A journalist was visiting my friend’s ancestral home in a village in Uttaranchal. As he was passing through the village, he came across an open manhole. He enquired about the same with the owner of the plot who said it was for some bore well, and work would begin only after the monsoons. Suddenly the journalist removed his wallet and handed over his visiting card, saying “if any kid falls into this hole, please call me first”. …..Don’t scoff; he was just being a committed journo who was preempting news.
Times are competitive and television programming has undergone a sea change. Innovative programming ideas, game shows, serials, reality shows and news have metamorphosed with blurring lines. The news (the ultimate reality show) is actually not competing with other news channels but with Balaji serials and entertainment programs. So let’s not blame them for using tacky background scores to reflect the mood of the clip shown, weird names (Koonkar Bediya, Kattil Ka Panja) attributed to news pieces that will make the Ramsay brothers proud and dedicated programs that sensationalize crime with anchors resembling criminals out on parole.
Besides, these news channels are doing their bit for easing unemployment. Circuses are shutting down but clowns are finding alternate employment in news channels. Apart from established clowns like Rakhi Sawant and Navjyot Singh Siddhu, there are first timers opposing issues of pressing national relevance like Richard Gere kissing a woman in public, Sachin Tendulkar cutting a cake resembling the tricolor etc. Moreover, these clowns have able counterparts in the judiciary who will issue summons and take these important issues forward.
News channels are also increasing social awareness with great effectiveness. For e.g: There are news pieces protesting widespread obscenity in films and public life, with the camera continuously preying on the anatomy of an actress , so that we understand the matter from all ‘angles’. Also, these guys do a fantastic job of prioritizing from an ocean of news items. Sanjay Dutt is a National figure, so when he goes to court for an episode in the never ending TADA saga, we need to know what he did/whom he met before he left home, why he wasn’t wearing his lucky shirt, whether he came out for a smoke in the court premises, whether he used the loo etc. In the bargain, if a news item regarding a death of a soldier (Major Manish H Pitambare) who single handedly led an attack on a dreaded terrorist camp (Hizbul Mujaheedin) is missed out, it’s ok. After all, that soldier was just doing his job.
The journalists off late have also developed an excellent empathy with the masses. During the Gujarat riots amidst charred bodies and destruction, a journalist and her camera found a relentlessly wailing woman sitting few meters away from her burning house. The journalist proceeded to ask this empathizing question, “Aap ka ghar jal raha hai….aap ko kaisa lag raha hai?”
These reality shows, news programming styles etc mirror the television programming in western countries. Hence was very pleased to read an article about a reality show called Big Donor on Dutch television. The show features a Kidney Donor selecting a single receiver from a group of contestants. The contestants are fatally ill and receiving the organ is their only hope of survival. It will be really an enriching experience to witness the desperation of the contestants and their loved ones. Moreover, the viewers can eliminate contestants via smses and decide who will live………..they should, after all… viewers are gods.
Shahrukh Khan, in an interview earlier in his career, while justifying the bloodbath in movies like Bazzigar and Darr said, “Even death is entertaining”. So be it……Bring on the popcorn!
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
The Encounter
Recently, I bumped into a childhood friend after years. After exchanging pleasantries, he updated me about his job with a Bank, which happened to be the one where I had my account. On the next visit to the bank, I searched for him but was unable to locate him. Made an enquiry, only to realize that he never worked there. Later learnt from common friends that he worked for the underworld. “The underworld!” I sighed, and found myself marveling at my maiden rendezvous with the underbelly of society, the world that inspires the likes of Coppola(Godfather) and the home grown Ram Gopal Verma. I saw this huge pyramid like mountain with Dawoods and Rajans at the helm and my friend at the bottom ranks and suddenly……. below, holding this pyramid like Lord Krishna effortlessly balancing the Govardhan Mountain, was this thin slimy creature.
Me: (Looking down in amazement): Who are you?
The Creature: They call me fear.
Me : Fear ! ..you ! ….. (Pause, then trying to sound intelligent) am not surprised to find you here but was unaware that you were so thin and malnourished
The Creature: My form helps me get into places with tiny openings
Me (trying to make conversation) : Hmmm Hmm. So how does it feel to run this huge industry?
The Creature (with a trace of arrogance): I run industries much bigger than this. (He sees my perplexed expression and continues), Take the defense industry, every year crores of money is pumped into this arena by countries across the planet because there is a fear of internal or external aggression. The fear of social status and loosing to your neighbors help drive financial loans, consumer goods and the automobile industry among others.
