The recent demonstrations against Kushboo and Suhashini in Tamil Nadu makes one wonder if we are living in a democratic country. Even more surprising was the fact that they were carried by the so-called protectors of Tamil culture. As if somebody had appointed them to protect Tamil culture in the first place!!! If a culture is strong in its values or has a real material value in it, does it need anyone to protect it? Tamil culture has survived for more than 2000 years and it does not need mortal organizations like PMK or Dalit Panthers to protect it.
Coming back to Kushboo and Suhashini, whether what Kushboo said is against Tamil culture or has she insulted Tamil women is purely subjective. In these days of increasing spread of AIDS, her advice to use protective devices is pure common sense and is nothing against any culture. Premarital sex is a reality whether some political parties like it or not. Kushboo gave her views on present-day life it should be taken as her personal views and not as a insult to Tamil culture. Incidentally, the same Tamil culture built a temple for Kushboo in Trichy some years back. What baffles one is dragging Suhashini into the ring. She had done nothing wrong except support Kushboo who was left alone to defend herself.
Yes, where are our film heroes? Might be they are busy acting protecting women in films only!!! I sometimes think which is the most explored place in this world? Is it America, is it India, or what? No, it is the navel of a Tamil film heroine. Some directors and heroes went to the extent of making an omelet on it. As if exploring that part of human body is part of Tamil culture. Interestingly enough, the same people who explored and are exploring the navels of heroines half their age are protesting against Kushboo. Do I see something odd here? And the demonstrations in front of Kushboo’s house, it is disgusting. Showing broomsticks and throwing eggs and tomatoes. Is this a civilised society? Sadly, most of these demonstrations were done by women.
Where are our parties and leaders who say that they follow Periyar and Bharathi, might be they are busy preparing for elections and secret alliances. Everyone in this country including Kushboo has a right to say what he or she wants, and it is nobody’s business to protest it in streets. Let them go to court if they don’t like it. After all, courts are nothing new to them.
Meanwhile our revolutionary TV channels were not left far behind. Recently they were busy debating about an incident in Rajasthan where an Israeli tourist was taking bath nude in a temple lake. It created a uproar among the priests, and our channels bisected and dissected that news for a few days till a new celebrity divorce or celebrity marriage showed up. Sadly, beating up women in streets by their husbands or sons, which happens in India every day, doesn’t create the same sensation as this news did for our TV channels. If something happens every day, does it cease to be a news?
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2 comments:
Well said, Vijay! I completely agree with you that this is hypocrisy at its worst. We just have to take a look at Indian mainstream cinema today (not just Tamil) to know what's happening to Indian culture in Indian hands. Our priorities are completely mixed up. I suppose we've solved every other problem in Tamil Nadu except defending a woman's virtue. Meanwhile, some parts of TN are under water...just in case our politicians haven't noticed.
This article is well written, will make the reader come to reality. -Thaha
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