Corruption Perception Index
Transperancy International ( TI ) is a non Governmental organisation, which has been coming out with Corruption Perception Index of various countries during the last few years. TI has chapters in various countries which are manned by eminent persons. Admiral Tahilani, formerce Chief of Indian Navy, is the Chief of TI Chapter in India.
Governments of countries, which are identified in the higher level of Corruption Perception Index, obviously are chary of both quoting the Index or accepting the veracity of the Index. Yet it is a fact that over a period of time world-wide there is considerable credibility to the Index.
In the Index published by TI for the year, India has been ranked at 74, i.e., there are 73 countries in the world which according to TI have levels of corruption less than that of India. It is the Scandinavian counrtries which are least corrupt. Then comes most of the Western countries.
The Corruption Perception Index has sometimes been criticized as the perception of a select few, since it ignores the perception of the wider population, and instead focuses on that of a few experts like the rest of science does. Furthermore, some have opined that the index analyzes a "mere perception", and that the method followed in preparing the index couldn't measure institutional corruption.
While on can’t dismiss the above view points, still the fact remains that India is a very corupt country, a fact known to all Indians and those foreign inviduals or institutions which had to do business or work in India.
Having lived with corruption for such a long time, unfortunately, Indians tend to accept the same as a fact of life and resigned to the situation. But why should it be so. Consider the massive investments being made by Government for improving the lot of the poor. But a large part of such investment does not reach the poor because of massive corruption. Further, project cost goes up because of corruption. In brief, corruption corrodes our endeavour to improve the position of India and Indians. There is also the danger of corruption being accepted as a part of life in this blesseed country. Today, there is hardly any stigma attached to it. One does not mind friendship at individual or family level with corupt people. That is the tragedy of India.
Downward journey of fourth estate
· Electronic media is increasingly reporting remarks and issues out of context. TV channels ignore wittingly or unwittingly historical context, nuance, explanatory arguments and the innate complexity of issues and personalities involved in the news. There is often ‘ Do you continue to beat your wife‘ syndrome, whereby both answers of ‘ yes ‘ and ‘ no’ would show in poor light the person replying the question .
· There is a wide-spread perception that both print and visual media are slowly pandering too much to the base instincts of human beings and abdicating from giving perceptive analysis on serious matters, with not a single angle but inclusive of both pros and cons. One must hasten to add that there could be developments where there may be only ‘ pros ‘ or ‘con.’ But objective reporting is being increasingly substituted with subjective reporting. Frivolous angles are highlighted. Depth and content are both slipping away slowly. Sort of Americanism is seeping, i.e., unwanted aggression in the coverage and comments and question & answers and in dress style of female anchors. . Scandals are given repeated coverage and often blown out of proportion.
· The arguments of the media that they are all the time pressed for time, that they are only catering to the tastes of the viewers / readers, that they are following the trend in advanced countries, that the time span of viewer on any matter is short, etc., while cannot be dismissed should be taken as an excuse rather than justification. To some extent it is the print and visual media which influences the tastes of viewers. So first they influence viewers / readers by repeatedly presenting news as mentioned above and then they take the stand that what they give is according to the tastes of the viewers.
Why should our worthy Prime Minister curry for favour
‘Indian people love you’ – So said Mr. Manmohan Singh to Mr. Bush. The allergy of Karat against anything American prompted him to caustically comment ‘ Yes, we all know that Manmohan Singh likes Bush but why should he bring Indian people into the statement. While I am not in cahoots with Karat in his total hatred for the Americans, in this instance I agree with him. Why should a level headed Man Mohan Singh make such a statement. Most of the Indians have no admiration and much less love for Bush.
Nobel prize for peace.
Former Finnish President was selected for the Nobel Peace Prize and the print media published this in one of the inside pages with a short write up, as against the hoopla created by the print media when the prize is given to a known personality. Yes, when it is a well known figure, there is bound to be detailed write ups and at times criticism on the choice. But does that mean a figure unknown in Indian circles should be virtually written off with a few sentences.
Resistance to change related to modernity:
A lady teacher in West Bengal School has been taken to task by the management of the school for wearing salwar kameez instead of the usual dress of saree for the teachers in the school. ‘ We have nothing against the salwar kameez but there is something called tradition,’ so said the management. Apart from other reasons for wearing saree, the lady teacher has said that she has to travel in bus for coming and going to school and salwar kameez is more comfortable and convenient for traveling in bus rather than saree. In many parts of the country salwar kameez was taken in the past as North Indian dress. However, during the last few years in many places, particularly in cities and towns, both girls / women in large number, and the number is increasing as time goes by, have opted for salwar kameez. It is also catching up in villages.
