As a nation we are obsessed with fair skin. No this post is not another rant about our hypocritical view on skin tone. I am also not going to debate on the ethical stand point of fairness cream advertisements as well. This is more like a journey through our collective past, which I think shaped our mindset.
If we look back at our history and ponder over the last five hundred years and examine our rulers. First we had the Mughals of Persian-Afghan descent. Then for over a century we were ruled by the British. This era had a significant impact on our psyche. As the skin tone of our masters became fairer, our fear of the colour increased. We are victims of our past. I don't blame anyone, after all the British did dominate our existence rather brutally. And when they left our shores the fear, shock, awe,respect turned to love for fair skin. I wonder if our attitude would have totally opposite if we were ruled by a darker skinned race?
As we complete almost 61 years of independence, we are breaking the shackles. We are more confident in all aspects of life, acquiring businesses, leading innovation and driving growth (No this is not part of the India Shining campaign). The fear has reduced but it has not been replaced with equality in our minds.
You can't really blame the advertising guys behind the fairness cream ads, they are just taking advantage of a dominant prejudice (though the underlying concept still rankles me).
P.S - There is no anger directed at anybody.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Friday, May 1, 2009
Poll Commentary
The great dance of the Indian democracy is drawing to its climax. The general elections are always exciting and full of drama. This time was no different, the incessant mud slinging, changing partners and meaningless cacophony littered among some important issues. The election process ends mid may.
I voted; but where was the rest of Mumbai? It is appalling that only 44% of the electorate exercised their vote. This is not very different from the last time, but the environment has changed dramatically. Mumbai was hit badly and one expected a stronger reaction from the citizens. A lot of anger was vent during the rally at Gateway post the terrorist attack, but heck the attitude has not changed. It makes me wonder that if this does not change us, then what will?
We face adversary with our chin up, but we missed an opportunity to be the change. No matter what the reason for not voting, the black dot on the finger is far more important.
I voted; but where was the rest of Mumbai? It is appalling that only 44% of the electorate exercised their vote. This is not very different from the last time, but the environment has changed dramatically. Mumbai was hit badly and one expected a stronger reaction from the citizens. A lot of anger was vent during the rally at Gateway post the terrorist attack, but heck the attitude has not changed. It makes me wonder that if this does not change us, then what will?
We face adversary with our chin up, but we missed an opportunity to be the change. No matter what the reason for not voting, the black dot on the finger is far more important.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Transcending Horizons
I took another small step venturing further out into the world. The graduation ceremony was a culmination of our efforts over the two years. At the end there is a small sense of achievement, a little pride and renewed ambition to face the next challenge.
As I move ahead its time to ponder on the experience. Reflect on the learning and the mistakes. The voyage has been excellent, just hope the shore is also fruitful.
Ahead i move on a wing with a prayer..
As I move ahead its time to ponder on the experience. Reflect on the learning and the mistakes. The voyage has been excellent, just hope the shore is also fruitful.
Ahead i move on a wing with a prayer..
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
New Epidemic
There is a new virus infecting journalists across the globe. Its called the 'shoe-thro'. What seemed to be an isolated incident in Iraq is now proving to be a tipping point. Flinging shoes is the new method of registering your protest and being heard. Our very own defence minister got a shoe flung at him. Though it was a symbolic and the journalist did not intend to hit him, it has serious implications.
The first time this happened I was amused. This time I am a bit concerned. Is this the beginning of a new unhealthy trend. The 'watchdogs' of society are turning into wild dogs. The journalist already has a mighty weapon, the pen, now he wants the shoe as well. In the future I wont be surprised if they are requested to remove their shoes before entering a press conference!!
The first time this happened I was amused. This time I am a bit concerned. Is this the beginning of a new unhealthy trend. The 'watchdogs' of society are turning into wild dogs. The journalist already has a mighty weapon, the pen, now he wants the shoe as well. In the future I wont be surprised if they are requested to remove their shoes before entering a press conference!!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Exported IPL
Wohoo!! The IPL is going to happen this year!!!
Like the rest of the country, I was deeply concerned at the thought of the IPL being shelved this year. After all the IPL is the single biggest eye ball magnet after Ekta Kapoor came up with 'Kyunki..' It has become a part of my April calendar.
This year the IPL will take place in South Africa. Personally I think its a great opportunity for the tournament to become truly global. Its a forced option, but it can take this league to the next level. The tournament has cemented a bond with the people of India and now it is going to do the same globally.
One may argue that for a resident of Durban it will not be exciting to watch, say, a 'Mumbai Indian' versus 'Kolkata Knight Riders'. I can think of four reasons why someone would pay to watch it.
1 - Its cricket, and South Africans are crazy about the game.
2 - Its got all the top international stars littered in different teams.
3 - A whole host of film stars lend some glamour to the event.
4 - Indians are present in every country. In South Africa there are 1.1 million to assure packed stadiums.
In my view the IPL is too big an event to ignore. It is a Rs 1000cr money spinner. Sharing this pie with another nation, albeit forcefully, is better than foregoing in altogether. An unintended consequence of this would be strengthened cricketing relations between the two nations.