The fear of not ‘fitting in’ or rejection and social disregard due to physical attributes drive the beauty and cosmetic industry. Fear of ill-health drives the fitness industry. The fear of loosing out in the rat race drives the education industry. Malls thrive on women (even men) who regard shopping as a remedy against the fear of depression. Outsourcing and Software thrive on the fear of loosing out due to incompetence, as expansion thrive on the fear of risking all the eggs in the same basket. From contraceptives and coaching classes to e-security and insurance, every industry worth its salt regards my existence as a major contributor to their growth”
Me : You are scaring me!
The Creature: That’s my job, by the way not only does industry but even religion runs on my fuel. Religion for most is nothing but the fear of punishment. Even relationships run and break coz of me; fear of hurting or getting hurt, fear of not finding someone better, fear of loneliness, fear of what society will say etc etc.
Me (sarcastically): So is there no way to eliminate you?
The Creature: I never felt like an endangered specie so never bothered to figure out. (After a pause) By the way, I can’t be eliminated but can be replaced. Also, I can be of service if you acknowledge my presence but will run havoc if you let me dictate or ignore me.
Me: Hmmmm
The Creature: But since you have been a patient listener, I will share with you something that scares me. (Saying that he handed over a chit of paper. It read ‘What would you do if you didn’t fear?’
As I pondered at the magnitude of this simply worded question, my eyes suddenly opened with the switching on of the television to hear Shahrukh blurting. , “Kuch sawal zindagi badal dethe hain”)
Me: (Looking down in amazement): Who are you?
The Creature: They call me fear.
Me : Fear ! ..you ! ….. (Pause, then trying to sound intelligent) am not surprised to find you here but was unaware that you were so thin and malnourished
The Creature: My form helps me get into places with tiny openings
Me (trying to make conversation) : Hmmm Hmm. So how does it feel to run this huge industry?
The Creature (with a trace of arrogance): I run industries much bigger than this. (He sees my perplexed expression and continues), Take the defense industry, every year crores of money is pumped into this arena by countries across the planet because there is a fear of internal or external aggression. The fear of social status and loosing to your neighbors help drive financial loans, consumer goods and the automobile industry among others.
The fear of not ‘fitting in’ or rejection and social disregard due to physical attributes drive the beauty and cosmetic industry. Fear of ill-health drives the fitness industry. The fear of loosing out in the rat race drives the education industry. Malls thrive on women (even men) who regard shopping as a remedy against the fear of depression. Outsourcing and Software thrive on the fear of loosing out due to incompetence, as expansion thrive on the fear of risking all the eggs in the same basket. From contraceptives and coaching classes to e-security and insurance, every industry worth its salt regards my existence as a major contributor to their growth”
Me : You are scaring me!
The Creature: That’s my job, by the way not only does industry but even religion runs on my fuel. Religion for most is nothing but the fear of punishment. Even relationships run and break coz of me; fear of hurting or getting hurt, fear of not finding someone better, fear of loneliness, fear of what society will say etc etc.
Me (sarcastically): So is there no way to eliminate you?
The Creature: I never felt like an endangered specie so never bothered to figure out. (After a pause) By the way, I can’t be eliminated but can be replaced. Also, I can be of service if you acknowledge my presence but will run havoc if you let me dictate or ignore me.
Me: Hmmmm
The Creature: But since you have been a patient listener, I will share with you something that scares me. (Saying that he handed over a chit of paper. It read ‘What would you do if you didn’t fear?’
As I pondered at the magnitude of this simply worded question, my eyes suddenly opened with the switching on of the television to hear Shahrukh blurting. , “Kuch sawal zindagi badal dethe hain”)
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Shilpa and the Racial Saga
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Shilpa and the Racial Saga
The results are out, the insult has been avenged; the underdog has claimed the throne from the hands of the mighty white skinned tormentors. South Asians in UK and across the world can rejoice as Shilpa braved the racial missiles to emerge victorious - Gimme a break! .Hours on television and countless columns in newspapers dedicated to this great epic (read media circus).
