Take the instance of a set of villagers in a movie called "chintuji". They are oblivious or want to be oblivious to the progress in other cities fearing it will bring harm to their peaceful utopian like existence. For them, the truth is their village life. For them the truth out there is a lie - which they have no intention of living.
For the outsiders,the "truth" is that they are living a lie - a lie based on convenience and the high moral ground. So which one is the real truth for us/them?Are they "immoral" to not adopt existing technology? Are they right in living a sheltered life?Is technology a bad thing? What is the truth?
Forget this much debatable topic - how about something "simple" like our TV serials. Most of them claim to advocate wrongdoings against the women fraternity. BTW, with the amount of serials out there discussing atrocities against women, it almost seems to me like a conspiracy;) - are women being brainwashed into believing that women all over India are facing serious issues and that "we are like this only" and that this is their fate?
Isnt there a single serial that can show my truth or the urban truth - that - we women can prove our might when we want to; that we are no longer the sufferers if we choose to do so;that we can carve our own way - if we choose to do so. It makes me wonder really! This medium - TV - reaches out to billions of people all over India - covering vasts dimensions and latitudes of people. Surely, not all of them should be coerced into the theory that "seeing is believing". Why cant there be more positive shows out there? Why cant the urban truth be broadcast - why does television have to be so sad and glum all the time? At the same time, these serials push the "truth" of harassment to women - but isnt the real "truth" that women should not be harassed? And for the record putting up a notice before the serial starts that the serial does not advocate harassment does not help in any way. Why dont we see the moral truth somewhere on any channel - be it news? Why are we not shown "happy" news of our society? Is that not the truth? Are we not dwelling on killings, corruption, inhumanity all the time? Is there no goodness left for us to broadcast anymore? Is that not the truth of our life, too?Should we not "know" that?
So - do we as Indians want to know the truth or we dont? I say we want to know the truth when its convenient for us. When the truth is glossy coated and looks endearing. When it appeals to our sensibilities - we are all for it. However, when it breaches serious personal boundaries, we are not interested and cite logic like destruction of society morals if the truth is exposed!Well, society is as society does and thats the plain truth.
In a way, yes, covering the truth does help maintain the distinct identity that India has of social acceptance - and personally speaking I would like it that way.
So what is your version of the truth?
Poignant Shridhar.
ReplyDeleteMy truth is what makes life for everyone else easier. That is cheating. I am bound to be rapped on my knuckles at the golden gate, but I would rather live my life knowing that I did not make many people suffer at the expense of my virtuosity.
No one ever wants to hear the blunt truth.