In the previous post, i explained about the pros and the cons of the media when utilized by the masses. This section explores the pros and the cons of interpersonally going at the grassroots and involving the mass. Not much has been written and researched about this. It is a phenomenon that has been explored now, and I believe this holds a lot of promise, especially when considering the constraints under which media operates.
Interpersonal method of communication involves organizing the mass on a particular issue. The determination of the issue is important. Step by step tackling of the issue is of utmost importance. In the case of the mass in India today, the factor of economic equality can be the platform. This has to be addressed at the rural level, in order for the country to be stabilized.
The educated elite must be crystal clear in communicating this factor to the masses. They have to be made aware that basic resources are the right to every individual. Focusing on proper and continuous food, clothing, money, water, electricity and other utilities, we have to begin with this campaign. At the same time, it must be made aware that the campaign would involve tremendous hurdles, notably in the minds of the people as well as the rigidness within the system. It needs a firm resolve and confidence in our facts. A firm resolve ensures that we are never weakened, confidence is self explanatory, but they will all achieve results if managed within proper guidelines or frameworks.
We must take time out to address the plight of the masses. The further we allow this division to widen, class wars will be imminent. The economic scenario is at a tightrope, and this will widen the schism between the rich and the poor in India. An egalitarian society lacks the glamor and the shine of a developed economy with its acknowledged class differences. But, everybody feels secure, and their needs are satisfied. It will not be busy, but it is not wrong to dream either. It is about time that we believe that this CAN be a thing, rather than it SHOULD be.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
The platform for the masses
In my previous posts, i had mentioned that the rallying point for the masses, for an establishment of an egalitarian society, has to be the economy. This post explores the platform through which it can reach the urban elite. The elite, along with the economic and political interests, have to get the message. The message of mass neglect as well as elite preferences will result in greater polarization between urban and rural India.
The media and inter-personal communication at a macro level are the two platforms. There may be several, but they are either vague or not beneficial to the cause of mass equality. The media is the ideal platform, because they have the capability to reach and bridge diverse social identities. They can create revolutions, make citizens aware of their duties and at the same time inform them of their functions and duties in a democracy through information.
But, this is not an ideal world. In today's media, it has been constrained by elite and commercial interests. Serious issues, regarding political and societal discrepancies, are shunned for gossip, sex and violence. Tabloid news, notably on TV and newspapers, are prominent because the people seem to prefer it. Politics, which is already being dismissed as the gutter, will now be in danger of being ignored. Along with the rising economic gap, the plight of the mass is secondary, in contrast to elite decisions.
Even if an elite suffers a cold, he/she will get hours of air time and news page. If one of the mass, notably farmers, rural dwellers and small scale rural businessman get airtime, it is only for a short time and confined to the sides. Their plight is not understood by the urban elite, and thus they face ignorance. This is not to mention that there are instances where media highlights the plight and brings about social awareness of an issue concerning the mass. But, they are very few and far in between.
Alternate media and any kind of media exist only to make a profit. The worst part of this mission statement is that they risk ignoring serious issues most of the times. The masses may need to utilize this platform cleverly, because any wrong step could result in their plight being dismissed as propaganda. The media is only one part, but there involves a very different communication process in dealing with the masses. This section represents a communication method that has to be revolutionized in this coming decades. Few have tried it, and they are effective.
The challenge will be for ordinary individuals to be aware and publicly debate the wrongs in society, without prejudice. It is essential that the platform for public speaking, yet at the same time, being inter-personal. The masses need to be organized on this channel, so that they can be organized, and can prepare the way for an egalitarian system which encompasses all their rights. The next post looks at that.
The media and inter-personal communication at a macro level are the two platforms. There may be several, but they are either vague or not beneficial to the cause of mass equality. The media is the ideal platform, because they have the capability to reach and bridge diverse social identities. They can create revolutions, make citizens aware of their duties and at the same time inform them of their functions and duties in a democracy through information.
But, this is not an ideal world. In today's media, it has been constrained by elite and commercial interests. Serious issues, regarding political and societal discrepancies, are shunned for gossip, sex and violence. Tabloid news, notably on TV and newspapers, are prominent because the people seem to prefer it. Politics, which is already being dismissed as the gutter, will now be in danger of being ignored. Along with the rising economic gap, the plight of the mass is secondary, in contrast to elite decisions.
