So Shilpa Shetty was racially abused in the reality TV show Big Brother. We, been a democracy have a right to be feel outraged, unhappy, angry, debate, discuss the issue. And maybe compare it to other instances of racial abuse. And introspect.
But asking the Government of India to step in and take some action when the actress herself hasn’t asked for it, is wise?
I was unnerved when the Information Broadcasting Minister called a press briefing, telling that Ministry of External Affairs will deal with the British Government on the issue and investigate the matter.
The knee jerk reaction of the Government machinery lead me to think how it is frittering resources for a TV show which has gained popularity because of ‘bitchiness’ of the participants. That’s the prime requirement to be a contestant on the show. If one goes in thinking, he is going to be a part of the Brady bunch family, with a couple of hugs thrown in, then the contestant is in the wrong show.
Before you accuse me of being insensitive for not getting angry to the remarks Shilpa has to endure, I would like to point out two things.
One - Where was the Government when certain Muslim businessmen where locked in a Holland jail as their racial profile was suspicious. The GoI didn’t spring into action so fast then.
Neither it has been in other cases, where it was required to show its spine.
Two - It is a well documented fact that brown skinned people have been subject to racial discrimination in the west.
I have realized half the problem lies with us not been proud of our colour (wanting to be fair – look at the fairness cream ads, demand for fair models, air brushed pictures, layers of foundation) and sending out a signal through our actions that ‘they’ are in some way racially superior to ‘us’. The other half of the problem arises from there, with ‘them’ thinking we were meant to be ruled over.
Coming back to the reality show, it seems the actress has been giving back to them as good as she is getting. Till then, hope the Governments of both countries, the media and the people stop over reacting and trivializing the issue.
Because a deep rooted problem like does not need a knee jerk reaction, it needs strong biases, from all sides, to dissolve. And that will take a long time.
Originally posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 6:08 PM
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Its Not Really A Writers Block.
It is ironic that after the last post, I am writing this.
I have been meaning to write but since the past few weeks or so, I just couldn’t get down to it. Write about Nithari? Saddam’s hanging? A feel good post on the New Year? Analyze the Indo- US Nuke deal? Homeless people and winters? Fiction? More Poetry?
Words formed in my head. Then turned into sentences. And then into thoughts. I shook my head. Did not feel like blogging. I wondered what was wrong with me.
Maybe my honeymoon with blogging was over. Its like dragging a dead weight with me. A relationship which seemed exciting once was ending into a bitter divorce now. I blog-hopped but rarely left a comment somewhere. Even on my post, I languidly replied to comments.
I still haven’t figured out what’s wrong with me. And I have no idea why I am writing this post. Maybe just to change the wallpaper.
Au Revoir. Till I come out of this state of stupor.
Or maybe it is a writers' block.
P.S: Why doesn't O3 allow use of apostrophe in headings? Its irritating.
--------
Update - Jan 18
Looks like I came out of the stupor. Just posted a new one, out of the blue!!
Originally posted on Tuesday, January 16, 2007 3:06 PM
I have been meaning to write but since the past few weeks or so, I just couldn’t get down to it. Write about Nithari? Saddam’s hanging? A feel good post on the New Year? Analyze the Indo- US Nuke deal? Homeless people and winters? Fiction? More Poetry?
Words formed in my head. Then turned into sentences. And then into thoughts. I shook my head. Did not feel like blogging. I wondered what was wrong with me.
Maybe my honeymoon with blogging was over. Its like dragging a dead weight with me. A relationship which seemed exciting once was ending into a bitter divorce now. I blog-hopped but rarely left a comment somewhere. Even on my post, I languidly replied to comments.
I still haven’t figured out what’s wrong with me. And I have no idea why I am writing this post. Maybe just to change the wallpaper.
Au Revoir. Till I come out of this state of stupor.
Or maybe it is a writers' block.
P.S: Why doesn't O3 allow use of apostrophe in headings? Its irritating.
--------
Update - Jan 18
Looks like I came out of the stupor. Just posted a new one, out of the blue!!
Originally posted on Tuesday, January 16, 2007 3:06 PM
Let Us Dissect Blogging
That seems to be the new mantra for the main stream media which is left with its mouth gaping, wondering how this alternative form of media is giving it some competition.
From analyzing why people write their own stories online for everyone to read to why blog tags are so famous, to Time magazine dedicating its Person of the year to ‘you’ (meaning us) who sit staring at our computer monitors, typing away in this virtual world, to mainstream media websites having a mandatory blog section (From BBC, Washington Post to our very own CNN-IBN, Times of India), blogging is becoming quite popular.
From technologists to sociologists, all are trying to understand this booming new virtual world which started with websites, emails, chatrooms, forums, e-commerce and e-education. Each development was hailed as the ‘next big thing’. In that line, christened as Web 2.0, this new wave called blogging has become the latest craze.
