Friday 27 November 2015

How dare you speak like that?



Keeping Anupam Kher aside...
The "logic" that tries to prevent one from expressing his/her concern on any topic is the point of discussion here.

It starts when you are young and begin to voice your opinions about your parents. This rational thinking is dealt with the emotional superiority of your elders. You will be chided along that parents are next only to God! And you are reminded of their innumerable sacrifices. You are told that it is the matter of their unconditional love and you should display unconditional respect, period!

You are not supposed to complain about the behavior of the elders either... you will be sermonized: "they have done so much to the family! they achieved so much! they have seen the world! you have just opened your eyes to the world! you are still wet behind your ears! how dare you open your mouth?!" You are dissuaded from making up your own mind about any one basing on your experience.

You are not supposed to comment about the customs and rituals which seem absurd to you, again you are firmly corrected, "these traditions are centuries old, time tested, Think thousand times before commenting them with your half knowledge." You are asked to refrain yourself from entering the land of Mysterious and Sacred if you can not leave your reason and rationality well behind

You are not supposed to find fault not just in your leaders but in the social activists too.  They are doing so much to the society, what right you have got to talk about them, you mere common common man?" You are not expected to say it aloud that the personal and public behaviours of those 'supposedly' great men do not match.

The mistakes committed in the movements or by the great leaders is considered to be a Taboo even among the sympathizers. The critics whose intentions are genuine are also not spared. They are attacked by the band of blind supporters.


It is ridiculous that my 'averageness' or 'commonness' is not counted offensive if I decide to sing praises on any of these 'great' entities. I am sure that the artists are not going to be frowned upon when they dare to personify the myths whether in their poems, fiction or paintings, as long as they see only the beauty and glory in the past. 

My contention is with the discrimination in the field of criticism. It is understandable that one is offended when faced with criticism that involves himself personally and he is right in defending himself. But when the issue is a general one and involves every one, the defense almost loses track  and questions the critic's credentials.

One who is intolerant of any kind of criticism, should be reminded that the country, people, heritage, past and future belong to every one. It is not some 'special' one's prerogative to protect them. One has to point out a flaw if it needs to be corrected. 

                                

The ballads and love songs weaved in the glory (whether they are for the nation or culture or revolution) can not substitute the constructive criticism born out of legitimate concerns of the individuals. It is high time that we let them speak with out getting offended and stop black listing them as traitors.




3 comments:

  1. :) true...gurajada is one of the first to speak his own mind..all the others spoke all that was taught to them..it's been 120 years since gurajada..still we've not learnt to speak our minds or respect those who speak theirs

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. yes, when we look for original thinkers ...Gurajada can be found on highest pedestal!

      Delete
  2. Well said. I am also victim of Intolerance of my parents. They opposed everything I loved.. literature, Art etc. Their 'responsibilities' resulted in my 'fall from dignity'.

    ReplyDelete