Even if an elite suffers a cold, he/she will get hours of air time and news page. If one of the mass, notably farmers, rural dwellers and small scale rural businessman get airtime, it is only for a short time and confined to the sides. Their plight is not understood by the urban elite, and thus they face ignorance. This is not to mention that there are instances where media highlights the plight and brings about social awareness of an issue concerning the mass. But, they are very few and far in between.
Alternate media and any kind of media exist only to make a profit. The worst part of this mission statement is that they risk ignoring serious issues most of the times. The masses may need to utilize this platform cleverly, because any wrong step could result in their plight being dismissed as propaganda. The media is only one part, but there involves a very different communication process in dealing with the masses. This section represents a communication method that has to be revolutionized in this coming decades. Few have tried it, and they are effective.
The challenge will be for ordinary individuals to be aware and publicly debate the wrongs in society, without prejudice. It is essential that the platform for public speaking, yet at the same time, being inter-personal. The masses need to be organized on this channel, so that they can be organized, and can prepare the way for an egalitarian system which encompasses all their rights. The next post looks at that.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Economy:The Rallying point for the masses: Part 3
The start of an egalitarian society begins from the bottom. A vertical system of wealth management has resulted in massive differences between the Urban elite and the rural class. The middle class continue to be rich, ineffective but at the same time raising awareness. It is this crossroads which has to be smoothened, because this is leading to stagnation in trying to figure out the economic disparity facing Indian Society.
But, to launch a basic awareness drive about the disparity, a platform has to be launched. The new situation is what can be the platform? Can it be the media, due to its power to reach millions? Can it be a niche communication method, meaning interaction at every level without much attention?
Logic could point to the first platform. The media have been potent in some kind of activism. Recent trials in the judicial system had a big hand of the media, in raising awareness of the issue. But, this involved personal instances. There have been only 3-4 instances of media raising awareness of an issue, what happens to the other 1,99,99,99,997 people? (This figure is meant to be 1.1 billion, hope it is right. Mistakes are regretted)
The media are constrained by the factors of time and space. They have commercial and money making audiences to fulfill. This issue, which involves awareness and content of very serious nature, will not be absorbed by audiences. The dynamics of the audience mind and time are such that the public is now dumb. Dumbing down of the media has ensured that serious issues are always on the side and not in front of people's eyes and minds. Any media that goes against the commercial route, ensures survival. Information of this kind will not work in the media, because this won't be focused by the media.
The second aspect involves citizen groups and personal communication of the highest number. The economic plight of rural India can be dealt with by interpersonal communication and awareness among the citizens. The problem in this case is lack of interest. The people of this generation do not care about the plight of individuals who are far away from them in both thought and time. The basic issue that has to be identified here is that citizens are drifting away from the mass, and political gimmicks like Caste and religion are making it concrete.
The focus of the next post will have to be the medium through which the message of the economic inequality can be addressed. The basic issue is the economy, now comes the way to propagate it. This is the most difficult of the lot, because it is interwoven with social tendency, nature of the people and most potent of all vested interests of big time power seekers.
But, to launch a basic awareness drive about the disparity, a platform has to be launched. The new situation is what can be the platform? Can it be the media, due to its power to reach millions? Can it be a niche communication method, meaning interaction at every level without much attention?
Logic could point to the first platform. The media have been potent in some kind of activism. Recent trials in the judicial system had a big hand of the media, in raising awareness of the issue. But, this involved personal instances. There have been only 3-4 instances of media raising awareness of an issue, what happens to the other 1,99,99,99,997 people? (This figure is meant to be 1.1 billion, hope it is right. Mistakes are regretted)
The media are constrained by the factors of time and space. They have commercial and money making audiences to fulfill. This issue, which involves awareness and content of very serious nature, will not be absorbed by audiences. The dynamics of the audience mind and time are such that the public is now dumb. Dumbing down of the media has ensured that serious issues are always on the side and not in front of people's eyes and minds. Any media that goes against the commercial route, ensures survival. Information of this kind will not work in the media, because this won't be focused by the media.
The second aspect involves citizen groups and personal communication of the highest number. The economic plight of rural India can be dealt with by interpersonal communication and awareness among the citizens. The problem in this case is lack of interest. The people of this generation do not care about the plight of individuals who are far away from them in both thought and time. The basic issue that has to be identified here is that citizens are drifting away from the mass, and political gimmicks like Caste and religion are making it concrete.
