Reality TV!!!

As it is, the bearded n yelling anchors in the late night news editions reminding u of every crime tht took place in every nook n corner of the country have taken over the space on telly at that time, media is going bonkers on anything they get to show live n gory under the banner of breaking news. Sunday being a peaceful day meant for leisure, we all had to witness how it took 50 hours to take out a 6 year old kid, Prince, out of the 60 feet deep n around 1 feet wide hole (had it not been for mom n the 2 ladies for lunch I would have watched something better). The kid was playing around when he slipped into the hole, which was meant there for lifting up water. Cameras were pushed in to enable the ppl working outside to bring him up safely, but more for the world to see how tht child seeing the camera for the first time in his life wept for his parents. They wanted to show the world how ppl across the country prayed for his safety by sending in mssgs for him to be brave and the whole country was waiting for his birthday to be celebrated (coincidentally it was his b’day). Every news channel wanted an exclusive comment frm the parents tht how they felt tht their child had fallen in tht damn hole n the whole country was waiting for the moment he comes out. Every news channel beamed ppl praying for his safety n then later the lead of the praying group used to thank the specific news channel for showing the fishing-out-the-boy scene live (as if others were still discussing whether Materazzi abused Zidane’s sister, mother or both). Some political organization has declared 2 lakhs for the boy’s family n one news channel has taken up the burden of the cost of his education. A media n political gimmick I would say! How many kids will be thrown in holes now by a poverty struck family? I sincerely hope none.

What was more infuriating was tht ppl frm neighbouring areas of Delhi poured at the scene to have a first-hand look n some went on a special air-time commenting spree how they were traumatized by the news n came here for help. In fact they possessed a problem to the army personnel who were trying not to let the soft soil fall in. Now tht Delhi has come into the picture, a panel of experts was discussing the sudden rise of some vegetable from Rs. 8 to Rs. 10. Ppl protested, took to streets n the price went back to the original. In Pune, we pay (mom told me) Rs. 20 for the same stuff. The media doesn’t come out of the capital n we ppl here don’t make any attempt to take our lazy asses off the couch n protest. We just pay n pray to God after a gud meal tht don’t let the price go to Rs. 21 tomorrow. Hey I was on media-bashing .. how come it is becoming self-bashing.

Okk.. lets talk of 'soft' violence inflicted on us .. the sports news section is not worth watching either with Ganguly coming back haunting Dalmiya this time with emails. An ex-captain of a local football team commits suicide; on another channel Sania Mirza loses again n they discuss why she isn’t winning these days; meanwhile Ajay Jadeja comes to rescue of Kumble saying he is the best bowler n will play in world cup even if he is not selected for the upcoming series. Entertainment news is devoid of any entertainment. Nowadays everywhere u see the evergreen gay guy Karan Johar promoting his new tear-jerker Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna with his star cast. On some channel some stupid critic is reviewing some more-stupid film completely unaware tht this task has been entrusted by God himself to Vaibhav n me. Almost every entertainment channel has 2-3 reality shows where either the participants are made to sing n cry or celebrities r made to show their strengths off n bring tears of appreciation in eyes of their faithful fans. One day I went home early n had to witness such a singing duel but instead found tht the judges were using their epee on each other to decide who the best was. Last month my company celebrated its Foundation Day n we all were harassed to the max when some of the colleagues were vying for the Company Singing Idol spot. Before the gal who won shrieked in surprise, the audience started crying tht the trauma had come to an end just within 2 hours.

Thts why, to unwind myself frm the daily work I just watch Bugs Bunny on POGO n Midnight Hot on FTV. Atleast it glorifies wht it shld n does not contain even an ounce of violence or boredom. The trick is to stick to the right channel at the right time :))