As more and more people bridge the technological divide, the blogosphere is set to grow. A case in point is our very own O3, where so many bloggers have joined in the last year or so.
As the rule goes, everything which goes up, has to come down, so will the enthusiasm about blogging. But its too soon to ask the question-when? Till then we can all blog away to glory.
Originally posted on Wednesday, January 03, 2007 2:07 PM
From analyzing why people write their own stories online for everyone to read to why blog tags are so famous, to Time magazine dedicating its Person of the year to ‘you’ (meaning us) who sit staring at our computer monitors, typing away in this virtual world, to mainstream media websites having a mandatory blog section (From BBC, Washington Post to our very own CNN-IBN, Times of India), blogging is becoming quite popular.
From technologists to sociologists, all are trying to understand this booming new virtual world which started with websites, emails, chatrooms, forums, e-commerce and e-education. Each development was hailed as the ‘next big thing’. In that line, christened as Web 2.0, this new wave called blogging has become the latest craze.
As more and more people bridge the technological divide, the blogosphere is set to grow. A case in point is our very own O3, where so many bloggers have joined in the last year or so.
As the rule goes, everything which goes up, has to come down, so will the enthusiasm about blogging. But its too soon to ask the question-when? Till then we can all blog away to glory.
Originally posted on Wednesday, January 03, 2007 2:07 PM
Wondering...
As one completed the others’ sentences, and yet could not become one
One claimed to be the other half and the other claimed the same
And as one said you are same as me, the other smiled
Because the one thought it was true, as did the other
It was not just a piece of soul which both bartered
It is a part of life which neither will forget
Vivid memories only to become sepia
And one proudly wore the other's scent, and felt so close
They owned each other like none could possess
The purity of amore, which can’t be described in words, enveloped them
Entwined as they were together, destiny they did not know
Like the water of life, they swam in the ocean
As they realized, against the tide they shall have to go
Trying to outwit the pain, they played along
Neither knows where the waves will take them
A ship to rescue or a shore awaits them
Only time can tell what is written
A rope which holds them, will it break away
If it does, then their souls will be pierced
Like shards of broken glass, falling from the sky
Red rivers will flow, and drown they shall, in the ocean of life
Wondering if twain shall meet again
And if the pain was worth it, even though a part of them died
And what if they hadn't met each other
Would they trade the bitter sweet for something else
----------
P.S: Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year
Originally posted on Tuesday, December 26, 2006 12:30 PM
One claimed to be the other half and the other claimed the same
And as one said you are same as me, the other smiled
Because the one thought it was true, as did the other
It was not just a piece of soul which both bartered
It is a part of life which neither will forget
Vivid memories only to become sepia
And one proudly wore the other's scent, and felt so close
They owned each other like none could possess
The purity of amore, which can’t be described in words, enveloped them
Entwined as they were together, destiny they did not know
Like the water of life, they swam in the ocean
As they realized, against the tide they shall have to go
Trying to outwit the pain, they played along
Neither knows where the waves will take them
A ship to rescue or a shore awaits them
Only time can tell what is written
A rope which holds them, will it break away
If it does, then their souls will be pierced
Like shards of broken glass, falling from the sky
Red rivers will flow, and drown they shall, in the ocean of life
Wondering if twain shall meet again
And if the pain was worth it, even though a part of them died
And what if they hadn't met each other
Would they trade the bitter sweet for something else
----------
P.S: Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year
Originally posted on Tuesday, December 26, 2006 12:30 PM
My Ode To Winters
In sepia tones I can see my city enveloped
A cold gloomy day, adorned with a mystical white fog
As the sun tires to shine behind the clouds
And the eagles soar above my window
As I look outside, as far as my gaze allows
I know the winter has arrived
For it creates an illusion, of everything swath in rime
Originally posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 1:48 PM
A cold gloomy day, adorned with a mystical white fog
As the sun tires to shine behind the clouds
And the eagles soar above my window
As I look outside, as far as my gaze allows
I know the winter has arrived
For it creates an illusion, of everything swath in rime
Originally posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 1:48 PM
An Old Man And His Tales
Getting late on a Monday morning is a no-no for me. As I reached the auto stand, there was no auto in sight and then I saw one coming slowly. Frantically, I waved my hand and I flagged it down.
I haggled with the driver, an old man with long curly salt and pepper bread, and kindly eyes. After fixing the price, I plonked on the auto seat, took out my newspaper, began munching on dry fruits and started reading.
But the old man had other ideas!
He was a talkative person who told me how the situation was in 1980s and 1990s and how much the fare was, where people liked to travel and how South Delhi was just till Hauz Khas and Green Park.
He constantly kept talking somehow reminding me of old people who keep muttering to themselves. I politely nodded a few times, which I hoped would give him some hint that I wasn’t interested in make a conversation.
But he wasn’t the kind to take hints. On top of it he was driving at a speed of 35 km/hr, jumping out of his seat every time a bus came too close by.