Somerset Maugham had said that tradition is a guide and not a jailer. For many elders in this country tradition is a non negotiable mater, rooted as they are to tradition
Sacrifices of judges
When it comes to self interest – or should one term it as ‘ selfish interest, ‘ judges are not above you and me. In the aftermath of Pay Commission recommendations, there have been statements of sitting and retired judges to the effect that ‘ the judges of HCs and SC, who are experts in law, have sacrificed lucrative practice at bar to serve the country.’ It is the hyperbole that was used by serving and retired soldiers of all ranks for claiming higher remuneration, i.e., ‘ sacrifice ‘ for the country. From the bar once a while somebody is seconded to the Bench by Government. Those advocates who have lucrative practice often decline the offer of Government because of level of salary of Judges, which by itself is not on the lower side but when compared to good practice in the bar would be less. But then there is prestige in being a judge.
The job of a successful senior lawyer is very arduous as compared to that of judge. A judge gets his salary and perks irrespective of the level of his performance. Not so in the case of advocates. And then there is life long pension for judges, which is not the case with Advocates. So where is the question of ‘ sacrifice.’ In any case they joined the Judicial service in the beginning because of the prestige. Now you can’t have the cake and eat it too.
The hoopla on banning of smoking in public places
The media, both print and visual, have covered this action of the Government as a momentous one. As if a burning problem ( double entendre intended ) facing the nation, has been effectively dealt with. Now what are the facts. Over 90% of the smoking in this blessed country is of bidis. Though strictly speaking smoking of bidis has also been banned in public places. But the fact is that bidis are never smoked in public places. Even after the ban, one can smoke in his house and in open areas. Only in public places, i.e., offices, cinema theatres, eateries, etc., the ban is applicable. Smokers working in offices would go out of the office and smoke. They will smoke in cars. Yes, a few would be booked. I a m a smoker and yet I support the ban. But I am not going to be hooked in to the wild cheering for this step of the Government
Monday, October 27, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Corruption Perception Index
Transperancy International ( TI ) is a non Governmental organisation, which has been coming out with Corruption Perception Index of various countries during the last few years. TI has chapters in various countries which are manned by eminent persons. Admiral Tahilani, formerce Chief of Indian Navy, is the Chief of TI Chapter in India.
Governments of countries, which are identified in the higher level of Corruption Perception Index, obviously are chary of both quoting the Index or accepting the veracity of the Index. Yet it is a fact that over a period of time world-wide there is considerable credibility to the Index.
In the Index published by TI for the year, India has been ranked at 74, i.e., there are 73 countries in the world which according to TI have levels of corruption less than that of India. It is the Scandinavian counrtries which are least corrupt. Then comes most of the Western countries.
The Corruption Perception Index has sometimes been criticized as the perception of a select few, since it ignores the perception of the wider population, and instead focuses on that of a few experts like the rest of science does. Furthermore, some have opined that the index analyzes a "mere perception", and that the method followed in preparing the index couldn't measure institutional corruption.
While on can’t dismiss the above view points, still the fact remains that India is a very corupt country, a fact known to all Indians and those foreign inviduals or institutions which had to do business or work in India.
Having lived with corruption for such a long time, unfortunately, Indians tend to accept the same as a fact of life and resigned to the situation. But why should it be so. Consider the massive investments being made by Government for improving the lot of the poor. But a large part of such investment does not reach the poor because of massive corruption. Further, project cost goes up because of corruption. In brief, corruption corrodes our endeavour to improve the position of India and Indians. There is also the danger of corruption being accepted as a part of life in this blesseed country. Today, there is hardly any stigma attached to it. One does not mind friendship at individual or family level with corupt people. That is the tragedy of India.
Downward journey of fourth estate
· Electronic media is increasingly reporting remarks and issues out of context. TV channels ignore wittingly or unwittingly historical context, nuance, explanatory arguments and the innate complexity of issues and personalities involved in the news. There is often ‘ Do you continue to beat your wife‘ syndrome, whereby both answers of ‘ yes ‘ and ‘ no’ would show in poor light the person replying the question .
