Has Our Culture Shifted: Distracting Overhype of Bollywood Celebrities in Public Interest?
Isn't it disturbing to see how the media often overhyping Bollywood celebrities' voting activities to the exclusion of more significant social and political issues? It's almost as if the so-called 'socially superior' class dictates the terms of discussion, garnering attention that undoubtedly impacts business interests. But when was the last time these same media outlets roused public interest in real, crucial matters?
Every Sensible Indian Agrees
Exactly! When do we stop overhyping them? We should not be gazing at every Instagram photo or short video; this era of information nourishes both the good, the bad, and the ugly. To remain sane, Indians must learn to sift through these distractions and focus on what is important. Perhaps, we ought to start by ignoring such meaningless photo and video clips.
RAVANA belonged just as much to Ramayana as RAM did. All characters are equally indispensable in the tapestry of life. If we omit any significant player, the story loses its full depth, and that's the truth.
Other Politicians Deserve Recognition
What about politicians like Jaitley? Has the media gone to such lengths just because he happens to be the Bollywood-friendly one in the government? He’s a notorious crook, no doubt, but his presence casts shadows on the true essence of governance.
It’s crucial to understand that while celebrities rightfully have their spotlight, they’re not the only voices of inspiration. The relevance of political figures to the general population is a separate conversation. I find it ironic and disappointing when the public's attention is skewed towards celebrities, overshadowing those who work tirelessly for the betterment of society.
The Business of Celebrity Watch
The video of a celebrity voting is just another tabloid stunt aimed at increasing viewership. No matter how noble the act of voting might be, or how loyal a fan base may be, it doesn't inspire people to follow suit. For that matter, even our politicians' actions don't typically spark overwhelming public interest. So, why do we need to showcase famous people casting their votes? The answer: to generate more engagement and viewership.
Since this approach shows no signs of stopping, I brace myself, particularly as a Bengali person, with a bittersweet mix of pride and frustration. Our unique culture is indeed diminished as its influence wanes due to the pervasive spread of Bollywood and celebrity culture, aided by the availability of cheap mobile data and television.
The Enduring Appeal of Cinema Characters
Cinema characters, amidst all the noise, still capture our awe and admiration. It’s as though we never truly grew up from the time of Dada Saheb Phalke. We picture actors as handsome, wealthy, and untouchable adventurers, yet these are far-fetched fantasies for the average person. The reality is that the average man has no time to analyze the real person behind the hero.
Politically, too, this overemphasis on celebrities is visible. Only a handful of people read and upvote my political posts, while my film-based responses attract massive readership and upvotes. Why? Maybe because flesh attracts more than sacrifice. Our hearts are tuned to that unrealistic dream, making us more excited about real-life winks than about heartwrenching stories of actual soldier's sacrifices.
Implications of Overhyped Celebrities
In my recent WhatsApp clip, a jawan describes the harsh reality of serving in Kargil, highlighting the contrast between their daily life and that of an ordinary urban dweller. The sacrifice and dedication of our soldiers are often unacknowledged, yet, a whim of a girl from Kerala winking in a movie can capture the entire nation's attention. This is the reality: flesh attracts more than sacrifices. And our minds are programmed to see things this way.
Without addressing these fundamental shifts in our culture, we are destined to remain stuck in an eternal loop of spectacle over substance. Will we ever mature or evolve? History might provide the answer.