SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE: Again a British EXPLORES & EXPOSES India??!!


The movie that has been made for USD $15 million, presently running over 1700 theaters, has already earned around $90 million and has grabbed 8 Oscars, 7 BAFTA, 5 Critic’s Choice Awards, after its worldwide release in January 2009. Movie tell the rags-to-riches story of a youngster, who answers all the questions correctly, from and with his life experiences in a “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?” reality show. Anyone who has seen the movie can recall the affective visuals of slum land and slum life in its miserable state and texture. This film which has a pure Indian plot has terrifically hit the nerve of the world, and is being crowned with the title of ‘world's first globalized masterpiece’ movie. The direction, music and script of the movie sound wonderful and hence the outcome is a good entertainer, portraying a social backdrop in realism. But still, it’s being said that the film has lauded applause, popularity and awards because a westerner is at the helm (Danny Boyle, British Director) and hence distributed worldwide.

The theme of this movie develops through the following plots which are realistic and pragmatic:

1. Depicts Hindu-Muslim riots of 1992-93 in Mumbai after the Babri Masjid-Ram Janam Bhoomi issues;
2. Shows the life of poverty struck slum children’s education standards, their working over piles of wastages and they dwelling in unhygienic & insecure conditions in slums;
3. Illustrates with a disgusting ecstasy, how glimpse of cine-celebrities becomes a celebration of lowly life;
4. Demonstrate how orphan children are being lured and thereafter harassed, mutilated and exploited by the beggar mafias;
5. Highlights forced prostitution of under aged girls and streets of soliciting sex workers;
6. Narrates life of children selling food articles and toys in Indian trains;
7. Shows the life, language, attitude and attribute of children who roam around as guides in tourist spots;
8. Refilling of tap water in distillery/mineral water bottles and sealing with adhesives for resale;
9. Pick pocketing and day light theft committed by children on street;
10. The handling of deadly weapons like revolvers by youngsters who are brought up on streets;
11. Organised crimes and underground mafia wars;
12. Call centre jobs and its influence on Indian youth’s language accent and perception;
13. The cricket craze of an average Indian
14. Impact and influence of reality shows on Indian families;
15. Police Brutality and versions of notorious interrogation methods;
16. Mumbai Road Traffic blocks, Local train’s rush and the list goes on.....








LIGHTING LAMP OF CONTROVERSIES:
1. Starting off with the title of movie, “slum‘dog’ millionaire”; Let it be in any country, culture OR kind of creativity, labeling/cataloging someone as a ‘dog’ is offensive. The derogatory title has punctured the sentiments of people who value/respect humanity, especially the social activists & the slum dwellers, as it is invariably a direct insult on their existence.
2. Criticism has also been raised that the Western media and people has many times depicted India as a wasteland, filled with horror stories of exploitation, misery and degradation without ever turning leaves onto the brighter side of the country. Though the director of the movie said he was trying to capture “Mumbai’s Lust for life”, world could see India once again as a Poverty Porn Nation.
3. Though the movie is basically a redemptive love story of a poor guy in a brutal and blighted society, many Indian, English & American viewers were highly uncomfortable with the devastating depiction of the slum land, the deliberate maiming of children and the scenes of police torture.
4. Some criticizers opine that the movie crew has made a mockery of India and its resources, used smart references from various Hindi movies and has marketed it effectively for personal gains.
5. After converting every scent and stench of the city into a liquid asset, the cast and the crew and few reviewers proclaimed that “Slumdog Millionaire would do wonders for Mumbai's tourism industry” and that really jingle ironic expression. But it’s an undisputable fact that film production houses, herein after has a good opportunity to carve a niche market for Indian films with its newly acquired universal audience.
6. The ‘underpaid’ remuneration and future welfare of child artists in the movie, which was a booming issue for a while, seems to subside with the declaration of Trust funds for their education and flats worth £20,000 in Mumbai.
7. Does ANYONE think India is the only country in world with slum-dwellers, street children and unhygienic livelihood? If so, have a look at how people live in hush and poverty in the Kibera district of Nairobi, the favelas slums in Rio de Janerio, the Orangi district of Karachi, slums in Mexico City etc. No NATION is PERFECT.

