- There are innumerable self-professed vigilantes in the country who would wish to forcefully impose their viewpoints on the gullible lot even though the majority of the people might wish to pursue their own choices. A largely despicable trend of the vigilantes and moral police brigade getting worked up is on the rise of late. These voluntary groups are up in arms even when matters related to artistic expressions are displayed in various forms as well. It could be visual arts, paintings, advertisements, novels-both fictional and non-fictional, movies, and harmless conversations on social media platforms. Of course, the ever-eager self-anointed vigilantes are ready to pounce with their pre-conceived notions to alter the narrative itself.
PC: Informaticsinc
- Innocuous artistic expressions, as well as creative contents too, are at the receiving end in the name of upholding the culture and traditions of the nation. You see, nationalism is at play here. In the past, we have witnessed several such instances with regards to mainstream cinemas, especially storylines depicting historical figures, prompting groups and organizations claiming lineage to those personalities to oppose the cinematic liberties. As you are aware, even fictionalized books on certain religions and religious figures have raised controversies of tremendous magnitude leading to complete proscribing of the same. Some of the most innovative, out-of-the-box, relevant, mild, and candid advertisements too are not spared from protests either.
- Contrary to what people say, advertising is not just about creating an audience but also reaching out to a pre-existing one. Of course, there is a product to sell, and a successful advertisement lights up the brain parts associated with pleasure. And India is a country where the beauty of the diversity of language, tradition, culture, food, practices, beliefs, and of course, festivals are always celebrated harmoniously without allowing caste, creed, and religion to come in the way of peaceful existence. Since times immemorial, there are Hindus who celebrate Eid with equal fervor and Muslims who celebrate Diwali with great pomposity upholding the multicultural acceptance of equality and equanimity.
PC: Safwat Zargar
- The moot point to ponder over here is what should be the most logical thing to do when I love an ad or a book or a cinema and someone simply hates it? Think about it, what may be obscene or offending or demeaning or intrusive for a group may be welcome for another group as well. Ideally speaking, allowing space for differences of opinion on the back of constructive debate where all issues are looked into from different angles should be encouraged. However, resorting to threats and acts of violence simply goes against the tenet of the Constitutional rights where everyone is guaranteed reasonable freedom of speech, expression, and choice. On this trust alone both our democracy and businesses stand.
- Unnecessarily getting into censoring and policing in each other’s food, dress, marriage, works, creative preferences, etc., is bound to ultimately diminish the country’s most revered and appreciated vibrancy and accommodative stance itself. The modern and progressive society calls for extending hands of friendship rather than encouraging antagonistic viewpoints much to the detriment of peaceful co-existence. Hopefully, better sense will prevail on the moral brigade allowing people to choose what they wish. Mind you, we live in a democracy and not an autocracy. People are the best judges for themselves and imposing viewpoints will be summarily rejected.