This adversity definitely provides a profitable opportunity.
Like the rest of the country, I was deeply concerned at the thought of the IPL being shelved this year. After all the IPL is the single biggest eye ball magnet after Ekta Kapoor came up with 'Kyunki..' It has become a part of my April calendar.
This year the IPL will take place in South Africa. Personally I think its a great opportunity for the tournament to become truly global. Its a forced option, but it can take this league to the next level. The tournament has cemented a bond with the people of India and now it is going to do the same globally.
One may argue that for a resident of Durban it will not be exciting to watch, say, a 'Mumbai Indian' versus 'Kolkata Knight Riders'. I can think of four reasons why someone would pay to watch it.
1 - Its cricket, and South Africans are crazy about the game.
2 - Its got all the top international stars littered in different teams.
3 - A whole host of film stars lend some glamour to the event.
4 - Indians are present in every country. In South Africa there are 1.1 million to assure packed stadiums.
In my view the IPL is too big an event to ignore. It is a Rs 1000cr money spinner. Sharing this pie with another nation, albeit forcefully, is better than foregoing in altogether. An unintended consequence of this would be strengthened cricketing relations between the two nations.
This adversity definitely provides a profitable opportunity.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Political Opportunism
Nothing feels like the joy success, even if it belongs to someone else. Indian politics is all about blatant opportunism and riding on others success. Take the recent example of the Congress using the new national anthem 'Jai Ho' as its campaign song. This post is not a rant on our politicians, its more about how they sense our pulse.
Every Indian was brimming with pride when Rahman picked up his two Oscar. There was a sense of national achievement, albeit half of the people did not know what an Oscar was. The movie struck a chord with the people. The Congress party swiftly connected the dots to capitalize on the popularity. The Congress party on its platform of hope for the aam admi linked itself with the story in the movie of a common man who makes it big. There is a emotional connect in the song and the theme of the Congress party.
On most occasions such political gimmicks have failed miserably, remember the glorious 'India Shining' campaign. The reason for these failures can be attributed to the lack of connection with the average person. Its great that the GDP grows at 9% but how does it translate to his life. If you can make that connection and help the common man relate to your story then your campaign is likely to be successful.
In my humble view, the Congress has pulled a master stroke with the 'Jai Ho' campaign. Time will tell if it translates into votes.
The link to one of the videos - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUZblPEdEd8&feature=related
Every Indian was brimming with pride when Rahman picked up his two Oscar. There was a sense of national achievement, albeit half of the people did not know what an Oscar was. The movie struck a chord with the people. The Congress party swiftly connected the dots to capitalize on the popularity. The Congress party on its platform of hope for the aam admi linked itself with the story in the movie of a common man who makes it big. There is a emotional connect in the song and the theme of the Congress party.
On most occasions such political gimmicks have failed miserably, remember the glorious 'India Shining' campaign. The reason for these failures can be attributed to the lack of connection with the average person. Its great that the GDP grows at 9% but how does it translate to his life. If you can make that connection and help the common man relate to your story then your campaign is likely to be successful.
In my humble view, the Congress has pulled a master stroke with the 'Jai Ho' campaign. Time will tell if it translates into votes.
The link to one of the videos - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUZblPEdEd8&feature=related
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Heir Apparent
I write this post after watching Manchester United beat Inter Milan by two goals last night. The self proclaimed 'special one' was no match for Alex Ferguson's men and tactics.
There has been a lot of talk about who will replace Alex Ferguson when he announces his retirement. I for one am convinced that it will be Jose Mourinho. If you look at the intrinsic quality of the two coaches there are some similarities. Both men deflect the pressure of their teams and take it on to themselves. Both are master tacticians and realize that a football match is not won by the players skill alone. They have a sense of humour but of a different nature. Sir Alex has the amiable British banter, while Jose is more cynical and subtle.
One striking similarity is their attention for detail. In his press conference Jose said he knows everyone at United. He mentioned that spoke to the 'grassman' (groundsman) before the game. It is a reflection on the amount of preparation he puts into each game.
They both have different approaches to the game, but each is a uniquely successful man. I look forward to seeing Mourinho at Old Trafford in the years to come.
There has been a lot of talk about who will replace Alex Ferguson when he announces his retirement. I for one am convinced that it will be Jose Mourinho. If you look at the intrinsic quality of the two coaches there are some similarities. Both men deflect the pressure of their teams and take it on to themselves. Both are master tacticians and realize that a football match is not won by the players skill alone. They have a sense of humour but of a different nature. Sir Alex has the amiable British banter, while Jose is more cynical and subtle.
One striking similarity is their attention for detail. In his press conference Jose said he knows everyone at United. He mentioned that spoke to the 'grassman' (groundsman) before the game. It is a reflection on the amount of preparation he puts into each game.
They both have different approaches to the game, but each is a uniquely successful man. I look forward to seeing Mourinho at Old Trafford in the years to come.
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