· There is a wide-spread perception that both print and visual media are slowly pandering too much to the base instincts of human beings and abdicating from giving perceptive analysis on serious matters, with not a single angle but inclusive of both pros and cons. One must hasten to add that there could be developments where there may be only ‘ pros ‘ or ‘con.’ But objective reporting is being increasingly substituted with subjective reporting. Frivolous angles are highlighted. Depth and content are both slipping away slowly. Sort of Americanism is seeping, i.e., unwanted aggression in the coverage and comments and question & answers and in dress style of female anchors. . Scandals are given repeated coverage and often blown out of proportion.
· The arguments of the media that they are all the time pressed for time, that they are only catering to the tastes of the viewers / readers, that they are following the trend in advanced countries, that the time span of viewer on any matter is short, etc., while cannot be dismissed should be taken as an excuse rather than justification. To some extent it is the print and visual media which influences the tastes of viewers. So first they influence viewers / readers by repeatedly presenting news as mentioned above and then they take the stand that what they give is according to the tastes of the viewers.
Why should our worthy Prime Minister curry for favour
‘Indian people love you’ – So said Mr. Manmohan Singh to Mr. Bush. The allergy of Karat against anything American prompted him to caustically comment ‘ Yes, we all know that Manmohan Singh likes Bush but why should he bring Indian people into the statement. While I am not in cahoots with Karat in his total hatred for the Americans, in this instance I agree with him. Why should a level headed Man Mohan Singh make such a statement. Most of the Indians have no admiration and much less love for Bush.
Nobel prize for peace.
Former Finnish President was selected for the Nobel Peace Prize and the print media published this in one of the inside pages with a short write up, as against the hoopla created by the print media when the prize is given to a known personality. Yes, when it is a well known figure, there is bound to be detailed write ups and at times criticism on the choice. But does that mean a figure unknown in Indian circles should be virtually written off with a few sentences.
Resistance to change related to modernity:
A lady teacher in West Bengal School has been taken to task by the management of the school for wearing salwar kameez instead of the usual dress of saree for the teachers in the school. ‘ We have nothing against the salwar kameez but there is something called tradition,’ so said the management. Apart from other reasons for wearing saree, the lady teacher has said that she has to travel in bus for coming and going to school and salwar kameez is more comfortable and convenient for traveling in bus rather than saree. In many parts of the country salwar kameez was taken in the past as North Indian dress. However, during the last few years in many places, particularly in cities and towns, both girls / women in large number, and the number is increasing as time goes by, have opted for salwar kameez. It is also catching up in villages.
Somerset Maugham had said that tradition is a guide and not a jailer. For many elders in this country tradition is a non negotiable mater, rooted as they are to tradition
Sacrifices of judges
When it comes to self interest – or should one term it as ‘ selfish interest, ‘ judges are not above you and me. In the aftermath of Pay Commission recommendations, there have been statements of sitting and retired judges to the effect that ‘ the judges of HCs and SC, who are experts in law, have sacrificed lucrative practice at bar to serve the country.’ It is the hyperbole that was used by serving and retired soldiers of all ranks for claiming higher remuneration, i.e., ‘ sacrifice ‘ for the country. From the bar once a while somebody is seconded to the Bench by Government. Those advocates who have lucrative practice often decline the offer of Government because of level of salary of Judges, which by itself is not on the lower side but when compared to good practice in the bar would be less. But then there is prestige in being a judge.
The job of a successful senior lawyer is very arduous as compared to that of judge. A judge gets his salary and perks irrespective of the level of his performance. Not so in the case of advocates. And then there is life long pension for judges, which is not the case with Advocates. So where is the question of ‘ sacrifice.’ In any case they joined the Judicial service in the beginning because of the prestige. Now you can’t have the cake and eat it too.
The hoopla on banning of smoking in public places
The media, both print and visual, have covered this action of the Government as a momentous one. As if a burning problem ( double entendre intended ) facing the nation, has been effectively dealt with. Now what are the facts. Over 90% of the smoking in this blessed country is of bidis. Though strictly speaking smoking of bidis has also been banned in public places. But the fact is that bidis are never smoked in public places. Even after the ban, one can smoke in his house and in open areas. Only in public places, i.e., offices, cinema theatres, eateries, etc., the ban is applicable. Smokers working in offices would go out of the office and smoke. They will smoke in cars. Yes, a few would be booked. I a m a smoker and yet I support the ban. But I am not going to be hooked in to the wild cheering for this step of the Government
Transperancy International ( TI ) is a non Governmental organisation, which has been coming out with Corruption Perception Index of various countries during the last few years. TI has chapters in various countries which are manned by eminent persons. Admiral Tahilani, formerce Chief of Indian Navy, is the Chief of TI Chapter in India.
