. While the Chinese are worried about the present and the future, everybody's wondering whats next.
However, ordinary people as well as journalists have overlooked certain basic facts. The tendency to paint everything black and white, overlooking the other side, have become predominant of media coverage of certain issues. The background is also interesting. If the Olympics were not held, then these protests would be dismissed as mere disturbances. Instead, the occasion of the Olympic torch relay has given protesters their 15 seconds of fame.
The media, especially the Chinese print media, have written columns, which bear resemblance to Joseph Goebbels propaganda speeches. This has shown the problem with authoritarian one party states, as well as the factor of world apathy. The Chinese government can now do it freely, because of their economic clout. It is mainly due to economics, and the timidity of other nations, that these actions can be done. All these efforts will not hinder the Olympics being held spectacularly.
China has done a lot of this, and it has gotten away with it. The fact is China is economically interconnected with the world and other nations have huge economic interest and investments. This means that any nation will think twice about speaking out against China. This was witnessed in Myanmar, where no nation spoke out, and the same will happen for Tibet.
If a person watches Chinese media, then it is here that they enter the gray zone. It is from this point that the lines of right and wrong blur. It is from here that the situation assumes vagueness rather than concreteness. The media, and primarily, the people of the world, are responsible for whats happening in Tibet.
This does not mean that China is right. It is once again using its muscle power brutally. But, the world is guilty because its policies are dictated by economics, not by human suffering. The media is also guilty, because it allows Parachute Journalism to be practiced. This practice is the main reason why the world does not care. People's apathy in the globe has changed the media for the worse.
They will be even guiltier, because once the Olympics are done, Tibet will be forgotten. This situation is like a gigantic tidal wave. The protests are the build up to the wave, a volatile situation which could erupt in the coming months is the peak and it will all be forgotten by the time the Olympics are done and dusted.
However, ordinary people as well as journalists have overlooked certain basic facts. The tendency to paint everything black and white, overlooking the other side, have become predominant of media coverage of certain issues. The background is also interesting. If the Olympics were not held, then these protests would be dismissed as mere disturbances. Instead, the occasion of the Olympic torch relay has given protesters their 15 seconds of fame.
The media, especially the Chinese print media, have written columns, which bear resemblance to Joseph Goebbels propaganda speeches. This has shown the problem with authoritarian one party states, as well as the factor of world apathy. The Chinese government can now do it freely, because of their economic clout. It is mainly due to economics, and the timidity of other nations, that these actions can be done. All these efforts will not hinder the Olympics being held spectacularly.
China has done a lot of this, and it has gotten away with it. The fact is China is economically interconnected with the world and other nations have huge economic interest and investments. This means that any nation will think twice about speaking out against China. This was witnessed in Myanmar, where no nation spoke out, and the same will happen for Tibet.
If a person watches Chinese media, then it is here that they enter the gray zone. It is from this point that the lines of right and wrong blur. It is from here that the situation assumes vagueness rather than concreteness. The media, and primarily, the people of the world, are responsible for whats happening in Tibet.
This does not mean that China is right. It is once again using its muscle power brutally. But, the world is guilty because its policies are dictated by economics, not by human suffering. The media is also guilty, because it allows Parachute Journalism to be practiced. This practice is the main reason why the world does not care. People's apathy in the globe has changed the media for the worse.
They will be even guiltier, because once the Olympics are done, Tibet will be forgotten. This situation is like a gigantic tidal wave. The protests are the build up to the wave, a volatile situation which could erupt in the coming months is the peak and it will all be forgotten by the time the Olympics are done and dusted.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
The whole world is watching
A promising future, a ruined present, but still full of hope. This sums up the plight of Zimbabwe of today. When it was born from the ashes of Rhodesia, it was the bright light of Africa. Now, that light has been shattered by a proud tyrant. But, there is a slim chance that the light could be lit, if the elections currently are any indication. We could see the end of tyranny in Zimbabwe, but nothing is sure till the end.
Robert Mugabe, the president of Zimbabwe ever sicne its birth, has systematically destroyed the foundations of it. Using the past as a weapon as well as to consolidate his power, he has destroyed the promise that Zimbabwe once held. A thriving bread basket, a net exporter of food and minerals, it now has nothing. It only has one thing to boast, a record inflation touching five digits or unofficially six digits. A loaf of bread is worth a years salary for ordinary zimbabweans.
What went wrong? Everything. Mao Zedong once exclaimed that, "In order for (China) to save itself, it needs to destroy itself". Mugabe, being an admirer of Mao, took it to the word. He was perhaps too caught up with Zimbabwe's past, and was too proud of his accomplishments of freeing blacks from white Rhodesian rulers. A freedom fighter, a hero, slowly turned into a villain, when it came to going back to the fundamentals as well as absolute power.