To set the record straight; there is racism in UK………….. as much as there is in India or for that matter any part of the world that deals with diverse cultures. Shilpa Shetty gave the South Asians in UK a platform to vent their frustration against the cold and racial behavior of the ‘whites’. The Indians in UK and back home were backing Shilpa in unison since she was subjected to ‘racial torture’ with words like ‘indian’ and ‘paki’. But what is surprising is that these were the same Indians who will laugh and forward (email)‘sardar jokes’, rebuke non-english speaking people as ‘gattis’ , type cast north east Indians as ‘nepalis’. From ‘doklas’ to “dosas and ‘papads’ to ‘pavs’ every state , community and caste in India is subjected to racial comments ,and mostly in bad taste. So why are we all pouncing on Jade and Co (Shilpa’s tormentors on the show) for the behavior we are accustomed to back home? Never heard any white skinned person on the receiving end of a racial slur. Is it because we all (including the whites) subconsciously acknowledge the fact that they are superior?
Racism is a feeling of superiority or animosity, and is an opinion. Humans have harboured a tribal mentality since ages, and racism is an offshoot. We need to sacrifice our tribal pride on the altar of tolerance to accept and celebrate the diversity of cultures. Curing racist feelings is an individual affair as it is a matter of opinion. In the context of the society, a feeling or opinion can’t be checked by laws, regulations or resolutions. We need to check the actions that arise out of this feeling. Any actions that can infringe the basic rights of people need to be focused and checked. So let’s make more noise when the ULFA (a militant outfit) go on a rampage in Assam and kill innocent immigrant workers from Bihar, when Muslims are denied flats in housing colonies, when dalits are raped and killed in broad daylight, when pundits are targeted in Kashmir and north Indians are beaten and restrained from writing public exams in Maharashtra or even when matrimonial columns and jobs in hospitality use the colour of the skin to judge applicants. – The Irony -- Not all of us will oppose everything mentioned in the above 4 lines.
In the meanwhile, lets raise a toast to the real winners of the day – the channel for high TRPs, the politicians in UK for an opportunity to consolidate their Asian vote bank, Shilpa Shetty for ‘unknowingly’ resurrecting her career, Jade Goody for extending her shelf life, Indian actors or starlets for the countless opportunities in televisions shows abroad and the brands in UK trying to the woo Asian consumers for finding an undisputable brand ambassador in Shilpa. ]Lets hope that the media dedicates more space to other important issues. Till that happens, let’s forecast the next media circus – the Abhi-Ash wedding. Prepare yourselves be subjected to columns ranging from what Abhisheik’s security guard’s dog is going to eat on the big day, to what Aishwarya’s cook’s brother-in-law’s daughter is goin to gift her ‘didi’, and on camera interviews of people in some lane in Allahbad (native of the bachchans) on how they will be celebrating the union of Abhisheik Bhaiya and Aishwarya Bhabhi- phew! .---------------------------------
Posted by Jimmy Mathew at 3:55 AM
16 comments:
Think tank :) said...
Jimmy...Very well written...Keep writing... :)
January 30, 2007 4:50 AM
Sameer said...
Well said Jimmyboy...even if we go outside & boast the we have the most cultural diversity in the world, we all know how racist our society is. In this case, what happened is just what happens in any Indian election. The votes of minorities like Asians and Blacks for Shilpa and the votes of Whites divided. Congrats to Shilpa, Well done & biggest winner is Channel 4. It wanted to increase its Asian viewers and it played the master card by roping in a Bollywood personality.
January 30, 2007 5:17 AM
niky said...
very well written Jimmy...
January 30, 2007 6:14 AM
vinay said...
hey jimmy,Interesting article.. good one to start your blog.. but I personally feel that it wasnt racism to be more concrete.. it was more like invading personal space.. I mean the social animals do inherit many trades from the jungle ones.. on a parallel example Eminem had to prove himself before he could be accepted by all the afro-american lot... they didnt accept him because he was white.. but because he had something in him... on similar lines.. you are not recognized on of your skin color but on who you are..Furthermore the herd mentality is always going to be present in humans.. ie. if one person accepts slowly the herd will do too...hahah i can go on and on.. the question is do you have time and a ear to listen?peaceVinay
January 30, 2007 6:57 AM
freya said...
hey dad...Good stuff.. knew u cud write... Lol, but d very fact ur writing abt all of this proves ur part of the media circus!!!And am betting there will be lots more in the same ilk..... but its a good read & u have a strong fan base - so its worth ur while to keep it up....Inform when you update!! :)
January 30, 2007 8:19 AM
deep said...
good work jimmy boy ....i did not know you also wrote and that to so intense and deep with thoughts....good good keep it up and let me know if do something else also.