The focus of the next post will have to be the medium through which the message of the economic inequality can be addressed. The basic issue is the economy, now comes the way to propagate it. This is the most difficult of the lot, because it is interwoven with social tendency, nature of the people and most potent of all vested interests of big time power seekers.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Economy:The Rallying point for the masses: Part 2
In the previous posts, i had focused upon the economic upheaval that was required to have a goal of a population on a semi-equal footing. The reason why I chose semi-equal is because complete resource distribution is just not possible in any system. The demands of the people are more, but resources will never always support demand. Artificial demands and supply can be speculated, but that will lead to people getting false hopes about life.
I believe that the farmers still form the backbone of India. When food is concerned, no nation can progress if there is no food resources. The case of Farmer suicides should be an indication that they have to be desperately taken care of. But, political neglect, along with citizen apathy, may have resulted in farmers losing hope from their own people and from the people in power. The weight of money and the sense of loss just crushes their ability to raise their voice. It is at this point where government and bureaucratic middlemen need to be eliminated. By eliminating these hurdles, a system can create direct supply and demand.
Direct demand and supply ensures that there is no artificiality in price determination. The Capitalistic system functions on the basis of speculation, creating artificial pricing systems. It is this speculation that increases the wealth gap. The power of taxation, borne by the ordinary folk, is not accountable in a rigid system. A recent conversation with my friend suggested to me that taxation cannot be made accountable because the government system itself is corrupt.
The problem with the citizenry is that they are unaware of where exactly to begin the process of accountability. Even this author has to determine the rallying point. The rallying point could be the farmer suicides, but the problem there is the distinct out of touch reality of the citizens. Lack of Infrastructure is a matter of convenience, sidetracked the moment some patchwork is initiated.
The rallying point will have to be the farmers itself at the local level. Starting off with the backbone, the level of agitation and awareness must be spread, so that citizens of various strata demand accountability and proper economic measures. This needs string resolve and mobilization capable of a leader. Ordinary people have remained silent for a long time on many issues, and it is about time that this era brings about demand for the better.
The surface has been scratched. The next post may deal with possible alternatives, approved by the majority and compromising with the minority.
I believe that the farmers still form the backbone of India. When food is concerned, no nation can progress if there is no food resources. The case of Farmer suicides should be an indication that they have to be desperately taken care of. But, political neglect, along with citizen apathy, may have resulted in farmers losing hope from their own people and from the people in power. The weight of money and the sense of loss just crushes their ability to raise their voice. It is at this point where government and bureaucratic middlemen need to be eliminated. By eliminating these hurdles, a system can create direct supply and demand.
Direct demand and supply ensures that there is no artificiality in price determination. The Capitalistic system functions on the basis of speculation, creating artificial pricing systems. It is this speculation that increases the wealth gap. The power of taxation, borne by the ordinary folk, is not accountable in a rigid system. A recent conversation with my friend suggested to me that taxation cannot be made accountable because the government system itself is corrupt.
The problem with the citizenry is that they are unaware of where exactly to begin the process of accountability. Even this author has to determine the rallying point. The rallying point could be the farmer suicides, but the problem there is the distinct out of touch reality of the citizens. Lack of Infrastructure is a matter of convenience, sidetracked the moment some patchwork is initiated.
The rallying point will have to be the farmers itself at the local level. Starting off with the backbone, the level of agitation and awareness must be spread, so that citizens of various strata demand accountability and proper economic measures. This needs string resolve and mobilization capable of a leader. Ordinary people have remained silent for a long time on many issues, and it is about time that this era brings about demand for the better.
The surface has been scratched. The next post may deal with possible alternatives, approved by the majority and compromising with the minority.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Economy: Rallying point for the masses
In my previous post, i gave out suggestions regarding several rallying points for the masses. Here, I plan to outline some of them. Some of these theories may not be based on ground realities, but they are nevertheless a highlight of the problem that could be persisting. This looks at the factor of economics, the one reason alone why the masses have not been empowered. The dynamics of Capitalism as well as historical societal orientation has ensured that the masses remain separated from the elite layer.
Capitalism, Communism, Socialism and for that matter all ideologies in this world have come about due to inequality of economic systems. The main aim was the creation of an egalitarian societies. In spite of all these ideologies, practicality is different from theory. Why is this deficiency evident? The fact could be that theory is not flexible in the face of practicality. Theory does not take into account the diversity of people's demands and needs. It is almost impossible to fully gauge the magnitude of people's demands, because the people themselves are demanding by nature.
The masses have to be given right direction, but the first step comes in the acknowledgment of the truth of this matter. Egalitarianism is a Utopia, because of the functioning of Ideology and its dynamics. The real point of the matter is that the attempt on Egalitarianism is itself going away from reality. Practical thinking suggests that deficiencies will remain, but it can only be reduced, not eliminated.
