Issue out of no issue

http://ngkjrs69.sulekha.com/blog/post/2012/05/issue-out-of-no-issue.htm 

It is not a matter of surprise that our representatives in the Parliament have selective priorities but it is an issue of concern. As if, there is a dearth of issues to be discussed and debated, our MPs chose to make out an issue out of no issue. Yes, I am referring to the recent episode of cartoon involving Ambedkar and the constitution. Not only they made ruckus in the Parliament, they went on to ransack the office of the gentleman who was involved in this issue. As expected no party condemned this violent act while they went berserk on the issue of the cartoon.

Tirumaavalavan, is a MP from Tamilnadu who started a party Tamil Vidutalai Chiruttai (Tamil Liberation Panthers – christened obviously inspired by LTTE, the Liberation Tigers). Even Tirumaavalavan is not sure, from whom and for whom he wants the Tamils to be liberated! He initiated this issue in the Parliament stating that the cartoon is insulting the Great Ambedkar. As all of us are aware, anything pertaining to Dalits and Minorities cannot be left alone and one cannot remain silent on those issues as they are the vote-getting factors, every party jumped in supporting Tirumaavalavan, more interestingly wanted to usurp the issue from him for their gains. 

The objection has no validation if one had seen the cartoon. In no way it is insulting Ambedkar. If at all, it insults Nehru only. The cartoon depicts Ambedkar riding a Snail named Constitution with a whip in his hand and Nehru, in turn, whipping Ambedkar to go fast! Having known that one is riding a snail, how can one expect the journey to be faster? Just by whipping can that happen? This cartoon had clearly expressed that the process of preparing a Constitution will take long time and any sense of urgency is meaningless. Alas! Our present day leaders are not matured enough nor educated enough to understand such things. 

The objection is invalid on following points too: 

• This cartoon was made even when Ambedkar was alive and he never protested it 
• This cartoon was in the NCERT books since six years and an insult to Ambedkar happening suddenly is a question of surprise 
• Everyone in the public service is subject to bouquets and bricks – one cannot be selective 
• There is something called Freedom of Expression The protests by the MPs reflect these: 
• The tolerance levels of those in the Public Service is going down and they cannot digest any views expressed against them – this is a unhealthy sign (even yesterday the speech of Laloo in the House against Anna and Baba Ramdev is a part of such intolerance) 
• If these men made the history of our country (they are not creating it – please read it carefully), obviously there will be no truth or the percentage of truth in the history will be very less 
• These gentlemen who fight for a man who made the Constitution are unaware that in the same Constitution there is an Article 19 that gives every citizen a freedom of expression 
• They are unaware that it’s not Ambedkar alone who prepared this Constitution but a panel of eminent lawyers and Ambedkar was the political face of the panel who chaired it 
• We, Indians, totally lack the sense of humor 

A picture is better than 1000 words. Pages of illustration would not have explained this issue better than this cartoon. If the politicians want to get rid of cartoons, first of all, let us get rid of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Is there a dearth of Cartoons in these Sabhas? Each MP is a cartoon. Shall we get rid of them? 

These incidents reflect the deteriorating quality of Indian politics. The so called leaders are hunting for sensational or emotional issues. They lack the maturity to handle a comment or appraisal. They create demi-Gods out of their leaders and this is worse than idol-worship, yet they preach rationalism. They can even go to the extent of distorting the reality in the name of history that goes against their policies (I don’t know whether the parties have one). Removal of Kondadeo's statue with Shivaji by the Sambhaji group in Pune is an illustration to this.

Tolerance, Violence, Media and Society

Tolerance is the appreciation of diversity and the ability to live & let others live. It is the ability to exercise a fair attitude towards those whose opinions, practices, religion, nationality etc., differ from one's own. Tolerance is not just agreeing with one another or remaining indifferent in the face of injustice, but rather showing respect for the essential humanity in every person.

Intolerance is the failure to appreciate & respect the practices, opinions & beliefs of another group. For instance, intolerances over issues could be of identity (caste, religion), self-determination, statehood, return right for refugees, etc. The result is continuing inter-group violence.

Violence is the exertion of force so as to injure (physically or mentally) or abuse. The word is used to describe a destructive action, forceful and intentional injury to people, damage to property and verbal & emotional abuse towards others.

With the lack of experience, individuals base their opinions of one another on assumptions. This can be influenced by the positive or negative beliefs of those who are most influential in their lives, (parents, family members, colleagues, educators, and/or role models). This leads to perpetuation of intolerance among individuals.

Individual attitudes are influenced by the images of other groups in the media and press. In education, there exists school curriculum & educational literature that provide biased and/or negative historical accounts of world cultures. Education or schooling based on myths can demonize and dehumanize other cultures rather than promote cultural understanding and a tolerance for diversity and differences.

Tolerating tolerance is preferable to tolerating intolerance. How can one be tolerant of those who are intolerant of them? For many, tolerating intolerance is neither acceptable nor possible. Being tolerant remains a key to easing hostile tensions between. In cases of violent conflict, being tolerant helps the affected groups endure the pain of the past and resolve their differences. Some ideas:

Individuals: Individuals should continually focus on being tolerant of others in their daily lives. This involves consciously challenging the stereotypes and assumptions that they typically encounter in making decisions about others and/or working with others either in a social or a professional environment.

Press Media: The media should use positive images to promote understanding and cultural sensitivity. The more people are exposed to positive media messages about other cultures, the less they are likely to find faults with one another. Particularly those communities, who have little access to the outside world and are susceptible to what the media tells them! Ironically, media opts for sensationalism & it indirectly perpetuates negative images of different groups. SHUN SENSATIONALISM!

Education: Educators are instrumental in promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence. For instance, schools that create a tolerant environment help young people respect and understand different cultures.

Cinema: Stop glorifying violence and justifying terrorism. This is impossible as this entire media is sponsored by terrorists themselves. The irony is, we have more movie-watchers than blog-readers! They are powerful and if they mean it positive, they can do a world of good to the society!