BUT the question remains......

Despite its recent economic growth, India still has the largest number of malnourished children younger than 5 in the world, along with one of the largest slums in world, especially in Mumbai, where a vast stretch of low-lying tin roofs is the first thing visitors see from airplanes on arrival into Mumbai, the country's entertainment and financial capital.

Isnt it true that about half a million people who live and work in Dharavi, the slum in Mumbai, as recyclers, tailors, leather tanners, laundrymen, potters, cloth dyers and shopkeepers, and all of them are jammed into a single square mile of narrow alleys and rickety buildings made from corrugated metal sheets? Another interesting fact is that these slum dwellers also works in tiny manufacturing units spread across the slum region, that produce embroidered garments, export quality leather goods, pottery and plastic goods and most of these products are sold in domestic as well as international markets making an estimated turnover of more than £350m every year. In November 2008, Dharavi Redevelopment Project was estimated to cost 15,000 crores and the plan of State government to transform the region into a modern township, complete with proper housing and shopping complexes, hospitals and schools has been delayed time after time since 1995.
FOOTNOTE: To what extent are filmmakers and artists responsible for improving the lives and fixing the societal dysfunction that made their movies possible? Or does that responsibility ultimately rest with a society or government, once its conscience has been pricked? INDIA is not a “Third World dirty under belly developing nation”. BUT isn’t it time for a healthy, practical and reliable review & reference for rehabilitation action over EXISTING SCENARIO?
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HUMOUR SENSE & SOCIAL REALITIES

Taking life lightly is one of the best ways of ENJOYING LIFE.. An healthy sense of humour is the ability to laugh at oneself and about life. Good humour sense and its acceptance is an acquirable skill which makes us laugh, then think and thereafter appreciate the concept. Dedicating this issue of Sentinel Leader to India’s most famous Cartoonist R K Laxman, aged 84, who still tickles the funny bones of readers through The Times of India by converting common man’s rage into sensible humour.




This cartoon of R K Laxman was published on 14th December 1958 in The Times of India and surprisingly it still holds relevance after Fifty years. The only difference is that in those days it brought a smile on the face of Patriots, but today it’s a shame. Because our National Language is losing its prominence with the passing of years, as English language & culture has become the trend and necessity of modern India
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TEENAGE SEX - SHOCKING REALITIES

In London on 9th Feb 2009, 13 yrs old, Alfie Patten became the father of a baby girl named Maisie Roxanne, reports
The Sun Tabloid, giving a shock wave to ‘Broken Britain’ culture. Alfie was just 12 when he is said to have impregnated Chantelle Steadman, the new mom, who is now 15.
The story runs thus: The kids were ‘dating’ for a while, which ended up one night in unprotected sex. When pregnancy was confirmed, it was kept secret by the ‘young couple’ due to fear of parental scolding. Later on, when this secret of kids was discovered, seemingly late for an abortion, the kids decided to proceed with parenting the child to-be-born, with the support of their parents, the solution to which the social workers and the police has consented before the delivery of Chantelle.
The new family made media appearance with the new born baby, who weighed about 3.27 kilos on 14th Feb 2009 and the young Dad vowed to be a good father, though when asked by the media: “What will you do financially??” his reply question was “Whatz is financially???” On an explanatory query:“what will you do for money and how will you affort the expenses on baby?” Alfie mumbled: "I didn't think about how we would afford it. I don't really get pocket money. My dad sometimes gives me 10 pounds". The ironic photographic published by “The Sun” also highlights that the young parents were enjoying a play station, 18-rated action game “Saints Row II” which has already received an "M for Mature" rating from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) on 26th Jan 2009.