January 30, 2007 8:47 PM
botlasujata said...
very well written...and i absolutely agree to what u hav written...keep writting...hope to read some good writings from u in future...toooo...take caresujata
January 30, 2007 10:03 PM
Dipti said...
Hey Jimmy Darling.....i m really surprised that u wrote all this and that to so intense...Jokes apart u have written excellent ...i agree with u ...but i feel we can discuss on this too....it will b fun..say what... good good keep it up,whatever u write share it with me too...
January 30, 2007 10:06 PM
Kunu said...
Hi Jimmy,Long time have not heard from you. Hope you are doing good !K
January 31, 2007 1:27 AM
vinai said...
Fit rite nuts & bolts...well i share the same views as you do on this subject...but I'm amazed at that words like 'paki' have brought about such a rage....i've read that she was even called a "Cu$t"....but nobody gives a damn.... are we saying that racism is bad but sexism is acceptable?
January 31, 2007 9:43 AM
Vrinda said...
yes jimmy bhaiyaa wheres ur bhabi?keep trying! good one!
February 1, 2007 3:18 AM
nishat said...
hey jimmy..didnt know u maintained a blob...good one..keep it up!
February 1, 2007 4:30 AM
nishat said...
hey jimmy..didnt know u maintained a blob...good one..keep it up!
February 1, 2007 4:30 AM
jebby said...
Jimmy Boy, well written. it was a pleasure to read. Take care God bless
February 1, 2007 9:13 AM
Preethi said...
hey jimmy good one !!!great language and the perfect combination of word and thought !! God Bless !! Preethi
February 2, 2007 9:58 PM
Rixon said...
Hey Jimmy nicely written things....truely hyped news about Shilpa which helped her win....anyways no regrets as our country was doing good......anything for our country....keep it up and let me know whenever you write anything else :)
February 6, 2007 10:53 PM
Shilpa and the Racial Saga
The results are out, the insult has been avenged; the underdog has claimed the throne from the hands of the mighty white skinned tormentors. South Asians in UK and across the world can rejoice as Shilpa braved the racial missiles to emerge victorious - Gimme a break! .Hours on television and countless columns in newspapers dedicated to this great epic (read media circus).
To set the record straight; there is racism in UK………….. as much as there is in India or for that matter any part of the world that deals with diverse cultures. Shilpa Shetty gave the South Asians in UK a platform to vent their frustration against the cold and racial behavior of the ‘whites’. The Indians in UK and back home were backing Shilpa in unison since she was subjected to ‘racial torture’ with words like ‘indian’ and ‘paki’. But what is surprising is that these were the same Indians who will laugh and forward (email)‘sardar jokes’, rebuke non-english speaking people as ‘gattis’ , type cast north east Indians as ‘nepalis’. From ‘doklas’ to “dosas and ‘papads’ to ‘pavs’ every state , community and caste in India is subjected to racial comments ,and mostly in bad taste. So why are we all pouncing on Jade and Co (Shilpa’s tormentors on the show) for the behavior we are accustomed to back home? Never heard any white skinned person on the receiving end of a racial slur. Is it because we all (including the whites) subconsciously acknowledge the fact that they are superior?
Racism is a feeling of superiority or animosity, and is an opinion. Humans have harboured a tribal mentality since ages, and racism is an offshoot. We need to sacrifice our tribal pride on the altar of tolerance to accept and celebrate the diversity of cultures. Curing racist feelings is an individual affair as it is a matter of opinion. In the context of the society, a feeling or opinion can’t be checked by laws, regulations or resolutions. We need to check the actions that arise out of this feeling. Any actions that can infringe the basic rights of people need to be focused and checked. So let’s make more noise when the ULFA (a militant outfit) go on a rampage in Assam and kill innocent immigrant workers from Bihar, when Muslims are denied flats in housing colonies, when dalits are raped and killed in broad daylight, when pundits are targeted in Kashmir and north Indians are beaten and restrained from writing public exams in Maharashtra or even when matrimonial columns and jobs in hospitality use the colour of the skin to judge applicants. – The Irony -- Not all of us will oppose everything mentioned in the above 4 lines.