The masses have to acknowledge that absolute power leads to disaster. The Bolshevik revolution could be an inspiration, but with absolute power and centralization, the whole system collapsed and it turned into something which was different than theory. History, in spite of its one-sidedness, has shown that absolutism has led to the downfall of many nations and systems. It is this period which offers introspection and not repeat history.
The economy is one such thing. Goals for the mass orientation should be basic food, clothing, shelter and basic security. Security in this sense not conflict, but a surety of knowing about their future as well as the next meal. It is up to the masses to ensure their future, and it can only be done through painful propagation of facts at the grassroots. In India, that is first area (Taluka), the district (Zilla), then state and finally the nation. The economic base has logically got to be the farmers and the small scale merchants who drive the economy.
The demands should be looked at by the authorities in the taluka and zilla in a meticulous manner. By honestly assessing the demands, supply should be determined. Creation of a transparent and easy system is essential, so that time and money is saved. The elimination of the middlemen and brokers will ensure that the money goes directly from supplier to customer. It is the excess of brokers which puts farmers and other merchants at a loss, due to the rigidity of the system.
This will be dealt with more in detail in the next post. Economics, unfortunately will be the determining factor for the next 100 years. Any drastic events may change that, but economics will be the focus for the next few posts.
Capitalism, Communism, Socialism and for that matter all ideologies in this world have come about due to inequality of economic systems. The main aim was the creation of an egalitarian societies. In spite of all these ideologies, practicality is different from theory. Why is this deficiency evident? The fact could be that theory is not flexible in the face of practicality. Theory does not take into account the diversity of people's demands and needs. It is almost impossible to fully gauge the magnitude of people's demands, because the people themselves are demanding by nature.
The masses have to be given right direction, but the first step comes in the acknowledgment of the truth of this matter. Egalitarianism is a Utopia, because of the functioning of Ideology and its dynamics. The real point of the matter is that the attempt on Egalitarianism is itself going away from reality. Practical thinking suggests that deficiencies will remain, but it can only be reduced, not eliminated.
The masses have to acknowledge that absolute power leads to disaster. The Bolshevik revolution could be an inspiration, but with absolute power and centralization, the whole system collapsed and it turned into something which was different than theory. History, in spite of its one-sidedness, has shown that absolutism has led to the downfall of many nations and systems. It is this period which offers introspection and not repeat history.
The economy is one such thing. Goals for the mass orientation should be basic food, clothing, shelter and basic security. Security in this sense not conflict, but a surety of knowing about their future as well as the next meal. It is up to the masses to ensure their future, and it can only be done through painful propagation of facts at the grassroots. In India, that is first area (Taluka), the district (Zilla), then state and finally the nation. The economic base has logically got to be the farmers and the small scale merchants who drive the economy.
The demands should be looked at by the authorities in the taluka and zilla in a meticulous manner. By honestly assessing the demands, supply should be determined. Creation of a transparent and easy system is essential, so that time and money is saved. The elimination of the middlemen and brokers will ensure that the money goes directly from supplier to customer. It is the excess of brokers which puts farmers and other merchants at a loss, due to the rigidity of the system.
This will be dealt with more in detail in the next post. Economics, unfortunately will be the determining factor for the next 100 years. Any drastic events may change that, but economics will be the focus for the next few posts.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
The Rallying point for the masses
Ever since i started knowing about Bhagat Singh, i am obsessed with the factor of the masses. There is one statement recorded in history, that the masses themselves are so powerful that they can challenge the status quo if given the right direction. The Bolshevik Revolution in Russia was an example of the masses overthrowing the Tsar and establishing Bolshevik rule over Russia for 85 years.
In India, the problem right now in the 21st century is one of perplexity. We really dont know what is the problem because we are facing the problem of extremes. There is extreme wealth concentration in the cities, but at the same time there is lack of infrastructure and resources. All of us acknowledge corruption but refuse to do anything about it. Terrorism is a problem, but some tend to use that as a tool to divide societies on religious grounds. The cliche of rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer seems to be happening in India. But, this will all depend upon which side of the fence are the citizens sitting.
All this will be dismissive of people who are rich and are happy in their bubble of Apathy. Some may blind this over as elitist confidence. The elites would concentrate all their capital and portray a rosy picture of the country. The poor would not even get one square meal in the rural areas, and pleasures that people in the city enjoy would be a far cry for them. The middle class will continue to remain hypocritical, acknowledging that something has to be done, but they wont dirty their hands in doing it.