I looked at my watch almost getting resigned to the fact that I could be late today.
Meanwhile Shamshauddin (he looked like his name would be this) kept going down the memory lane.
Half way though my journey, I realized that – 1. I would definitely be late 2. Shamshauddin would not stop talking.
We people living in the metros rush though our life so much, in a hurry to get from one place to another that we don’t even stop to greet our neighbour or have a conversation with people.
I folded my newspaper, proceeded to talk with him and had a pleasant morning till I reached my destination. Not because I had no other option but his tales were quite interesting too.
The old man reminded me something which I and my young counterparts have forgotten - virtues of an unhurried life!
Originally posted on Monday, November 27, 2006 5:44 PM
I haggled with the driver, an old man with long curly salt and pepper bread, and kindly eyes. After fixing the price, I plonked on the auto seat, took out my newspaper, began munching on dry fruits and started reading.
But the old man had other ideas!
He was a talkative person who told me how the situation was in 1980s and 1990s and how much the fare was, where people liked to travel and how South Delhi was just till Hauz Khas and Green Park.
He constantly kept talking somehow reminding me of old people who keep muttering to themselves. I politely nodded a few times, which I hoped would give him some hint that I wasn’t interested in make a conversation.
But he wasn’t the kind to take hints. On top of it he was driving at a speed of 35 km/hr, jumping out of his seat every time a bus came too close by.
I looked at my watch almost getting resigned to the fact that I could be late today.
Meanwhile Shamshauddin (he looked like his name would be this) kept going down the memory lane.
Half way though my journey, I realized that – 1. I would definitely be late 2. Shamshauddin would not stop talking.
We people living in the metros rush though our life so much, in a hurry to get from one place to another that we don’t even stop to greet our neighbour or have a conversation with people.
I folded my newspaper, proceeded to talk with him and had a pleasant morning till I reached my destination. Not because I had no other option but his tales were quite interesting too.
The old man reminded me something which I and my young counterparts have forgotten - virtues of an unhurried life!
Originally posted on Monday, November 27, 2006 5:44 PM
How Would You Like To Travel?
We have all heard 'When in Rome do as the Romans'. But to give it a twist in the modern era, we can change it to ‘When in Britain do as Indians do’.
After exporting chicken tikka masala, bollywood, Indian fashion our latest exports seem to be Indian modes of transport.
First were the auto rickshaws which became hugely popular in Brighton and a sleeker version in London. Popularly known as ‘tuc tucs’ they seem to have become the latest rage.
Then came th majestic looking Ambassadors, a British version of them will be launched soon.
And now Scottish students are discovering the ‘virtues of sustainable travel’ in a cycle rickshaw.
I am wondering - what next? Maybe bullock carts? J
Originally posted on Thursday, November 23, 2006 3:33 PM
Originally posted on Thursday, November 23, 2006 3:33 PM
On A Deserted Island
Tagged by the shadiest person on O3, here goes my list of things I would need to survive on the island -
# A laptop with wireless internet connection and solar charger, so I can call up everyone, listen to music, watch movies (already stored on the lappy), check email, read newspapers and books, chat, update my blog etc.
# A rucksack containing inflatable tent, sleeping bag, tool kit, matches, tin opener, toothbrush etc.
# A huge box of tinned food
# A bag full of clothes
# Light flares to grab attention of rescue helicopter/ship coz after a while I’ll get bored there
# AND Bryan Adams – the man with a voice like honey and pepper, who will sing to me from time to time J
I tag Sanjeev, Konfi, MV, Maya, Nysa now....
Originally posted on Thursday, November 16, 2006 1:58 PM
# A laptop with wireless internet connection and solar charger, so I can call up everyone, listen to music, watch movies (already stored on the lappy), check email, read newspapers and books, chat, update my blog etc.
# A rucksack containing inflatable tent, sleeping bag, tool kit, matches, tin opener, toothbrush etc.
# A huge box of tinned food
# A bag full of clothes
# Light flares to grab attention of rescue helicopter/ship coz after a while I’ll get bored there
# AND Bryan Adams – the man with a voice like honey and pepper, who will sing to me from time to time J
I tag Sanjeev, Konfi, MV, Maya, Nysa now....
Originally posted on Thursday, November 16, 2006 1:58 PM
Rucksack Tales
A lot has been said about my rucksack, the first inanimate object to become a mini celeb on O3 :D
My rucksacks have been with me on each step of my life. I take this opportunity to recount my rucksack tales here.
My memories of a rucksack go back to my childhood, when I was in school. Infact, I can still remember my 1st ever school bag in nursery class– an olive green canvas one in which I hid my paranthas which I did not eat for lunch at school.
Four days later my mom realized that foul smell was coming from the front pocket of the bag only to discover fungus clad food.
