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.