This cover story is not only a scoop but also points to the reality of Teenage sex which is nowadays universal, irrespective of rural and urban culture. Usually many stories of this kind don’t surface to public attention because of abortions done by teenage kids, before the balloon blows up. Dating and premarital sex among teenagers is no longer a taboo even in India. Walking hand in hand, kissing & caressing in public places and having sex in nooks and corners of schools and colleges are no longer surprise for new generation. Parental disapproval and society’s contempt are overthrown by the game of secrecy and smartness. Availability & accessibility of finger tip technologies like mobile phones and internets dissolves barriers of information, communication and exposure.
In Alfie-Chantelle’s case, delay in identifying pregnancy, fear of revealing the fact of conception to parents at early stages, feeling of shame/ insult(may be) and unrealistic picture of parenthood could have lead to decisions of giving birth. But in many hundreds of similar cases, no one is entirely certain why this is happening and how to stop this natural instinct. In America and European countries planned teenage pregnancies are recorded to have increased in number, year after year. But in developed and developing countries including India, vast majority of teen pregnancies are accidental and unplanned which infact leads to abortions, sexually transmitted diseases, mental and physical traumas and even suicides.

Responsibility for Teenage Sex can be attributed mainly to Parents, Media, Law enforcement authorities and the upcoming KGOY concept.
1. Even today one of the most difficult moments of parenthood involves the fumbling attempts and embarrassing moments trying to discuss sex with their adolescent children. By being an open, honest and good listener one can make kids understand the difference between friendship, love, sex and the space between them at early ages, which will makes children equipped and informed. It's far better for them to learn the correct and complete facts of life from parents rather than from exxagerated and unfactual stuff from any friends of their age or learn through a bitter sexual experience. The lack of closeness and belonging towards the family often pushes children into the warmth of sexual relationships including teenage sex.

2. Sexualized media culture which is a complete bombardment of sexual images, plays a huge role in molding the lifestyle of kids in their growing ages. Media’s negative societal influences, including disturbing and confusing images, violence, and age-inappropriate messages, tempts teens to imitate and experiment things, without thinking of consequences. There should be an enforcement authority that execute laws as to restriction on media’s sexual taints and publicities, including internet and magazine, so that repairing can be implemented from grassroot level.

3. Going by the letters of law, almost all countries round the world presumes that sexual intercourse with an under-aged girl is illegal and amounts to ‘statutory rape’. But there are grey areas which provide loopholes. In any case, there need to have a law enforcement authority making parents have some responsibility for crimes committed by their children.

4. KGOY concept stands for “Kids Getting Older Younger” which was infact a marketing mechanization for age compression; a plot whereby robbing the children out of their childhood and making them think and behave like adults. Instead of allowing kids to develop and learn things at their own pace, kids are exposed to wider options, technologies and ideas, which inturn makes them do experimentations on themselves and others.

Who all can help? Parents, Teachers, Doctors, Counsellors, Religious Preachers, Media and other adults associated with kids can help the new generation understand that, though sex is an inevitable part of adolescent development, adult and loving relationship should be the basis of a sexual relationship. On one side experts says that, if teenage pregnancy rates are to be reduced, there must be an open and accepting attitude towards teenage sexuality, appropriate sex and relationships education, information availability and easy access to confidential contraceptive services. On the other hand it is also observed that emphasis on sex education and making contraception freely available to young people is creating a climate in which teenagers think it is normal to be sexually active before the age of majority. Without degrading the perception of sex as a casual recreational activity, society need to uphold the moral bondage between a man and a woman, which is an expression of the total self-giving on the basis on understanding love for a lifetime.