Another incident etched in my mind about a rucksack happened eons ago when I was in class 4 or 5. I had a hard time juggling my school bag and water bottle. So the class teacher appointed each boy in the class (by rotation) to carry my bag to the school bus every afternoon. The poor kid had to carry his bag, his bottle and my bag everyday. Oh and another kid used to carry my water bottle.
Like a royal princess with two bodyguards lugging my stuff, I used to go hopping to my school bus. :D
Rucksacks have seen me through school and college. They were like my armour when people brushed past me ‘accidentally’. And certain times, the bag was used as a weapon to ‘accidentally’ hurt these people too.
Coming to the present, I don’t carry girlie purses to office because everything can’t fit into it and I like my hands to be free. I don’t like carrying anything extra in my hands except for a newspaper.
I carry my beloved rucksack to work everyday. Infact it sometimes goes with me when I am shopping too!
It has led my family members to think about my obsession with my bag and if I would be happier if it was surgically attached to my body.
There has been a lot of speculation on O3 what exactly I carry in my one-ton-bag (term coined by Shady). I carry my notebooks (no I am not in school anymore), pens, phone dairy, papers, toothbrush, scarf, breakfast, lunch, apple, books, pepper spray,wallet and other assorted things in my bag.
Since I look school girlish, especially with my bag and after much chiding from everyone, I had to recently move from a college like rucksack to a professional looking bag.
If you think I have chucked my rucksack, you are wrong. Now I have a classy leather one!
P.S: A photo of the bag coming soon!
P.P.S: It would be interesting to read rucksack/bag tales of o3ites. Do share them here...
Originally posted on Tuesday, November 14, 2006 5:31 PM
My rucksacks have been with me on each step of my life. I take this opportunity to recount my rucksack tales here.
My memories of a rucksack go back to my childhood, when I was in school. Infact, I can still remember my 1st ever school bag in nursery class– an olive green canvas one in which I hid my paranthas which I did not eat for lunch at school.
Four days later my mom realized that foul smell was coming from the front pocket of the bag only to discover fungus clad food.
Another incident etched in my mind about a rucksack happened eons ago when I was in class 4 or 5. I had a hard time juggling my school bag and water bottle. So the class teacher appointed each boy in the class (by rotation) to carry my bag to the school bus every afternoon. The poor kid had to carry his bag, his bottle and my bag everyday. Oh and another kid used to carry my water bottle.
Like a royal princess with two bodyguards lugging my stuff, I used to go hopping to my school bus. :D
Rucksacks have seen me through school and college. They were like my armour when people brushed past me ‘accidentally’. And certain times, the bag was used as a weapon to ‘accidentally’ hurt these people too.
Coming to the present, I don’t carry girlie purses to office because everything can’t fit into it and I like my hands to be free. I don’t like carrying anything extra in my hands except for a newspaper.
I carry my beloved rucksack to work everyday. Infact it sometimes goes with me when I am shopping too!
It has led my family members to think about my obsession with my bag and if I would be happier if it was surgically attached to my body.
There has been a lot of speculation on O3 what exactly I carry in my one-ton-bag (term coined by Shady). I carry my notebooks (no I am not in school anymore), pens, phone dairy, papers, toothbrush, scarf, breakfast, lunch, apple, books, pepper spray,wallet and other assorted things in my bag.
Since I look school girlish, especially with my bag and after much chiding from everyone, I had to recently move from a college like rucksack to a professional looking bag.
If you think I have chucked my rucksack, you are wrong. Now I have a classy leather one!
P.S: A photo of the bag coming soon!
P.P.S: It would be interesting to read rucksack/bag tales of o3ites. Do share them here...
Originally posted on Tuesday, November 14, 2006 5:31 PM
A Social Activism Paradise
The mood is electric as I enter the Jawahar Lal Stadium grounds.
Some people from Tibet are starting their protests, in another corner a dalit group from Jharkand is discussing its issues, further ahead a women’s group from Karnataka is selling its wares, a traditional craft, slowly losing out to globalization, further ahead Agsar Ali passionately tells Muslim women to change the shariat.
I listen to issues related to NREGA and then I see a poster screaming out “World’s Number One Terrorist”. Someone is blocking my way and I cant see the picture, I assume its Osama Bin Laden. Well I am wrong. A leftist heaven, the picture is of George W Bush.
And I realize that Indian Social Forum is the biggest mela for all kinds of social activism. I am amazed that there are so many people who care about such a vast array of issues.
Thousands of people from all walks of life, all across the world are here to talk about things which affect them directly or indirectly.
The venue is next to a slum and I see people’s reaction as they pass by it. They squirm, some putting a cloth over their faces, some ignore it and then I wonder if there are double standards too.
What uplifts my spirit is the involvement of young people in the event. Atleast some people don’t have a chalta hai attitude.
All in all – I have a mixed day. I am happy to see that the voiceless are give a voice, a platform but on the other hand one understands that globalization is the way forward. A closed society and economy can never grow.
Do check out their website here.
Any one in Delhi concerned about any social issue ranging from farmers plight to nuclear proliferation, don’t give this event a miss. It will go on till November 13!
