Discriminating bitz...

I have been following the Shilpa Shetty issue with great interest simply because it raises so many questions in my head. First of all, what is she doing participating in this show? From what I have seen in the past few years, these shows take pride in being offensive, rude and utterly disgusting. That’s what makes the TRPs rocket!! More controversy…higher TRPS!! It’s also probably a sad indication of the society we live in. Besides, the so called “celebrity” versions of these shows usually feature cast-offs, wash-up stars who are anyways sitting at home doing nothing. I’m yet to see a current major Hollywood or UK star participate in one of these shows.

Besides, movie stars in India are revered like demi-gods and placed on a pedestal. These shows require people who have the least amount of ego, shame and culture. It’s a huge bonus if you also have a thick skin/skull to ward off all the insults and gossip mongering that happens. Indians by nature are sensitive people who bestow an inordinate focus on relationships. There’s no way Shilpa could have handled this especially in such a group. This program, especially for her, was doomed right from the beginning.

That begs the question, what was she doing there in the first place? Didn’t she have enough background info about the show or people advising her about the pitfalls ahead?

Now coming to the other contestants, what they have said and done is ridiculous. There is no two ways about it. I don’t think anybody should put up with that sort of behavior. The others should be ashamed of their actions. The problem with having knuckleheads on shows is that they don’t think how their comments and actions will be perceived.

I also feel that the production company owes some responsibility for this mess. There were warning signs right from the beginning and they should have stepped in appropriately. They write up all kinds of terms in their contracts, why not something to counter this as well?

It’s now reached a point where both parliaments are debating it, people are burning effigies and everybody (including me!) has an opinion.

I would term this as a collective failure…

PS1: Please, let’s not pull out the same old theory about discrimination in other countries…I can write a separate article on how much we ourselves discriminate in our daily lives!! So, let it be…

PS2: The offenders have apologized, Shilpa has forgiven them and it all ended in hugs!! Sometimes, I wonder, what’s the point writing about all this? :-)