Governments of countries, which are identified in the higher level of Corruption Perception Index, obviously are chary of both quoting the Index or accepting the veracity of the Index. Yet it is a fact that over a period of time world-wide there is considerable credibility to the Index.
In the Index published by TI for the year, India has been ranked at 74, i.e., there are 73 countries in the world which according to TI have levels of corruption less than that of India. It is the Scandinavian counrtries which are least corrupt. Then comes most of the Western countries.
The Corruption Perception Index has sometimes been criticized as the perception of a select few, since it ignores the perception of the wider population, and instead focuses on that of a few experts like the rest of science does. Furthermore, some have opined that the index analyzes a "mere perception", and that the method followed in preparing the index couldn't measure institutional corruption.
While on can’t dismiss the above view points, still the fact remains that India is a very corupt country, a fact known to all Indians and those foreign inviduals or institutions which had to do business or work in India.
Having lived with corruption for such a long time, unfortunately, Indians tend to accept the same as a fact of life and resigned to the situation. But why should it be so. Consider the massive investments being made by Government for improving the lot of the poor. But a large part of such investment does not reach the poor because of massive corruption. Further, project cost goes up because of corruption. In brief, corruption corrodes our endeavour to improve the position of India and Indians. There is also the danger of corruption being accepted as a part of life in this blesseed country. Today, there is hardly any stigma attached to it. One does not mind friendship at individual or family level with corupt people. That is the tragedy of India.
Downward journey of fourth estate
· Electronic media is increasingly reporting remarks and issues out of context. TV channels ignore wittingly or unwittingly historical context, nuance, explanatory arguments and the innate complexity of issues and personalities involved in the news. There is often ‘ Do you continue to beat your wife‘ syndrome, whereby both answers of ‘ yes ‘ and ‘ no’ would show in poor light the person replying the question .
· There is a wide-spread perception that both print and visual media are slowly pandering too much to the base instincts of human beings and abdicating from giving perceptive analysis on serious matters, with not a single angle but inclusive of both pros and cons. One must hasten to add that there could be developments where there may be only ‘ pros ‘ or ‘con.’ But objective reporting is being increasingly substituted with subjective reporting. Frivolous angles are highlighted. Depth and content are both slipping away slowly. Sort of Americanism is seeping, i.e., unwanted aggression in the coverage and comments and question & answers and in dress style of female anchors. . Scandals are given repeated coverage and often blown out of proportion.
· The arguments of the media that they are all the time pressed for time, that they are only catering to the tastes of the viewers / readers, that they are following the trend in advanced countries, that the time span of viewer on any matter is short, etc., while cannot be dismissed should be taken as an excuse rather than justification. To some extent it is the print and visual media which influences the tastes of viewers. So first they influence viewers / readers by repeatedly presenting news as mentioned above and then they take the stand that what they give is according to the tastes of the viewers.
Why should our worthy Prime Minister curry for favour
‘Indian people love you’ – So said Mr. Manmohan Singh to Mr. Bush. The allergy of Karat against anything American prompted him to caustically comment ‘ Yes, we all know that Manmohan Singh likes Bush but why should he bring Indian people into the statement. While I am not in cahoots with Karat in his total hatred for the Americans, in this instance I agree with him. Why should a level headed Man Mohan Singh make such a statement. Most of the Indians have no admiration and much less love for Bush.
Nobel prize for peace.
Former Finnish President was selected for the Nobel Peace Prize and the print media published this in one of the inside pages with a short write up, as against the hoopla created by the print media when the prize is given to a known personality. Yes, when it is a well known figure, there is bound to be detailed write ups and at times criticism on the choice. But does that mean a figure unknown in Indian circles should be virtually written off with a few sentences.
Resistance to change related to modernity:
A lady teacher in West Bengal School has been taken to task by the management of the school for wearing salwar kameez instead of the usual dress of saree for the teachers in the school. ‘ We have nothing against the salwar kameez but there is something called tradition,’ so said the management. Apart from other reasons for wearing saree, the lady teacher has said that she has to travel in bus for coming and going to school and salwar kameez is more comfortable and convenient for traveling in bus rather than saree. In many parts of the country salwar kameez was taken in the past as North Indian dress. However, during the last few years in many places, particularly in cities and towns, both girls / women in large number, and the number is increasing as time goes by, have opted for salwar kameez. It is also catching up in villages.