Economics over-rides the basis of Ideology. Socialism and Communism failed because they did not generate money and they did not manage people well. Capitalism does that effectively, but it brings sufferings which affects the moral psyche of an individual. Under the guise of freedom, people do not know what is right and what is wrong. Capitalism promotes the feeling among people that things which benefit them only monetary wise will be done. Nothing else matters anymore.
In this age of perplexity and rigid mindset, what can be the rallying point for the masses to promote an egalitarian society? The answers will be phased out, taking first the people and then economics in the subsequent posts which follow. It is about time this is analyzed because it is now or never. It should be noted cautiously that it is a simplistic analysis, not a meticulous theoretical one. I can write only through the eyes of a common man, and not anyone else.
In India, the problem right now in the 21st century is one of perplexity. We really dont know what is the problem because we are facing the problem of extremes. There is extreme wealth concentration in the cities, but at the same time there is lack of infrastructure and resources. All of us acknowledge corruption but refuse to do anything about it. Terrorism is a problem, but some tend to use that as a tool to divide societies on religious grounds. The cliche of rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer seems to be happening in India. But, this will all depend upon which side of the fence are the citizens sitting.
All this will be dismissive of people who are rich and are happy in their bubble of Apathy. Some may blind this over as elitist confidence. The elites would concentrate all their capital and portray a rosy picture of the country. The poor would not even get one square meal in the rural areas, and pleasures that people in the city enjoy would be a far cry for them. The middle class will continue to remain hypocritical, acknowledging that something has to be done, but they wont dirty their hands in doing it.
Economics over-rides the basis of Ideology. Socialism and Communism failed because they did not generate money and they did not manage people well. Capitalism does that effectively, but it brings sufferings which affects the moral psyche of an individual. Under the guise of freedom, people do not know what is right and what is wrong. Capitalism promotes the feeling among people that things which benefit them only monetary wise will be done. Nothing else matters anymore.
In this age of perplexity and rigid mindset, what can be the rallying point for the masses to promote an egalitarian society? The answers will be phased out, taking first the people and then economics in the subsequent posts which follow. It is about time this is analyzed because it is now or never. It should be noted cautiously that it is a simplistic analysis, not a meticulous theoretical one. I can write only through the eyes of a common man, and not anyone else.
Bhagat Singh: Terrorist, Martyr or Hero???
This is a very inflammable topic. It is at this point where value judgment takes over factual stuff. In reality, fact is a euphemism in this case, because it has to do with History. History is such that people comment what has been done and propose alternatives that could HAVE been implemented. History by its nature is one-sided, belonging to the victor, but open to multiple interpretations.
This is the case of a freedom fighter named Bhagat Singh. He can be interpreted in these ways, but i am trying to avoid value judgment. According to the British, a terrorist. According to the Congress Party and Mr. Mahatma Gandhi, an extremist. Among the masses, a hero and a revolutionary. The problem is that we dont know whether he was all of them or just one of those personalities. There can be no denying the fact that he was a freedom fighter, who was way ahead of his times. At the age of 23, he formulated ideas and visions that were to be true in 30-40 years post independence in India.
He wanted to establish a socialist state, by which every person in India would have a fair share of food, water, shelter and clothing. He would abolish castocratic societies as well as eliminating differences between Hindu and Muslim. His own set of ideals would have resulted in an Ideal India which many dream, but could it have been reality was anyone's guess.
After his death, we got independence, but at a terrible price. India was split into India and Pakistan, which the British hastily drew up. A mixed economy was formed, backed up by a very rigid bureaucratic system, in which no one benefited. Today, although we are termed one of the fastest growing, we are plagued with inequality. Rural India is suffering from agriculture collapse, while Urban India is coping with infrastructure problems. The wealth seems to be concentrated in the cities, but it has not trickled to the rest of the country.
India has become Corporate in a way. The British may have left, and we are left with an acceptable cultural imperialism from the west. India is India, but in a way it is probably suffering from an Identity crisis. Bhagat Singh, if alive today, would have lamented the developments, for the rich have gotten richer and poorer have gotten poorer. The Brain drain from India still continues, if a youth for equality member has to be believed. Indians spend 5 billion rupees to send their children or loved ones abroad.
