It has been an oft quoted remark that India is a nation of tolerant people or a part of the Indian spiritual existence can be attributed to its tolerance. Events over the past few weeks can rip apart this facade to shreds. In fact strong evidence is emerging that we have enough of loose barrels in the society who are willing (for one reason or other) to ridicule the constitutional set of this "virbrant" democracy.
Evidence One : MNS activism against the North Indians in Maharashtra is a prime example of how you can hold law to ransom in our beloved country. And not only that, but how easily you can get away with it as well. The so called guardians of Marathi culture in the "cosmopolitan" city of Mumbai think that all the black in the city is courtesy UP and Bihar while all the white is rests with Marathis. Each time this non-sense would blow its trumpet , I would look around and see a UP/Bihar migrant doing something that this proud “Marathi Manoos” would not be willing to do. Be it driving a taxi, polishing your shoe, a security guard or just a sweeper perhaps. I wonder if all these faceless people were to halt the work for just one day, how would this city survive. They are like, bearings in this well oiled machinery called Mumbai.
We can take this into a cultural debate also. A person from Bihar and UP does not take his education to head. If he has nothing to loose he would not mind going down a step or two which may not be in accordance with his education but surely worth his sweat. On the other hand if you try to find the same in a Marathi person I wonder if you wouldn't come back empty handed. They love the governmental jobs which run from 10 to 5 with elaborate breaks. Before someone brands me in the same league as Mr Raj Thackerey, please visit any of the government offices in Maharashtra, find the number of North Indians there and the state of that office. But to generalise would be my fallacy as well and would render me as divisive as these idiots are.
The reverberations of the same are being felt in other states and one man's evil is becoming the tool of other power hungry morons in this nation. Thanks Mr Thackery Jr (and Sr) as well for having reminded this nation of the regionalism's "benefits".
Evidence Two: Mob (un) justice is another phenomenon which is reflecting upon the state of society we are living in. Repeated instances of petty criminals being handed over justice by mobs, in presence of the police, are setting a dangerous precedence. It could only mean that either the rule of law has become a myth or that the people have lost faith in judiciary. And people intending to settle scores could soon be using this mob fury to their advantage as well. Is it an outcome of frustrations building up in the people or are these signals of moral degradation is a sociological answer that we must seek to introspect. The apathy shown on a mass level is further indication that what might appear to be a one off case is a deeper malaise running across the society. The sooner we look within the sooner we may realise how rotten we've got if at all we intend to do something about it.
Evidence Three: While the first two reflect on our growing political and social intolerance, the third one, protests against "Jodha Akbar" perhaps indicate towards the cultural intolerance. The blatantly foolish and absurd protests often turning violent have become so common that perhaps they are fast becoming on and off in public memory. Obviously it is not so much a mass movement than a fringe stupid group trying to establish an identity. But then the repercussions are ominous. It may as well be taken note of the fact that anyone / any group can hold creative thought to ransom and inhibit freedom of expression. At least that's what the trends suggest.
In wake of all of the above, the logical mind would obviously be bent towards thinking that we are going down hill. Its not even a debate between right and left or the liberal vs conservative. It seems to be purely between a progressive mind vs a retrogressive one which is resisting change or is being threatened from an identity crisis. And the fear of this threat is manifesting itself in its ugliest form.