It began with the economy, and it has spread to every fibre of Zimbabwean life. In minerals, it is managing to sustain itself, although barely. In food, it has gone from bad to worse, and the value of its currency is now plummeted so low that the great depression is pale in comparison. The media is under the government, and in sports, notably cricket, it has being nothing short of a tragedy.
Zimbabwe were world beaters in Cricket, although not consistently. They have natural talent, and I as a cricket fan was always tense, because they would be so unpredictable. But, come 2000, when Mugabe's awry economic policies were implemented, many of the white players left the team in protest for the death of democracy. In 2003, a famous incident of a black cricketer, named Henry Olonga, wore an arm-band in the world cup in South Africa. He retired from Cricket, and now lives in exile in the UK.
Leaving Cricket aside, i am stil amazed at the positivity and resillience of ordinary Zimbabweans. Any other group of people would have indulged in anarchy or violence of destructive proportions. But, Mugabe's suppression has even blocked that option out. People are looking to this election for hope, and one that will end the turmoil that Mugabe has unleashed.
Thw whole world is watching, but only the people of Zimbabwe have the right to rid the wrong in their country. A glimmer of hope comes only once in a lifetime, and it is only now that the people can rid the wrong on their own. As someone who cares for Zimbabwe, although i am not one, I hope this election brings Zimbabwe the right results.
Robert Mugabe, the president of Zimbabwe ever sicne its birth, has systematically destroyed the foundations of it. Using the past as a weapon as well as to consolidate his power, he has destroyed the promise that Zimbabwe once held. A thriving bread basket, a net exporter of food and minerals, it now has nothing. It only has one thing to boast, a record inflation touching five digits or unofficially six digits. A loaf of bread is worth a years salary for ordinary zimbabweans.
What went wrong? Everything. Mao Zedong once exclaimed that, "In order for (China) to save itself, it needs to destroy itself". Mugabe, being an admirer of Mao, took it to the word. He was perhaps too caught up with Zimbabwe's past, and was too proud of his accomplishments of freeing blacks from white Rhodesian rulers. A freedom fighter, a hero, slowly turned into a villain, when it came to going back to the fundamentals as well as absolute power.
It began with the economy, and it has spread to every fibre of Zimbabwean life. In minerals, it is managing to sustain itself, although barely. In food, it has gone from bad to worse, and the value of its currency is now plummeted so low that the great depression is pale in comparison. The media is under the government, and in sports, notably cricket, it has being nothing short of a tragedy.
Zimbabwe were world beaters in Cricket, although not consistently. They have natural talent, and I as a cricket fan was always tense, because they would be so unpredictable. But, come 2000, when Mugabe's awry economic policies were implemented, many of the white players left the team in protest for the death of democracy. In 2003, a famous incident of a black cricketer, named Henry Olonga, wore an arm-band in the world cup in South Africa. He retired from Cricket, and now lives in exile in the UK.
Leaving Cricket aside, i am stil amazed at the positivity and resillience of ordinary Zimbabweans. Any other group of people would have indulged in anarchy or violence of destructive proportions. But, Mugabe's suppression has even blocked that option out. People are looking to this election for hope, and one that will end the turmoil that Mugabe has unleashed.
Thw whole world is watching, but only the people of Zimbabwe have the right to rid the wrong in their country. A glimmer of hope comes only once in a lifetime, and it is only now that the people can rid the wrong on their own. As someone who cares for Zimbabwe, although i am not one, I hope this election brings Zimbabwe the right results.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
The stupid media and the Stupid Indian
The heading must not be interpreted as insulting to Indians. This is an imagination of certain events that have put us in the bad light. I have to recollect certain random events, because the enormity is such that it can neither be fulfilled by time or space.
The media is absolutely stupid. Tabloidization and commercialization are the dominant trends of the day. The media is not the watchdog, but the hound-dog, which is not serious at all. One day, the media scandalizes a particular individual, the media labels a person a traitor and on some occasions the media hounds that person until he faces public humiliation. Personal incidences are bought out in full public view, and this reinforces the hypocracy that is morality. In another instance, the media highlights the plight of an old woman being beaten up by ignorant villagers, alleging she is a witch. Nothing is done, only accumulation of airtime and paper because it is a 'scoop'.
The public in India are absolutely stupid. Take for example a particular incidence of a hockey match final. India versus Pakistan, and the captain misses a crucial penalty, and Pakistan win the match. The captain happens to be a muslim, and the media allege foul play. The public, being stupid as it is, humiliates him to such an extent that he is stripped of his nationality. Riots, terrorism and other forms of violence are avenues to vent out public stupidity. The social fabric is being destroyed instantly, due to the stupidity of the people.
However, this is not true in most cases. The above two cases are just a imaginary situation, which can be worked upon only by film-makers. The public is not really stupid, but this scenario can be real if apathy is rampant. The public has to be vigilant, and the media HAS to shun several aspects of commercialization. If it follows the profit motive, then the Indian media will go through a recession phase like the US.
The media and the public in India is not stupid, but if things go out of control, then they shall be considered stupid. It will be considered because it was of their own making.