Somerset Maugham had said that tradition is a guide and not a jailer. For many elders in this country tradition is a non negotiable mater, rooted as they are to tradition
Sacrifices of judges
When it comes to self interest – or should one term it as ‘ selfish interest, ‘ judges are not above you and me. In the aftermath of Pay Commission recommendations, there have been statements of sitting and retired judges to the effect that ‘ the judges of HCs and SC, who are experts in law, have sacrificed lucrative practice at bar to serve the country.’ It is the hyperbole that was used by serving and retired soldiers of all ranks for claiming higher remuneration, i.e., ‘ sacrifice ‘ for the country. From the bar once a while somebody is seconded to the Bench by Government. Those advocates who have lucrative practice often decline the offer of Government because of level of salary of Judges, which by itself is not on the lower side but when compared to good practice in the bar would be less. But then there is prestige in being a judge.
The job of a successful senior lawyer is very arduous as compared to that of judge. A judge gets his salary and perks irrespective of the level of his performance. Not so in the case of advocates. And then there is life long pension for judges, which is not the case with Advocates. So where is the question of ‘ sacrifice.’ In any case they joined the Judicial service in the beginning because of the prestige. Now you can’t have the cake and eat it too.
The hoopla on banning of smoking in public places
The media, both print and visual, have covered this action of the Government as a momentous one. As if a burning problem ( double entendre intended ) facing the nation, has been effectively dealt with. Now what are the facts. Over 90% of the smoking in this blessed country is of bidis. Though strictly speaking smoking of bidis has also been banned in public places. But the fact is that bidis are never smoked in public places. Even after the ban, one can smoke in his house and in open areas. Only in public places, i.e., offices, cinema theatres, eateries, etc., the ban is applicable. Smokers working in offices would go out of the office and smoke. They will smoke in cars. Yes, a few would be booked. I a m a smoker and yet I support the ban. But I am not going to be hooked in to the wild cheering for this step of the Government
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Jet Airways retrenchment imbroglio
Because of the down trend in passenger travel due to economic meltdown, Jet Airways decided to retrench, as per law, hundred or odd in flight employees, mostly women / girls. They would get retrenchment compensation as per law or if the terms of employment provides for more liberal retrenchment compensation, then the latter would be applicable For consecutively two days major dailies in Delhi gave considerable coverage in the newspapers and that too in the front page with photos of weeping girls who have been retrenched. There was ample TV coverage with discussion programmes only on the subject. In short, a hoopla was made after the incident. The retrenched employees went to Raj Thackeray and the latter agreed to intervene. In the meanwhile the Union Civil Aviation Minister, Mr. Praful Patel, purported to have advised ( warned? ) Naresh Goel, Chairman of Jet to take the retrenched employees back. Though denying any pressure from the Minister, Mr. Goel said that on ‘ humanitarian grounds ‘ the retrenched employees would be taken back.
Now consider the following:
· Each day thousands of workers are being removed from work ( mostly without any retrenchment compensation ) in the unorganized and even organized sectors in Delhi alone. If we take the country as a whole the figure would go up to a much higher level. Then what is that so special about the Jet incident, to make it appear as a national calamity.
· The employees of Jet who were retrenched, mostly belong to middle class and upper middle class. Was that the reason for the hoopla in the media. In any case most of the retrenched would not starve ( and many would get alternative jobs ), which is not the case of many of the workers removed from service everyday in the unorganized sector.
· Raj Thackery’s agitations so far were confined to protecting the interests of Maharashtrians. In this instance not even 10% of those affected were Maharashtrains. But why should he lose an opportunity when it is the retrenched employees who sought his help. Now others would also seek his help, giving him legitimacy not due to him.
· The unfortunate intervention of the Civil Aviation Minister ( though denied by him ) would encourage workers in other industries to approach their own respective Ministers for similar intervention ( and managements would be in a dilemma ).
And then there are larger and long term issues, such as:
· Industrial establishments cannot retrench workers without the approval of the Government. And Governments have been chary of giving such approval ( Between 1947 and now only in 100 or a few more cases approval was given ). This led to managements of industrial enterprises engaging contract labour directly or through contractors, whose services could be dispensed with straightaway, i.e., without the approval of Government.
