An Indictment of Society…
As usual, the title of my article says it all!
My circle of friends know that I quit Mouthshut.com 2 months ago… then why am I back? I had intended 60 to be my last contribution to the realm of Mouthshut.com. Then why? I assure you that I have no intention of re-starting. But a few things have happened that have brought me back to the pen.
Specifically, the Aarushi Case.
I was shocked by the entire episode… but that was not the only parameter or happening. The Aarushi Case was only the culmination of a thought process that had begun more than 6 months ago- the process of alienation with the state of The Media, as well as with some of the more unsavoury aspects of our mind-set. Yes – I am talking about you and me.
I don’t know much about the case, or it salient facts. I have little awareness of the case per se, and so this article is not a vilification of anyone concerned with that case. It is just that this case has brought to the fore many of the points that had been circling in my mind.
All of us will remember that every channel was sensationalizing the case to the hilt, trying to build up TRPs and viewership. When Dr Talwar was arrested, almost every channel was the first to victimize the Father and indict him. It was trial by media – and it is here to stay. This case is, to my mind, a major watershed in that I cant remember any single case that has been so played up in the Media. Let us leave aside the reasons for that for the purposes of this article – I would rather leave the Talwar Family alone in this hour of their grief – and examine this phenomenon in a little more detail.
Firstly, the instant vilification of a suspect – trial by media. Is it appropriate? I don’t think so. But before we condemn the channels for that – take a moment to think. WHY does this vilification occur? The answer is within ourselves. Are we not attracted to such spicy news articles? Even myself – a person who is turned off by such “tabloid” reporting – can recall the case and the basic details. Would I have realized it if I HAD NOT been interested? So, who is to blame? The channels? No, not solely. You and I – the society. We are to blame.
It is we who watch these channels. It is we who encourage them to put on such crap – they show it because we watch it! If we did not – they would not show it. The presence of a market for such third-rate stuff is what acts as a catalyst and enables the continued exploitation of a misfortune on a Human Being.
It makes me sick to watch such stuff…
Secondlty, the Role of The Media. It works both ways. It is a moot point that would the CBI have investigated the case had it not been for the Media Hype. Interesting, isn’t it? I have painted The Media as both evil as well as a boon. Confused?
Let me elucidate further. The point is, while Media attention by itself is not bad, it is the presentation that makes it good or bad. While some channels were analytical, others were sensational in their presentation. More often than not, the sensational ones were the more successful channels. Just compare Aaj Tak and 24X7 or NDTV, for example, for the content. The channels are in it to make a profit – and so will show what sells. That being the case – who is to blame? Any answers?
The Media has played a vital role in this case – it got attention, generated a discussion and enabled a further investigation.
The Media is a powerful tool – it is something we Indians can be extremely proud of. But it depends upon us – its image and its structure, its form and its content depends upon us. We are the determinants of The Media.
The Media… Electronic or Print – it is a mirror of our society. And we stand indicted today if the Media’s role and comments are to be questioned in this episode, as indeed they must be. Not because of the innocence or otherwise of an individual, but because of the sensationalisation of a very serious and sad topic. Because of the lack of plain decency that was shown by just about everybody.
We are looking at our own reflection… we are the viewers. We are the ones who ensure that the Media and its components exist. The choice between the role of Media – reporting + information V/s entertainment is made by us.
Reporting, Information and Entertainment are all important, constituent roles of a functioning Media in a Modern Society. But when people start to derive entertainment from someones’ misfortune… that is a sign of depravity. For entertainment, we have sports and movies etcetera. Misfortune is not fun. It should not be regarded as such!
And that brings me to the point of this article – where has the Media been on the question of The Nuclear Deal between
India
and the
US
? Why has not a dialogue not been generated on this issue – which is far more vital than the Murder?
Why has there been no discussion on any number of vital topics in either print or electronic media? I can myself recall several – education, naxalite menace, population control, environmental problems etcetera etcetera? Why has there been no attempt – I am talking about a concerted, sustained effort – to explain these issues?Take the Nuclear Deal. We are on the verge to committing to a major and vital treaty. Yet, by and large, the people are not aware of the nuances of the deal!
In fact, I cannot recall any discussion over the Nuclear Deal in my peer group, while I can recall several about other unimportant topics – like Sachin Tendulkars’ health. I remember a mail calling for help for a girl in terminal illness in my company, and can recall the response – or the lack of it. I can recall the response – the lackadaisical response over a proposed days’ salary cut to be taken for War Widows. I can do that and more!
Why should there be a dialogue? How can there be a dialogue? A dialogue or a discussion requires participants… and the absence of a national dialogue on many matters of importance is testimony to the fact that there aren’t any – or many – participants!
And that is why we should be worried as a people. There is nothing wrong in reading about, or watching sensational stuff – so long as equal attention is given to matters of vital importance.
And THAT is why I say, An Indictment of Society….