In the meanwhile, lets raise a toast to the real winners of the day – the channel for high TRPs, the politicians in UK for an opportunity to consolidate their Asian vote bank, Shilpa Shetty for ‘unknowingly’ resurrecting her career, Jade Goody for extending her shelf life, Indian actors or starlets for the countless opportunities in televisions shows abroad and the brands in UK trying to the woo Asian consumers for finding an undisputable brand ambassador in Shilpa. ]Lets hope that the media dedicates more space to other important issues. Till that happens, let’s forecast the next media circus – the Abhi-Ash wedding. Prepare yourselves be subjected to columns ranging from what Abhisheik’s security guard’s dog is going to eat on the big day, to what Aishwarya’s cook’s brother-in-law’s daughter is goin to gift her ‘didi’, and on camera interviews of people in some lane in Allahbad (native of the bachchans) on how they will be celebrating the union of Abhisheik Bhaiya and Aishwarya Bhabhi- phew! .---------------------------------
Posted by Jimmy Mathew at 3:55 AM
16 comments:
Think tank :) said...
Jimmy...Very well written...Keep writing... :)
January 30, 2007 4:50 AM
Sameer said...
Well said Jimmyboy...even if we go outside & boast the we have the most cultural diversity in the world, we all know how racist our society is. In this case, what happened is just what happens in any Indian election. The votes of minorities like Asians and Blacks for Shilpa and the votes of Whites divided. Congrats to Shilpa, Well done & biggest winner is Channel 4. It wanted to increase its Asian viewers and it played the master card by roping in a Bollywood personality.
January 30, 2007 5:17 AM
niky said...
very well written Jimmy...
January 30, 2007 6:14 AM
vinay said...
hey jimmy,Interesting article.. good one to start your blog.. but I personally feel that it wasnt racism to be more concrete.. it was more like invading personal space.. I mean the social animals do inherit many trades from the jungle ones.. on a parallel example Eminem had to prove himself before he could be accepted by all the afro-american lot... they didnt accept him because he was white.. but because he had something in him... on similar lines.. you are not recognized on of your skin color but on who you are..Furthermore the herd mentality is always going to be present in humans.. ie. if one person accepts slowly the herd will do too...hahah i can go on and on.. the question is do you have time and a ear to listen?peaceVinay
January 30, 2007 6:57 AM
freya said...
hey dad...Good stuff.. knew u cud write... Lol, but d very fact ur writing abt all of this proves ur part of the media circus!!!And am betting there will be lots more in the same ilk..... but its a good read & u have a strong fan base - so its worth ur while to keep it up....Inform when you update!! :)
January 30, 2007 8:19 AM
deep said...
good work jimmy boy ....i did not know you also wrote and that to so intense and deep with thoughts....good good keep it up and let me know if do something else also.
January 30, 2007 8:47 PM
botlasujata said...
very well written...and i absolutely agree to what u hav written...keep writting...hope to read some good writings from u in future...toooo...take caresujata
January 30, 2007 10:03 PM
Dipti said...
Hey Jimmy Darling.....i m really surprised that u wrote all this and that to so intense...Jokes apart u have written excellent ...i agree with u ...but i feel we can discuss on this too....it will b fun..say what... good good keep it up,whatever u write share it with me too...
January 30, 2007 10:06 PM
Kunu said...
Hi Jimmy,Long time have not heard from you. Hope you are doing good !K
January 31, 2007 1:27 AM
vinai said...
Fit rite nuts & bolts...well i share the same views as you do on this subject...but I'm amazed at that words like 'paki' have brought about such a rage....i've read that she was even called a "Cu$t"....but nobody gives a damn.... are we saying that racism is bad but sexism is acceptable?
January 31, 2007 9:43 AM
Vrinda said...
yes jimmy bhaiyaa wheres ur bhabi?keep trying! good one!
February 1, 2007 3:18 AM
nishat said...
hey jimmy..didnt know u maintained a blob...good one..keep it up!
February 1, 2007 4:30 AM
nishat said...
hey jimmy..didnt know u maintained a blob...good one..keep it up!
February 1, 2007 4:30 AM
jebby said...
Jimmy Boy, well written. it was a pleasure to read. Take care God bless
February 1, 2007 9:13 AM
Preethi said...
hey jimmy good one !!!great language and the perfect combination of word and thought !! God Bless !! Preethi
February 2, 2007 9:58 PM
Rixon said...
Hey Jimmy nicely written things....truely hyped news about Shilpa which helped her win....anyways no regrets as our country was doing good......anything for our country....keep it up and let me know whenever you write anything else :)
February 6, 2007 10:53 PM
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