· With technology upgradation being a continuous process and newer and newer machines being developed requiring less and less workforce, many a company decided not to modernize since the surplus workers cannot be retrenched, a loss to the company and the country.
· It is the same case with small scale industries. Many of the benefits allowed by Government would not be available if the small scale units go beyond a size stipulated by Government. Hence instead of expanding, managements of such enterprises started setting up new units for manufacture of same products, thereby the country being deprived of economy of scale of operation of such units..
· Requirement level of work force of any enterprise would go on changing, depending on several factors, such as, recession or speedy growth in the economy, the demand for goods / services of each enterprise at any time, competition, both internal and external, newer products with better value for customer being introduced, newer technology making obsolete existing type of goods and services, etc.,
· The incident dealt with in this note cannot be considered in isolation. There is economic melt-down. Airlines are functioning with low occupancy. Demand for export is shrinking.
Summing up: The hype created by the media on the incident is uncalled for and unfortunate. The Minister had no business to interfere in the matter. It is a negative message to foreign investment. Employees of other units faced with such a situation would now think in terms of agitating. Employers of units which want to retrench employees may plan innovative methods to achieve their objective.
Now consider the following:
· Each day thousands of workers are being removed from work ( mostly without any retrenchment compensation ) in the unorganized and even organized sectors in Delhi alone. If we take the country as a whole the figure would go up to a much higher level. Then what is that so special about the Jet incident, to make it appear as a national calamity.
· The employees of Jet who were retrenched, mostly belong to middle class and upper middle class. Was that the reason for the hoopla in the media. In any case most of the retrenched would not starve ( and many would get alternative jobs ), which is not the case of many of the workers removed from service everyday in the unorganized sector.
· Raj Thackery’s agitations so far were confined to protecting the interests of Maharashtrians. In this instance not even 10% of those affected were Maharashtrains. But why should he lose an opportunity when it is the retrenched employees who sought his help. Now others would also seek his help, giving him legitimacy not due to him.
· The unfortunate intervention of the Civil Aviation Minister ( though denied by him ) would encourage workers in other industries to approach their own respective Ministers for similar intervention ( and managements would be in a dilemma ).
And then there are larger and long term issues, such as:
· Industrial establishments cannot retrench workers without the approval of the Government. And Governments have been chary of giving such approval ( Between 1947 and now only in 100 or a few more cases approval was given ). This led to managements of industrial enterprises engaging contract labour directly or through contractors, whose services could be dispensed with straightaway, i.e., without the approval of Government.
· With technology upgradation being a continuous process and newer and newer machines being developed requiring less and less workforce, many a company decided not to modernize since the surplus workers cannot be retrenched, a loss to the company and the country.
· It is the same case with small scale industries. Many of the benefits allowed by Government would not be available if the small scale units go beyond a size stipulated by Government. Hence instead of expanding, managements of such enterprises started setting up new units for manufacture of same products, thereby the country being deprived of economy of scale of operation of such units..
· Requirement level of work force of any enterprise would go on changing, depending on several factors, such as, recession or speedy growth in the economy, the demand for goods / services of each enterprise at any time, competition, both internal and external, newer products with better value for customer being introduced, newer technology making obsolete existing type of goods and services, etc.,
· The incident dealt with in this note cannot be considered in isolation. There is economic melt-down. Airlines are functioning with low occupancy. Demand for export is shrinking.
Summing up: The hype created by the media on the incident is uncalled for and unfortunate. The Minister had no business to interfere in the matter. It is a negative message to foreign investment. Employees of other units faced with such a situation would now think in terms of agitating. Employers of units which want to retrench employees may plan innovative methods to achieve their objective.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Caricatures
Male Chauvinist Pig ( MCP ) ( Forgive them, Oh, Lord, for they do not know who they are )
This specie unfortunately abound this wonderful earth, though they masquerade their male supremacy theme and the traits accompanying such a belief. And if anybody labels them with the epithet of MCP, the MCP would get agitated and would trot out any number of reasons for treating men/boys and women / girls differently.
‘This has been the tradition, for eons this has been the position and the same has worked well, all follow this dictum, it has the stamp of approval of society and family and elders, that women accept their role happily and willingly, it has worked well for millennia, our sacred books have set out this pattern, our sages have said, etc., would be trotted out by those defending themselves against the label of MCP. Otherwise, we would also become decadent like the West. Look what happened to our friend’s family when the girl there was given full freedom. She married and divorced and then started living with a man without first marrying him. If the girl is allowed to be too modern and independent, it will bring stigma to our family, boys would shun marrying her, parents of boys would not positively respond to our proposal, too much of freedom would go into her head, later her marriage will be on the rocks, etc.,
Man and woman are different, not merely in physical structure but psychologically also. There are assigned roles for both in the family and society. Breaking that delineation would be no good for the individual, family and society. In any case my wife and daughter are content with the current position. So why change it. So and so forth.’