Originally posted on Saturday, November 11, 2006 1:20 PM
Some people from Tibet are starting their protests, in another corner a dalit group from Jharkand is discussing its issues, further ahead a women’s group from Karnataka is selling its wares, a traditional craft, slowly losing out to globalization, further ahead Agsar Ali passionately tells Muslim women to change the shariat.
I listen to issues related to NREGA and then I see a poster screaming out “World’s Number One Terrorist”. Someone is blocking my way and I cant see the picture, I assume its Osama Bin Laden. Well I am wrong. A leftist heaven, the picture is of George W Bush.
And I realize that Indian Social Forum is the biggest mela for all kinds of social activism. I am amazed that there are so many people who care about such a vast array of issues.
Thousands of people from all walks of life, all across the world are here to talk about things which affect them directly or indirectly.
The venue is next to a slum and I see people’s reaction as they pass by it. They squirm, some putting a cloth over their faces, some ignore it and then I wonder if there are double standards too.
What uplifts my spirit is the involvement of young people in the event. Atleast some people don’t have a chalta hai attitude.
All in all – I have a mixed day. I am happy to see that the voiceless are give a voice, a platform but on the other hand one understands that globalization is the way forward. A closed society and economy can never grow.
Do check out their website here.
Any one in Delhi concerned about any social issue ranging from farmers plight to nuclear proliferation, don’t give this event a miss. It will go on till November 13!
Originally posted on Saturday, November 11, 2006 1:20 PM
When Lines Blur
Some people are lonely, some are frustrated, some unhappy and some have psychological disorders like seeking attention.
When such people get a platform where they can be anonymous, they abuse it.
They lie, they cheat others into believing something. Probably an image of themselves which they want to create in their real life and they can’t.
It can be very difficult to keep up that image because sometimes people do slip up, leave clues unknowingly. They think other can’t see, but they can.
Some pretend to be younger, some pretend to belong to the opposite sex.
And yet others, they outright pretend to be some one else, taking on an identity and trying to fool others.
Twice on this blog forum, such incidents have happened, where these self confidence lacking individuals have been caught and have tendered apology.
For some it is a game about identity deception, albeit one that is played without the consent of most of the players. The person attempts to pass as a legitimate participant, sharing the group's common interests and concerns.
But the success rate is not considered to be high in such cases as identity cues give away their game.
Obviously they should seek some kind of professional help.
An MIT Media Lab research adds- compared to the physical world, it is relatively easy to pass as someone else online since there are relatively few identity cues.
It further goes on to add that its even more surprising how unsuccessful such crude imitations can be.
In a ToI article, sociologist Neha Khanna says people are not only taking up online identities, they are changing their real ones too.
She further says, "This is the age where everybody wants to be a star, be saleable. If others react favourably online to a certain trait, they change their identity at a moment's notice.
The 'real you' is lost in the race to be 'popular you'. But this doesn't happen in real life interaction. So, is it time to press the alarm bells? "
Definitely. Normality is the ability to deal with all aspects of real life. Not choosing your space and blanking out the real," adds psychologist Samir Parikh.
Is anyone paying heed?
P.S : This post is inspired by SS ki current post.
Originally posted on Friday, November 10, 2006 6:09 PM
When such people get a platform where they can be anonymous, they abuse it.
They lie, they cheat others into believing something. Probably an image of themselves which they want to create in their real life and they can’t.
It can be very difficult to keep up that image because sometimes people do slip up, leave clues unknowingly. They think other can’t see, but they can.
Some pretend to be younger, some pretend to belong to the opposite sex.
And yet others, they outright pretend to be some one else, taking on an identity and trying to fool others.
Twice on this blog forum, such incidents have happened, where these self confidence lacking individuals have been caught and have tendered apology.
For some it is a game about identity deception, albeit one that is played without the consent of most of the players. The person attempts to pass as a legitimate participant, sharing the group's common interests and concerns.
But the success rate is not considered to be high in such cases as identity cues give away their game.
Obviously they should seek some kind of professional help.
An MIT Media Lab research adds- compared to the physical world, it is relatively easy to pass as someone else online since there are relatively few identity cues.
It further goes on to add that its even more surprising how unsuccessful such crude imitations can be.
In a ToI article, sociologist Neha Khanna says people are not only taking up online identities, they are changing their real ones too.
She further says, "This is the age where everybody wants to be a star, be saleable. If others react favourably online to a certain trait, they change their identity at a moment's notice.
The 'real you' is lost in the race to be 'popular you'. But this doesn't happen in real life interaction. So, is it time to press the alarm bells? "
Definitely. Normality is the ability to deal with all aspects of real life. Not choosing your space and blanking out the real," adds psychologist Samir Parikh.
Is anyone paying heed?
P.S : This post is inspired by SS ki current post.