FOOTNOTE: WE CREATE THE SOCIETY, ITS CULTURE AND ITS ETHOS; SOCIAL ENGINEERING IS NOTHING BUT WILL OF PUBLIC!!
SOURCES:
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PUB CULTURE: HUE & CRY, PROTEST & PERMANENCE

Politicians, social activists and people with (non)vested interests have been raving and ranting, fretting and fuming for and against the 'Pub Culture', after the unsavory incident in Mangalore on Jan. 24, 2009 where women customers were beaten up and molested in a very outrageous manner for being in a pub and consuming alcohol. Before blowing the issue out of proportion, have a glimpse at social reality: Press Photos of Patiala incident on 25 August 2008, where seriously drunken girls were dragged by police in front of the watching public after a messy & shocking scene.Photos uploaded by Kaushik on 11th Dec 2008







Beyond the issues of taking up the responsibility or wriggling out of it, by acknowledging or contradicting the incident, what has to be considered with paramount priority is understanding whether pub culture is good for personality development of ANY gender; whether physical manhandling, either in public or in private, a solution for anything and finally, is revolting by means of "Consortium of Pub-going, Loose and Forward Women- sending across pink innerwear’s & appealing females to go to pubs and raise a toast to Indian Woman ", an actual decent and non provocative means of protest with good intent?

If you are a Female with a lifestyle of pub and party culture, who supports the “Pub-Going, Loose & Forward Women” Concept and upholds that drinks and dance floor at pubs are safe & sound to declare ‘freedom’ and advocates that it is inevitable to have fun, friends and icon identity without alcoholism and pub going, then you need to have a second thought. Over 18 years, you are an adult citizen in the eyes of law and society, having the ability to behave yourself in a mature and independent manner. Our freedom should never be to ruin our future. You are your own judge. The concern is more about health and safety of existence rather than culture meddling or restrictions on woman. Clubbing, alcoholism and feminism isn't what makes a woman modern & feminine, but it's her abilities, character and identity that makes her sensible, smart and respectable in a crowd. A modern woman is the one who has the insight of Relationship, Etiquettes, Self dependency, Elegance and Attitude.

On the other hand if you are a Male member of modern society and if you have a sister, a girl friend or a wife in your heart & life, answer to yourself whether you will whole heartedly allow your beloved one to adopt a pub and party culture and watch her walking out in semi conscious state, time after time. If the thought by itself provokes you, then it’s not westernisation that you are concerned of; it’s the concern, love, safety and well being for your precious ones. When a mob in society intimidates on ANYBODY, as Apostles of culture and ethos, it is nothing more than ‘Vandalism’ and ‘Goondaism’. But the solution to prevent it isn’t using mighty physical force. Nobody has the right to hurt the physical or mental existence of another human being, what so ever your relationship with the person might be. "Your right to throw your fist ends at the tip of my nose" is a common formulation in law and ordinary life.

Everybody has got the freedom of choice in personal matters. Pub culture seems to be a euphemism to criticize girls drinking at pubs and bars. When it has been questioned and intruded by outsiders in a very undesirable manner, as in Mangalore incident, the rage and spontaneous reaction of moral brigade is natural. But it is overwhelming to see the support gained by Campaign for “Consortium of Pub going, Loose & Forward Woman” in a very short span of time. IF THIS UNITY is showed by the youth and aged of our country for constructive long term changes, for curbing every known menace ranging from alcoholism to abuse, corruption to terrorism, we can have a productive social network. The voice of society should be for bringing about laws required for social change and its proper execution; for a capable government and a better society rather than to make frivolous and fanciful campaigns and propagandas.

The best way to get any message conveyed is through effective and widespread articles; awareness programs and live examples, which one can find all around. Making youngsters understand the difference between fun & faking, friends & foes, fantasy & fact, promoting cultural backing which is at par with social norms, developing more family oriented values and relationships etc. is what is required rather than physical violence or making protest that are misleading and misrepresentative. Acknowledgement of existing issue, making awareness of consequences and action to curb the flaws is what is required if we really intend to bring a change in society.


