And We Ask Too Late, How Did This Come To Pass….?





For decades we watched films that catered to the lowest common denominator, that 
not only dumbed down our cinematic sense but also froze us in a happy, unquestioning state that suited the powers-that-be.

With lazy scripts, lyrics, mandatory songs, item numbers, puerile slapstick humour we saw unfold the unreal portrayal of Devis & ‘fallen’ women and heroes, that in real life, should have been serving jail terms. 

From this subliminal messaging of stereotypes we created Demi-Gods!

And those Demi-Gods exposed a goldfish level of intelligence when they not only gave Headley a tour of the city, held up placards, selectively outraged, lectured us and instigated riots as well.

....And we ask too late how did this come to pass?

We allowed politicians to loot, plunder, destroy states because they made us laugh with their rustic humour.

When the next lot arrived, they didn’t even bother with such ‘niceties’ but put the fear in us, Mafia style. Think Batla House, Ishrat Jehan, 26/11.

....And we ask too late how did this come to pass?

Night after night on Prime Time TV the same people are given a platform, assaulting our intelligence as defence experts today, economists tomorrow, thereafter historians, political analysts and what have you….They are given space and opportunity to amplify what would be considered treason in any half decent democracy.

Then when a Pulwama, Galwan happens or the Chief of Defence Staff dies in a tragic helicopter crash we are insulted by their glee and gloating…

....And we ask too late how did this come to pass?

If we can watch pedestrian discussions concerning governance, foreign policy, national security, economy, matters of State, the armed forces and terrorism, then it tells us more about our own threshold for accepting the offensive, our own level of intellect and our own limited desire to understand and be informed than the mostly clueless sod on our screen.

The Anchors themselves seem to have scant respect for some of their own guests and get off by insulting them – which makes one wonder why at all are they there, except to torture the viewer.

Many have also argued that this is a good way to draw out the termite, but that reason is well past its best by date.

The argument that TV channels invite them to kick up TRPs with tamasha doesn’t hold as you only have to see how eagerly viewers look forward to intelligent, well informed, articulate panelists.

Thus, before opinion and debate in this country is dumbed down any further ....We Must Demand Better!

Or we should switch off our TVs at Prime Time in protest.

Comments

  1. Replies
    1. I did not replace my TV, when it broke down. I don't watch TV at all. SM inputs I validate before accepting. Too much fictional narrative by half baked experts who know zilch about ground realities. Just like everyone becomes a cricket selector during matches

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  2. I stopped watching prime time. Yesterday I watched the Hindi version of "12 angry men" "Ek ruka hua faisla"
    I better watch YouTube than Hindi prime time hilaadbaaji

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  3. Very well written NandiniJi. Sad, I missed it.

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    Replies
    1. Indeed well articulated. Echoes my own thoughts, and practices

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  4. Apparent fact that, cheap & vulgar comedy from movies tolerated by audiences are trickling down to prime time Newshour shows. Beyond an iota of doubt it reflects level of intellect of viewers rightly pointed by you. Neither watch Bollywood nor watch prime time TV shows including news, but for Wion news channel on prime time.

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  5. Excellent narration of prime time drama. I keep the remote handy with batteries fully charged! Switch channels when an idiot starts speakin or watch Big Bang Theory!

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  6. Well Written. I have moved on from all this channels. WION is the one to watch. Other noisy channels only on counting days.

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  7. Very well said Ma'm. Always felt disconnected with these shows. It was always more than just
    a commercials or TRP game. Behind these farc it was hidden narrative getting amplified. Just wondering how could as an Indian missed this all along?

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  8. Maam, an extremely articulate an comprehensive piece on a very critical issue hampering our national progress. Infact, i felt my own anguish getting expressed in those words, about the daily inescapable torture of a cacophony and mass ignorance. I have found personal solution, by totally switching off this idiot box, for last 3 years, and encouraging others to do so, in my limited sphere of influence.In my view, only by hurting their achilles heel i.e TRP AND Viewership, can we counter this menace meaningfully.

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  9. Thank you for this lovely article. This is exactly what is happening. Average intelligence in a filed and bit of appreciation in that field makes them above average intellectuals on all topics. Yes, its late but any further would be disastrous.

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  10. Excellent read , so very correct ma'am. The Hindu civilization owes it to the social media for its revival and pushback. The reversal of the tide 🌊 will start from here

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  11. Very well articulated. This angst is now spreading to more Hindus who have been dumbed by relentless

    Really well written

    Samiir Halady (@WellSaidGuru on twitter)

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  12. Very well written Nandini.Obviously we are sick at their duplicity, dishonesty (sometimes it's called intellectual) but they always get away n are never brought to book.Look at Sonia Gandhi gets a three weeks time to appear for ED questioning.

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