Originally posted on Friday, November 10, 2006 6:09 PM
Dial M For Media
Amidst the criticism which the Indian media faces for reducing news to infotainment, it still hasn’t lost touch with the real issues, the issues which affect the common man.
When Priyadarshi Mattoo case was forgotten, media played a commendable role to bring it to the forefront.
Though it cannot take all credit for the judgment, it has again brought to the front the two P’s of media – power and pressure.
Finally after watching prince-rescued-drama, snake-after-man-drama, driverless-car-drama, matuknath-love story-drama, girls-getting-into- Prime Minister’s-residence drama and almost losing hope that I would never be subjected to some kind of intellectual stimulation or issue based news, this comes like a breath of fresh air.
Though broadcast journalism has come into the limelight for all the wrong reasons – sensationalizing of unimportant ‘news’, magnifying issues which didn’t need to be in the spotlight. This form of media is quite new in India, not taking into account doordarshan, the sarkari channel which has been there since 1959, where news anchors drone about lifelessly, looking almost bored.
The private players still have teething troubles as their foray into the industry is about a decade old.
When compared to the biggies in the west, they don’t quite match up. But given the experience and the fact that western broadcast media had started to establish in first half of 1900s, we still have some catching up to do.
Another dynamics which are peculiar to India are the ‘target audience’. There is a distinction between urban and rural audience and the news channels cater to especially to them.
With time, I hope the broadcast media evolves and instead of dumbing down the audience, it sensitizes them. And inspite of being commercialized, continues to raise important issues and as they call it ‘fight for the underdog’.
Originally posted on Tuesday, October 31, 2006 12:28 PM
When Priyadarshi Mattoo case was forgotten, media played a commendable role to bring it to the forefront.
Though it cannot take all credit for the judgment, it has again brought to the front the two P’s of media – power and pressure.
Finally after watching prince-rescued-drama, snake-after-man-drama, driverless-car-drama, matuknath-love story-drama, girls-getting-into- Prime Minister’s-residence drama and almost losing hope that I would never be subjected to some kind of intellectual stimulation or issue based news, this comes like a breath of fresh air.
Though broadcast journalism has come into the limelight for all the wrong reasons – sensationalizing of unimportant ‘news’, magnifying issues which didn’t need to be in the spotlight. This form of media is quite new in India, not taking into account doordarshan, the sarkari channel which has been there since 1959, where news anchors drone about lifelessly, looking almost bored.
The private players still have teething troubles as their foray into the industry is about a decade old.
When compared to the biggies in the west, they don’t quite match up. But given the experience and the fact that western broadcast media had started to establish in first half of 1900s, we still have some catching up to do.
Another dynamics which are peculiar to India are the ‘target audience’. There is a distinction between urban and rural audience and the news channels cater to especially to them.
With time, I hope the broadcast media evolves and instead of dumbing down the audience, it sensitizes them. And inspite of being commercialized, continues to raise important issues and as they call it ‘fight for the underdog’.
Originally posted on Tuesday, October 31, 2006 12:28 PM
Friday, August 22, 2008
Geometry of The Delhi Bloggers Meet
Update below
Before reading this, check out Savy's and Abyb's version of the meet coz I have left out some details as I didn't want to be repetitive-
First of all, we did not come fashionably late to the meet, we were all working/ stuck in traffic and that’s why it took some time to reach there.
As I entered the meet venue, I saw Shady, Taira and a lady sitting in a corner. I instantly recognized her as Savy :)
I ordered the same drink as Savy and was served in a different glass. It seems nobody was happy with the glasses and hence a different glass for me (incase I kicked up a fuss). A while later Kamesh also ordered the same drink and was served in a yet another glass!
As Maddy told us about her Mumbai experiences and how supportive the Mumbai bloggers were, the difficulty she had in getting a house there and how she described me to the Mumbai gang, we were ROFL.
After a general chitchat, Kamesh joined us. And then began lots of geometry and chemistry at the meet
First we could see anticipation in Kamesh’s eyes as he expected Abyb to join us. With a wistful expression Kamesh talked about how he and Abyb hit off at the last meet and how they go on frequent dates now and how they talk to each other on the phone and how eagerly he was waiting for Abyb to join us for the meet.
After not receiving any call from him, Kamesh himself called and asked how long it would take Abyb to reach. And after he reached, you could see a smile on Kamesh’s face.
Meanwhile Maddy became upset that Abyb being her neigbour was seeing Kamesh more than her.
Here began the triangle.
Meanwhile Shady rubbed his hands in glee because he started getting shady thoughts about the triangle.
Shady, Savy and Maddy started talking about finding a girlfriend for Shady and his 7-and-half funda and experienced women.
Taira talked about the hot doctor at Max health care who Maddy knew pretty well. I think I should take Dad there for his next checkup :D
As Oceanic and Abyb made an entrance at 8.00 P.M for a meet scheduled at 6.00 P.M and Oceanic left before we could all say Hi, she said to Abyb, something to the effect of - I hope you don’t mind/feel bad.