Footnote: NOBODY IS PERFECT, NEITHER ME NOR YOU; BUT WE LEARN FROM EXPERIENCES, OF OURS & OTHERS!!
Sources:
www.zeenews.com/video/showvideo1229.htm;
http://www.thepinkchaddicampaign.blogspot.com/;
www.news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7880377.stm

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FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY


Art, Literature & Entertainment media are the main sources of a society’s reflection. A person with an extra ordinary blend of talent, aptitude, attitude and coverage usually becomes a celebrity ‘Artist’ as a painter, writer or performer. When an artist makes a public display of his artistic talent or put forth a literary work as an expression of insight, it should be a creative venture for a productive proposition. Every creative person has a moral, social and legal responsibility towards his artistic work and its absorbers. But when artists step out of the fundamentally permissible limits to freedom of speech & expression, breaking the social barriers, even they are at the disposal of criticism, censorship and comments. In one’s own personal space and privacy, what-so-ever an artist narrates or depicts, it is his/her pleasure and freedom. But when it comes to exhibition of work to public, EVERY artist needs to be cautious about their expressions and exposures because consciousness of the society serves as the watch guard. From the light of controversies put forth by renowned artists, let us have a quick thought over the margin of the Freedom of Expression of celebrities in a multicultural society.



Mr. M.F. Hussain with the exhibition of his painting of naked “Bharath Mata” made himself courting controversy and censorship inquiry. Prior to that, paintings of “Hindu Goddesses”, as nude, vulnerably sensual & sexual had subjected him to the wrath of secularists, fundamentalists and general public. When the most respected concepts & symbolic representation for a Woman in India was depicted through objectionable paintings, it automatically led to diligent appraisal. But the point for review is that, an artist, whomsoever he/she might be, should have the sense of social responsibility not to provoke the religious sentiments or to disrupt the communal harmony through his artistic creations, exposed to public.


The controversies put forth by Taslima Nasreen with her objectionable writings & Salman Rushdie with irrelevant depictions in his work, disrupted social accord. When a writer, an amateur or a professional, either by means of words in writing or through visuals based on scripts, expresses a theme, he/she needs to have a check upon the concept, words, and offensive languages fed into it, before its publication/release. Because words carry power to influence, institutionalize and provide insight for young and old. There is a tolerable and adjustable limit to which any society can accept propensity toward insult & negativity. Right to Freedom of Speech & Expression has a margin beyond which it becomes a liability.

The cine celebrities and models are no exemptions from the category of artists. Many times we see that sadistic and masochistic pieces of sex & violence are flooded into movies and albums. These large chunks are infact offensive entertainments that make a mockery of Censorship Board. The exposure extents and gestures of many ‘Fashion Models’ and ‘Item Dancers’ are in clear terms falling within the category of pornographic, obscene and indecent public exposures. The influence and erosion is not only of ours, but also of our future generations. Predictably, we (un)knowingly enjoy/ ignore these exposures which are infact main reasons for increased incidence of 1) Rape 2) Premarital Pregnancy 3) Suicides 4) Sexual Abuses 5) Murders 6) Domestic Disharmony and various other heinous crimes. Remember, value becomes a vice, when repression of value is justified on the grounds of marginal utility.

We are the ones to choose our role models and cheerleaders. Our voice has the power to uphold social realizations; at the same time our silence can withhold it. If ANYBODY tries to breed contempt, humility and chaos in society through despicable publicity and for luring monetary benefits, let us not allow them to make mockery of values and culture that exist in a country. Anything that is offensive, insulting or hurting the religious, social or personal feelings & freedom of a person/society, shall not be flattered, displayed or distributed. Instead, when you come across such issues, dare to report it as “Abuse” to concerned authorities, atleast as an ‘Anonymous’ citizen, because this is our fundamental duty & responsibility as observant public.


FOOTNOTE: Beware of your steps, selection and susceptibility when it comes to clutches of Art & Entertainment. Neither you, nor your dear ones are far from the negative impacts of obnoxious & toxic artistic productions. “When we step on the sleazy road of questioning the expressiveness of holiness and moral values, the fall is faster”.


Courtesy: http://protestnudebharatmatha.blogspot.com/
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