As for many supporters of Bhagat Singh who label Mr. Gandhi a traitor who ruined India, i would just like to say this could be true or it could be unfortunate. True because he may have not made enough efforts to save Bhagat Singh. In order to establish himself as a power base, he appeased the British and probably send them to the gallows. A film about Bhagat Singh shows this angle. I am only speculating because it is dangerous to believe everything in a film. But, i blame the people of India for losing their conscience in starting the riots which led to partition.
Mr Gandhi is blamed, but i blame the people who started this riot, as well as the British. The conscience of India died that day, and we became the British. Bhagat Singh unfortunately falls into multiple interpretations, but he was ahead of his times probably. Today, a leader and thinker like him is missing. People today have become hedonistic and apathic. This will make things hard for this generation, as the older generation have set about a mindset which makes the young fall back if the task is daunting.
A terrorist, a Martyr or a hero, it is all non-determinable. People just dont care, because we have taken our freedom for granted. We all salute Bhagat Singh and Mr Gandhi to some extent, but we now have to make their dream come true to a little extent, because we are probably degenerating into something which the freedom fighters never wanted. The new young generation has to ensure that. They must ensure that India is India, a unique country where things CAN be possible.
This is the case of a freedom fighter named Bhagat Singh. He can be interpreted in these ways, but i am trying to avoid value judgment. According to the British, a terrorist. According to the Congress Party and Mr. Mahatma Gandhi, an extremist. Among the masses, a hero and a revolutionary. The problem is that we dont know whether he was all of them or just one of those personalities. There can be no denying the fact that he was a freedom fighter, who was way ahead of his times. At the age of 23, he formulated ideas and visions that were to be true in 30-40 years post independence in India.
He wanted to establish a socialist state, by which every person in India would have a fair share of food, water, shelter and clothing. He would abolish castocratic societies as well as eliminating differences between Hindu and Muslim. His own set of ideals would have resulted in an Ideal India which many dream, but could it have been reality was anyone's guess.
After his death, we got independence, but at a terrible price. India was split into India and Pakistan, which the British hastily drew up. A mixed economy was formed, backed up by a very rigid bureaucratic system, in which no one benefited. Today, although we are termed one of the fastest growing, we are plagued with inequality. Rural India is suffering from agriculture collapse, while Urban India is coping with infrastructure problems. The wealth seems to be concentrated in the cities, but it has not trickled to the rest of the country.
India has become Corporate in a way. The British may have left, and we are left with an acceptable cultural imperialism from the west. India is India, but in a way it is probably suffering from an Identity crisis. Bhagat Singh, if alive today, would have lamented the developments, for the rich have gotten richer and poorer have gotten poorer. The Brain drain from India still continues, if a youth for equality member has to be believed. Indians spend 5 billion rupees to send their children or loved ones abroad.
As for many supporters of Bhagat Singh who label Mr. Gandhi a traitor who ruined India, i would just like to say this could be true or it could be unfortunate. True because he may have not made enough efforts to save Bhagat Singh. In order to establish himself as a power base, he appeased the British and probably send them to the gallows. A film about Bhagat Singh shows this angle. I am only speculating because it is dangerous to believe everything in a film. But, i blame the people of India for losing their conscience in starting the riots which led to partition.
Mr Gandhi is blamed, but i blame the people who started this riot, as well as the British. The conscience of India died that day, and we became the British. Bhagat Singh unfortunately falls into multiple interpretations, but he was ahead of his times probably. Today, a leader and thinker like him is missing. People today have become hedonistic and apathic. This will make things hard for this generation, as the older generation have set about a mindset which makes the young fall back if the task is daunting.
A terrorist, a Martyr or a hero, it is all non-determinable. People just dont care, because we have taken our freedom for granted. We all salute Bhagat Singh and Mr Gandhi to some extent, but we now have to make their dream come true to a little extent, because we are probably degenerating into something which the freedom fighters never wanted. The new young generation has to ensure that. They must ensure that India is India, a unique country where things CAN be possible.
The problem of Drinking
Alcohol consumption is a big problem facing societies all over the world. Organizations and laws have been drafted that intend to curb this menace. The reasons are very clear, and the following link should be an indication of the menace drinking can cause to locations. This is Manchester Piccadilly, a bustling center in Manchester. It hosted a football match final between a Scottish club Rangers and Russian club Zenit St.Petersburg. Below is the link:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/7403492.stm
The reasons are obviously evident from the pictures. Not only does the city get thrashed up, but people go out of control while drinking. They themselves become a nuisance, indulging in vulgar language, creating embarrassing scenes and causing riots. In this case in Manchester, riots did occur, leaving several policeman injured. There have been several instances of Driving under Influence (DUI) in the US and also in the UK. The problem is that alcohol is so much into the culture of the west that to do away with it will also be of no good.