This led to a complicated rectangle.
There are talks of a pentagon when I was leaving and gently chided Abyb to atleast try and come on time for the next meet :D
Taira had to leave and after sometime Savy and I also decided to leave. Savy was very sweet and made me meet her kids who where in CP but had not joined us for a meet.
P.S: I am ROFL @ everyone talking about my rucksack. It’s not that big or heavy. And it’s a handy tool when I want to hit somebody.
Update: Check out the official version of the meet at Kamesh's blog
Before reading this, check out Savy's and Abyb's version of the meet coz I have left out some details as I didn't want to be repetitive-
First of all, we did not come fashionably late to the meet, we were all working/ stuck in traffic and that’s why it took some time to reach there.
As I entered the meet venue, I saw Shady, Taira and a lady sitting in a corner. I instantly recognized her as Savy :)
I ordered the same drink as Savy and was served in a different glass. It seems nobody was happy with the glasses and hence a different glass for me (incase I kicked up a fuss). A while later Kamesh also ordered the same drink and was served in a yet another glass!
As Maddy told us about her Mumbai experiences and how supportive the Mumbai bloggers were, the difficulty she had in getting a house there and how she described me to the Mumbai gang, we were ROFL.
After a general chitchat, Kamesh joined us. And then began lots of geometry and chemistry at the meet
First we could see anticipation in Kamesh’s eyes as he expected Abyb to join us. With a wistful expression Kamesh talked about how he and Abyb hit off at the last meet and how they go on frequent dates now and how they talk to each other on the phone and how eagerly he was waiting for Abyb to join us for the meet.
After not receiving any call from him, Kamesh himself called and asked how long it would take Abyb to reach. And after he reached, you could see a smile on Kamesh’s face.
Meanwhile Maddy became upset that Abyb being her neigbour was seeing Kamesh more than her.
Here began the triangle.
Meanwhile Shady rubbed his hands in glee because he started getting shady thoughts about the triangle.
Shady, Savy and Maddy started talking about finding a girlfriend for Shady and his 7-and-half funda and experienced women.
Taira talked about the hot doctor at Max health care who Maddy knew pretty well. I think I should take Dad there for his next checkup :D
As Oceanic and Abyb made an entrance at 8.00 P.M for a meet scheduled at 6.00 P.M and Oceanic left before we could all say Hi, she said to Abyb, something to the effect of - I hope you don’t mind/feel bad.
This led to a complicated rectangle.
There are talks of a pentagon when I was leaving and gently chided Abyb to atleast try and come on time for the next meet :D
Taira had to leave and after sometime Savy and I also decided to leave. Savy was very sweet and made me meet her kids who where in CP but had not joined us for a meet.
P.S: I am ROFL @ everyone talking about my rucksack. It’s not that big or heavy. And it’s a handy tool when I want to hit somebody.
Update: Check out the official version of the meet at Kamesh's blog
For The Spammers On O3
Dear Mike, Dough, Smith, Oscar, Jimmie, Greg, Aldo and others,
I am not having a nervous breakdown and I don't need Valium. I definitely don't need to reduce my weight so advertising phentermine on my blog post is an utter waste of bandwidth and my time.
I also don't need a car insurance as I don't drive to work. Also I don’t need insurance for anything else you may want to sell me in the future.
I am not Italian, so those Italian sounding websites are completely useless for me.
Neither do I visit those X-rated websites.
I don’t shop online for shoes, clothes, music, camera, TV, phone and everything else which is on your list.
Also I don't gamble online and I don't have bad credit, so I don't need a loan.
For those of you who like 'my style of writing' and want me to chill, I am not fishing for compliments I don't want to chill.
I will mercilessly delete all your crappy, #$%&* spam comments. If you want to wage a battle with me, I can assure you that you will fail.
(Never) Yours
Zephie
P.S: Fellow bloggers, I may have unintentionally left some spammers/ spam comments. Just drop a line in my comments section, I shall duly update the ever growing list!
Originally posted on Monday, October 23, 2006 1:25 PM
I am not having a nervous breakdown and I don't need Valium. I definitely don't need to reduce my weight so advertising phentermine on my blog post is an utter waste of bandwidth and my time.
I also don't need a car insurance as I don't drive to work. Also I don’t need insurance for anything else you may want to sell me in the future.
I am not Italian, so those Italian sounding websites are completely useless for me.
Neither do I visit those X-rated websites.
I don’t shop online for shoes, clothes, music, camera, TV, phone and everything else which is on your list.
Also I don't gamble online and I don't have bad credit, so I don't need a loan.
For those of you who like 'my style of writing' and want me to chill, I am not fishing for compliments I don't want to chill.
I will mercilessly delete all your crappy, #$%&* spam comments. If you want to wage a battle with me, I can assure you that you will fail.
