"The Decline and Fall of the Roman empire". A classical book by Gibbons, dealing with how the great Roman empire finally collapsed. It analyzes the reasons for the demise. I wonder, would Indian kids, a few generations down, be studying "The Decline and Fall of the Indian Civilization"?
The first sign of a demise of a great civilization is when it's people no longer evolve. When it's people are no longer liberal enough to accept new ideas and build new philosophies. When it's people no longer evolve with the times.When its people in an effort to "protect" their culture, crush any renaissance in the country. In 24 hours, two separate incidents highlights the intolerance in India. Intolerance to any idea perceived to be contrary to "tradition".
The events themselves are well chronicled. Please refer one of the many news sites with these articles.
To begin with, let us not even worry about the morality involved in these two incidents ( one regarding Shetty-Gere, the other regarding a inter faith love affair). The mob voiced their protest by willful destruction of private property in one case. In the other case, they resorted to the abominable practice of burning effigies. The law enforcement in both cases were rendered impotent.
The mob is not even willing to listen or voice their protest in a more democratic way, they have total disregard for the law of the country. They go about being a law onto themselves, regardless of all the people they hurt in the process.
This ladies and gentlemen, is not Indian ethos. It is almost as if our ancestors came up with some of the most envied cultural institution in the past, and since then we as Indians have not built upon it, rather followed it blindly, without caring to update our philosophies for a new world. I sincerely believe our great ancestors will be disappointed with us.
The mob was unhappy with Shetty because they felt it was against Indian culture. What culture are we talking about? Are we talking about the open minded culture of our ancestors, a product of which is KhajuRaho? Also what is the use of this narrow minded interpretation of a great culture, which does not focus on real issues such as the promiscuity of the lorry drivers and the spread of AIDS, and instead focuses on a small and trivial display of affection?
What perhaps is the most frightening aspect of this mental stagnation, is that there is a part of Gen X, who secretly supports such mob violence. Who secretly would rather blindly interpret a great culture, in whichever way pleases them, rather than be open minded. A Gen X who will pass on this to their children, continuing the vicious cycle.
This mob speaks so much about culture, how many of them have cared to peruse the sacred books? Do the sacred books talk about "love" being bad ?(referring to the interfaith love case) NO!!
I personally have dealt with such people. These people are culturally unrefined, non thinking, mentally stagnant people, who are not so interested in protection of their culture, and are protesting for some more selfish reason.
Concluding, I welcome all brickbats, and I am would be glad to defend my argument.
Finally, I believe staying silent is as bad as being a part of the mob. Let us protest against this. How about an electronic signature campaign protesting the violent conduct of the mob and a certain section of the society. Let us bring India back to what it was, a vibrant culture, not a Talibanised horror.
RE:Death knell of Indian democracy?
by on Apr 18, 2007 09:53 AM
Very well written James... If only everyone would think like you! why do you think no one's game to challenge your say? how can one defend shallowness in the face of truth? Its such a pity to see such matters flare up!
If Shilpa didnt mind the kiss, why should anyone else.If the 'victim' didnt have a problem, why should there be an apology of any kind from anyone? These so called 'offended' people watch erotic stuff on tv every day for their entertainment!! Just get on with ur lives and stop being such hypocrates! The real Indians are busy building the India of the future and dont have time for all this crap!
RE:Why the fuss?
by arun kumar on Apr 18, 2007 08:27 AM
We don't mind the kissing...you total suck...well if you wouldn't mind some stranger kissing your female family members...would you do things to your partner in public which you do in your bedroom...use your f...in brains...tryin to be western...huh???
RE:Why the fuss?
by NAINI ISSAC on Apr 18, 2007 10:45 AM
Ur a total sad case Mr Arun!Y do u have to take the kissing so personally?.it was shilpa and not ur family member..whn people like u watch shlipa doing item numbers on screen..u r the first first ones to jump, scream an whistle..why that reaction then? Theres nothing western about what Id said..it is beacuse of what we Indians do in our bedrooms that we're beating china whn it comes to population!!
RE:Why the fuss?
by on Apr 18, 2007 09:59 AM
oh for God's sake...i can't believe someone like you who has access to the internet can have such opinions! Its disgusting!!
If they are so much concerned about culture, first show them what is happening in latest bollywood movies, which is far batter than any other *** movies ;)
i found it very silly to act like that on a simple kiss. infact nowadays bollywood are producing erotic film. these golden days are gone now where we were sitting with the whole familly and enjoy a film. because it is very embarassing to watch erotic scenes infront of our parents. and as far as indian culture is concern the way the actresses dress themselves i don't think it your culture. half body naked ??? shame why don't you all raise voice to stop this first. shilpa kissing astonished you. but what about the effect of these film on our children
All neo conservatives get up and grow up. We are the people who gave Kamasutra to the world, our sisters and wives cannot go out in india today without being eve teased, HIV and population are our biggest headaches, hunger, poverty and lack of electricity other. Farmers are committing suicide because of stupid regulations by government
Shilpa,Dont act like sathi savithri.You are supporting the act means you your self is not sure what is correct and what is wrong.We dont put Gere at wrong side.We are bothered abt your nonsense talk.
RE:Sathi savithri
by on Apr 18, 2007 12:31 AM
No i dont think anything is rong in that , if something is wrong -- ITS UR MENTALITY whch is sooo INDIAN>It wasnt a kiss on the LIPS so why such a BIG DEAL>?And regarding her talk, well wht she spoke made like 200% sence if ur a liberal person talking here.If ur not , then GOD help u bcome one.
Like Shilpa so many girls act under Indian family type and extract money from these people.Nothing wrong in kissing.We watched Dimple kissing Rishi in 70s.What is Shilpa and Gare? She wants publisity.make money out of that.It is prooved in reality show.Why all this fuss for her statement.We all know what is she.Please dont waste space for them.
RE:Become realistic all of u
by prasanna venkatesh on Apr 18, 2007 07:32 AM
Sam your idea of an ideal indian is so nauseating. Please stay indoors. You dont deserve to come out. Even the net you are using has come from the west. India is like this only because of Wasted guys like you. The incident is between two people absolutey unrelated to you. The idea of you pulling up gere's mom sister shows ur pervertion. Yuuukkkk.
what a shame! Don't these people have better things to do ? like going to school or something.. at least will get a better understanding about India's so called "Culture". May be Shivsena will have to bomb the Khajuraho temple, the kissing is not allowed eh ?