The media is absolutely stupid. Tabloidization and commercialization are the dominant trends of the day. The media is not the watchdog, but the hound-dog, which is not serious at all. One day, the media scandalizes a particular individual, the media labels a person a traitor and on some occasions the media hounds that person until he faces public humiliation. Personal incidences are bought out in full public view, and this reinforces the hypocracy that is morality. In another instance, the media highlights the plight of an old woman being beaten up by ignorant villagers, alleging she is a witch. Nothing is done, only accumulation of airtime and paper because it is a 'scoop'.
The public in India are absolutely stupid. Take for example a particular incidence of a hockey match final. India versus Pakistan, and the captain misses a crucial penalty, and Pakistan win the match. The captain happens to be a muslim, and the media allege foul play. The public, being stupid as it is, humiliates him to such an extent that he is stripped of his nationality. Riots, terrorism and other forms of violence are avenues to vent out public stupidity. The social fabric is being destroyed instantly, due to the stupidity of the people.
However, this is not true in most cases. The above two cases are just a imaginary situation, which can be worked upon only by film-makers. The public is not really stupid, but this scenario can be real if apathy is rampant. The public has to be vigilant, and the media HAS to shun several aspects of commercialization. If it follows the profit motive, then the Indian media will go through a recession phase like the US.
The media and the public in India is not stupid, but if things go out of control, then they shall be considered stupid. It will be considered because it was of their own making.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Children Truths in the adult world
Adults and Children live in a different world altogether. The Adult is a pragmatic, realistic and serious individual; while the child is a dreamer, innocent, unaware and creative in his mindset. Over time, this transforms and perspectives start to govern life. Creativity is replaced with practicality, and so the adult never understands the child in most cases.
This concerns two things. One is a video and another is a text. This is the link to the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VK_TnmNJqao. It talks about unity, and the theme is still relevant today if one looks at it in hindsight. People can dismiss it as a propaganda machine for socialism, but the underlying truth is that unity is very much desired in this world today. This world, which is being painted in shades of black and white, needs such simple messages of unity. The conclusion of this video, in my opinion, is that the adults need to learn from children about unity, as they are unaware of the pragmatic differences that may arise in adulthood.
The textual part relates to a lesson that I learnt in the 3rd grade of school. It focused on the Bunch of Sticks. If one stick is separated, then it can be easily broken. But, if anybody tries to break a large bunch of sticks, then it is impossible. Even Spartacus, in his rebellion against the romans, focused on that principle.
The principle is constrained by the factor of diversity, but it is no excuse. Diversity is only in the essence or soul, not in the physical entity which is human beings. Democracy and freedom are guaranteed by this simple principle. Yet, if it is simple, why is freedom at a premium in many parts of the world? The fact could be that dynamics of power, combined with a 'rational and economic' approach, tends to put this under severe stress. Materialism and power cloud this simple logic, and thus we are witnessing undemocratic behavior in most parts of the world.
The best time of our life is childhood. Without parental or societal pressure, it is equivalent to paradise. The children are free from the prejudices and practical rationality that is so present among adults. But, this demanding world and its prejudices is such that people HAVE to change. Change is not always good, especially if weighed in economic and material worlds. The innocence of children is the truth that is being destroyed in the realistic world of the adult. The adult world truly SUCKS!!!!!!!
This concerns two things. One is a video and another is a text. This is the link to the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VK_TnmNJqao. It talks about unity, and the theme is still relevant today if one looks at it in hindsight. People can dismiss it as a propaganda machine for socialism, but the underlying truth is that unity is very much desired in this world today. This world, which is being painted in shades of black and white, needs such simple messages of unity. The conclusion of this video, in my opinion, is that the adults need to learn from children about unity, as they are unaware of the pragmatic differences that may arise in adulthood.
The textual part relates to a lesson that I learnt in the 3rd grade of school. It focused on the Bunch of Sticks. If one stick is separated, then it can be easily broken. But, if anybody tries to break a large bunch of sticks, then it is impossible. Even Spartacus, in his rebellion against the romans, focused on that principle.
The principle is constrained by the factor of diversity, but it is no excuse. Diversity is only in the essence or soul, not in the physical entity which is human beings. Democracy and freedom are guaranteed by this simple principle. Yet, if it is simple, why is freedom at a premium in many parts of the world? The fact could be that dynamics of power, combined with a 'rational and economic' approach, tends to put this under severe stress. Materialism and power cloud this simple logic, and thus we are witnessing undemocratic behavior in most parts of the world.
The best time of our life is childhood. Without parental or societal pressure, it is equivalent to paradise. The children are free from the prejudices and practical rationality that is so present among adults. But, this demanding world and its prejudices is such that people HAVE to change. Change is not always good, especially if weighed in economic and material worlds. The innocence of children is the truth that is being destroyed in the realistic world of the adult. The adult world truly SUCKS!!!!!!!
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