(Never) Yours
Zephie
P.S: Fellow bloggers, I may have unintentionally left some spammers/ spam comments. Just drop a line in my comments section, I shall duly update the ever growing list!
Originally posted on Monday, October 23, 2006 1:25 PM
The Life We Live And The Death We Choose
* Scroll down for updates
“Veronika was almost certain that everything ended with death. That is why she had chosen suicide: freedom at last. Eternal ovlivion.
She was not killing herself because she was a sad, embitted woman, constantly depressed.
She believed herself to be completely normal. Two very simple reasons lay behind her decision to die, and she was sure that, were she to leave a note explaining, many people would agree with her.
The first reason: everything in her life was the same and once her youth was gone, it would be downhill all the way... The second reason was more philosophical... She was aware of what was going on in the world. Everything was wrong, and she had no way of putting things right- that gave her a sense of complete powerlessness.“
- Paulo Coehlo, Veronika Decides To Die
And so a 24 year old woman, who had everything in life, decided to die.
What she did not understand was when you forget to live, you die. Even if it's not a physical death, its a death of one's soul. It's not a decision you make, its the complacency you accept. The fear of living your life on your terms and acceptance by the others.
To see beauty in leaves which dance as zephyr passes through them. To be captivated by an innocent smile of a child or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of everyday life. To live with the understanding that a healthy mix of idealism and practicality is important. The desire to take on anything and have faith. And to understand that life is precious. That’s what it is all about.
I could go on and on. But the reason for writing this post was not just to analyze a brilliant piece of writing by Coelho but also understand its relevance in our society, our lives.
What alarms me is the number of suicides going up steadily in Urban India. WHO says :
With a rate of 11 per 1,00,000 suicides per year, an increase from 6 per 1,00,000 during the 1980s, India occupies the second highest rate of suicides in South East Asia. When corrected for underreporting, these rates are likely to be much higher.
While 89,000 persons committed suicide in 1995, the number increased to 96,000 in 1997 and to 1,04,000 in 1998, an increase of 25% compared to the previous year. During 1988-1998, suicides increased by a staggering 33.7%.
Among the cities, Bangalore (17%), Mumbai (14%), Chennai (11%) and Delhi (7.5%) accounted for nearly 50% of the total suicides in the country.
Though in the novel Veronika's suicide attempt wasn't successful, that is not always the case in real life.
Update 1 on 11th Oct '06: Just realized that today I have completed one year of blogging :O
I didn't think this obsession would last this long!!!!
-----------------
Update 2: Wishing everyone a Shubh Deepawali and Eid Mubarak
Originally posted on Saturday, October 07, 2006 7:31 PM
“Veronika was almost certain that everything ended with death. That is why she had chosen suicide: freedom at last. Eternal ovlivion.
She was not killing herself because she was a sad, embitted woman, constantly depressed.
She believed herself to be completely normal. Two very simple reasons lay behind her decision to die, and she was sure that, were she to leave a note explaining, many people would agree with her.
The first reason: everything in her life was the same and once her youth was gone, it would be downhill all the way... The second reason was more philosophical... She was aware of what was going on in the world. Everything was wrong, and she had no way of putting things right- that gave her a sense of complete powerlessness.“
- Paulo Coehlo, Veronika Decides To Die
And so a 24 year old woman, who had everything in life, decided to die.
What she did not understand was when you forget to live, you die. Even if it's not a physical death, its a death of one's soul. It's not a decision you make, its the complacency you accept. The fear of living your life on your terms and acceptance by the others.
To see beauty in leaves which dance as zephyr passes through them. To be captivated by an innocent smile of a child or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of everyday life. To live with the understanding that a healthy mix of idealism and practicality is important. The desire to take on anything and have faith. And to understand that life is precious. That’s what it is all about.
I could go on and on. But the reason for writing this post was not just to analyze a brilliant piece of writing by Coelho but also understand its relevance in our society, our lives.
What alarms me is the number of suicides going up steadily in Urban India. WHO says :
With a rate of 11 per 1,00,000 suicides per year, an increase from 6 per 1,00,000 during the 1980s, India occupies the second highest rate of suicides in South East Asia. When corrected for underreporting, these rates are likely to be much higher.
While 89,000 persons committed suicide in 1995, the number increased to 96,000 in 1997 and to 1,04,000 in 1998, an increase of 25% compared to the previous year. During 1988-1998, suicides increased by a staggering 33.7%.
Among the cities, Bangalore (17%), Mumbai (14%), Chennai (11%) and Delhi (7.5%) accounted for nearly 50% of the total suicides in the country.
Though in the novel Veronika's suicide attempt wasn't successful, that is not always the case in real life.
Update 1 on 11th Oct '06: Just realized that today I have completed one year of blogging :O
I didn't think this obsession would last this long!!!!
-----------------
Update 2: Wishing everyone a Shubh Deepawali and Eid Mubarak
Originally posted on Saturday, October 07, 2006 7:31 PM
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