Several attempts to ban alcohol were done in thew 1920's in the US. The era of Prohibition, in which illicit alcohol was outlawed, notably Whiskey, did not bring about much success. In fact, it was due to Prohibition that gang wars and gang leaders like Al Capone came into existence. There apparently is now organizations that counsel people on curbing alcohol content. Alcoholics Anonymous is an organization doing just that. But, the number of people that consume alcohol are huge, and in conservative societies, people risk getting ostracized if they consume alcohol.
The problem is that alcohol is so much considered part of good times that it is impossible to do away with it. In India, there is an ad. "Kingfisher: The King of good times". There is a saying, "Alcohol, unless consumed in moderation, is the father of all vices". The problem is that very few consume in moderation, the majority tend to go into the extreme end of consumption. This is a problem, and Manchester faced it two days ago. Meanwhile, many will still go to the pub and drink, as it is part of good times. Alcohol makes them too intoxicated to even think of the consequences, such is the danger of this phenomenon.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/7403492.stm
The reasons are obviously evident from the pictures. Not only does the city get thrashed up, but people go out of control while drinking. They themselves become a nuisance, indulging in vulgar language, creating embarrassing scenes and causing riots. In this case in Manchester, riots did occur, leaving several policeman injured. There have been several instances of Driving under Influence (DUI) in the US and also in the UK. The problem is that alcohol is so much into the culture of the west that to do away with it will also be of no good.
Several attempts to ban alcohol were done in thew 1920's in the US. The era of Prohibition, in which illicit alcohol was outlawed, notably Whiskey, did not bring about much success. In fact, it was due to Prohibition that gang wars and gang leaders like Al Capone came into existence. There apparently is now organizations that counsel people on curbing alcohol content. Alcoholics Anonymous is an organization doing just that. But, the number of people that consume alcohol are huge, and in conservative societies, people risk getting ostracized if they consume alcohol.
The problem is that alcohol is so much considered part of good times that it is impossible to do away with it. In India, there is an ad. "Kingfisher: The King of good times". There is a saying, "Alcohol, unless consumed in moderation, is the father of all vices". The problem is that very few consume in moderation, the majority tend to go into the extreme end of consumption. This is a problem, and Manchester faced it two days ago. Meanwhile, many will still go to the pub and drink, as it is part of good times. Alcohol makes them too intoxicated to even think of the consequences, such is the danger of this phenomenon.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Another attack, another introspection
The target of the terror attack is Jaipur, India. The Pink city is known for its peaceful way of living, a tourist destination, a blend of people of various cultures, a mix of modernity and conservative. The intention was to sow communal discord, which is the intention of terror attacks in India. The blame game has begun, and it has assumed a political tone with political parties blaming each other. But, this again expresses the need for citizen vigilance. It also brings up the question of addressing the country's deficient intelligence apparatus.
From Kargil till Jaipur, the problem of the country's deficient intelligence system has been sparsely highlighted. The need for modern intelligence and surveillance has been called for by terror analysts. The terror attacks in the UK on 7/7, following 9/11, has updated its intelligence mechanism to ensure that terror attacks dont occur regularity, as is the case with India.
The problem is highlighted by the lack of concrete knowledge of when and where the terror attacks will take place. It is one thing to point fingers at the time of the attack, but it is a totally different thing to predict the future. The bottom-line is no one can predict terror attacks. The fact of the matter is terror just happens for the moment, and it can be curbed or prevented at the very moment by vigilance.
The intelligence can do only so much, and so can we. Knowing this limitation, it is best if we remain vigilant. Vigilance depends upon chance, and it is through this that terror can be prevented. No amount of mourning is enough for the people who lost their lives in Jaipur, or for that matter any terror attack. However, the truth is that if introspected, vigilance is our best defense against terror and a strong mind against prejudice.
From Kargil till Jaipur, the problem of the country's deficient intelligence system has been sparsely highlighted. The need for modern intelligence and surveillance has been called for by terror analysts. The terror attacks in the UK on 7/7, following 9/11, has updated its intelligence mechanism to ensure that terror attacks dont occur regularity, as is the case with India.
The problem is highlighted by the lack of concrete knowledge of when and where the terror attacks will take place. It is one thing to point fingers at the time of the attack, but it is a totally different thing to predict the future. The bottom-line is no one can predict terror attacks. The fact of the matter is terror just happens for the moment, and it can be curbed or prevented at the very moment by vigilance.
The intelligence can do only so much, and so can we. Knowing this limitation, it is best if we remain vigilant. Vigilance depends upon chance, and it is through this that terror can be prevented. No amount of mourning is enough for the people who lost their lives in Jaipur, or for that matter any terror attack. However, the truth is that if introspected, vigilance is our best defense against terror and a strong mind against prejudice.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Films of awareness and greed
People only speculate that the media is dumbing down. But, they can confidently say that the film industry has dumbed down. This was already the case for Hollywood, but now this effect is dragging down the quality of Indian cinema. The quality of films nowadays, has deteriorated. Themes, which are so trivial and dumb in nature, is now the formula utilized by Bollywood and Hollywood to sell the masses.
Two films, that are serious and have social implications for people, have not been reviewed properly. Under the guise of technicalities, story structure and other factors, certain films have been dismissed by these critics and by lots of people. It could be even symbolic that both the films begin with a U. U, Me and Hum as well as Undertrial are the two films that have escaped our knowledge, and one which needs a fresh review in the turmoil of today.
U, me and Hum deals with the acute problem of Alzheimer's. A touching tale about the plight of a woman who suffers from Alzheimer's and how her husband stands by her in turmoil. In times of today, when people abandon others due to diseases or other flaws, this film stands out as reminding us that relationships are strong. If someone suffers a disease, he/she should be cared for. The trend that is observed, although quiet few, is that people are left alone when such diseases occur.
Old people suffer the most from this. The sense of abandonment as well as alienation from loved ones on account of this disease makes them outcasts for no fault of theirs. This film should be watched by people who genuinely care.
Under trial is the case of honesty being destroyed by the greed bought by money. If someone cannot sustain a family honestly, then most of the activities indulged in by other members may be unlawful. Sociologists and several analysts have often stated that the root cause for prostitution is poverty. This problem has been addressed only sparingly. This film deals with the problems that a person faces due to poverty, and the circumstances that bring upon him hatred.
Society dismisses him as a monster, and the media go about spicing it up, while the Judiciary gets bogged down by its own machinations. All of this is a perfect blend of the loss of humanity. Society has to shatter the factor of pre-emptivity, in order to base it on fairness. If society alienates people on account of alleged wrongdoing, then society will indeed be in turmoil.
Films of awareness and greed fall into the trap of melodramatic ism, thus it is dismissive instantly. But, the theme of this is such that they cant be dismissed. It is after all, people who are at the heart of this film. Ordinary people need to know, because it could be their life.
Two films, that are serious and have social implications for people, have not been reviewed properly. Under the guise of technicalities, story structure and other factors, certain films have been dismissed by these critics and by lots of people. It could be even symbolic that both the films begin with a U. U, Me and Hum as well as Undertrial are the two films that have escaped our knowledge, and one which needs a fresh review in the turmoil of today.
U, me and Hum deals with the acute problem of Alzheimer's. A touching tale about the plight of a woman who suffers from Alzheimer's and how her husband stands by her in turmoil. In times of today, when people abandon others due to diseases or other flaws, this film stands out as reminding us that relationships are strong. If someone suffers a disease, he/she should be cared for. The trend that is observed, although quiet few, is that people are left alone when such diseases occur.
Old people suffer the most from this. The sense of abandonment as well as alienation from loved ones on account of this disease makes them outcasts for no fault of theirs. This film should be watched by people who genuinely care.
Under trial is the case of honesty being destroyed by the greed bought by money. If someone cannot sustain a family honestly, then most of the activities indulged in by other members may be unlawful. Sociologists and several analysts have often stated that the root cause for prostitution is poverty. This problem has been addressed only sparingly. This film deals with the problems that a person faces due to poverty, and the circumstances that bring upon him hatred.
Society dismisses him as a monster, and the media go about spicing it up, while the Judiciary gets bogged down by its own machinations. All of this is a perfect blend of the loss of humanity. Society has to shatter the factor of pre-emptivity, in order to base it on fairness. If society alienates people on account of alleged wrongdoing, then society will indeed be in turmoil.
Films of awareness and greed fall into the trap of melodramatic ism, thus it is dismissive instantly. But, the theme of this is such that they cant be dismissed. It is after all, people who are at the heart of this film. Ordinary people need to know, because it could be their life.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