Most of the sacred books have not said so. In any case one should not be surprised if this or that sage had said so because many of them were out and out MCPs.
‘ Equality in every respect between man / boy and woman / girl’ as a concept most of the people would agree, more so in these days, when they find that quietly woman / girl has upstaged MCPs. But they are wary. And hence they adopt all tricks of the trade to place obstacles in this approach further progressing. Divorce, revealing dress, late marriage, deciding to have children later or not at all having children, frequent change of jobs, having male friends, asserting their position and expressing their views candidly in the family conversation, occasional drinking / smoking, asserting independence, etc., are quoted to justify why they should be reigned. To the question why can’t woman / girl do whatever has been said above when man / boy can do it, sheepish and lame answers are adduced.
Fundamentalist Under Skin ( FUS )
( Masquerade as they are not )
This is a sub specie of Fundamentalist. In appearance FUS masquerades his beliefs as symbols of the religion he belongs to would not be apparent. They are more like tiger in lamb clothing. They don’t come out open easily with their convictions on the subject and hence one would have to draw them out either by leading questions or by pretending as one having sympathy or agreement with the his fundamentalist ideas. Presto, then the out pouring begins. They all selectively quote scriptures. They would never discuss the subject. Rational arguments are brushed aside. They would only argue and would get agitated very quickly. Though they all claim to be religionists, the fact is that they are too far distanced from their religious teachings because all religions preach peace and peaceful co-existence. Tit for tat results in yet another tit for tat. And then the chain of unfortunate events happen. This enables the FUS to pick up a link in the chain of events and then develop his arguments on why the other side is wrong and had created the trouble. The danger is that this specie is multiplying like rats and there lies the danger not only for the present but also for the times to come. They inculcate their beliefs in their progenies.
This specie unfortunately abound this wonderful earth, though they masquerade their male supremacy theme and the traits accompanying such a belief. And if anybody labels them with the epithet of MCP, the MCP would get agitated and would trot out any number of reasons for treating men/boys and women / girls differently.
‘This has been the tradition, for eons this has been the position and the same has worked well, all follow this dictum, it has the stamp of approval of society and family and elders, that women accept their role happily and willingly, it has worked well for millennia, our sacred books have set out this pattern, our sages have said, etc., would be trotted out by those defending themselves against the label of MCP. Otherwise, we would also become decadent like the West. Look what happened to our friend’s family when the girl there was given full freedom. She married and divorced and then started living with a man without first marrying him. If the girl is allowed to be too modern and independent, it will bring stigma to our family, boys would shun marrying her, parents of boys would not positively respond to our proposal, too much of freedom would go into her head, later her marriage will be on the rocks, etc.,
Man and woman are different, not merely in physical structure but psychologically also. There are assigned roles for both in the family and society. Breaking that delineation would be no good for the individual, family and society. In any case my wife and daughter are content with the current position. So why change it. So and so forth.’
Most of the sacred books have not said so. In any case one should not be surprised if this or that sage had said so because many of them were out and out MCPs.
‘ Equality in every respect between man / boy and woman / girl’ as a concept most of the people would agree, more so in these days, when they find that quietly woman / girl has upstaged MCPs. But they are wary. And hence they adopt all tricks of the trade to place obstacles in this approach further progressing. Divorce, revealing dress, late marriage, deciding to have children later or not at all having children, frequent change of jobs, having male friends, asserting their position and expressing their views candidly in the family conversation, occasional drinking / smoking, asserting independence, etc., are quoted to justify why they should be reigned. To the question why can’t woman / girl do whatever has been said above when man / boy can do it, sheepish and lame answers are adduced.
Fundamentalist Under Skin ( FUS )
( Masquerade as they are not )
This is a sub specie of Fundamentalist. In appearance FUS masquerades his beliefs as symbols of the religion he belongs to would not be apparent. They are more like tiger in lamb clothing. They don’t come out open easily with their convictions on the subject and hence one would have to draw them out either by leading questions or by pretending as one having sympathy or agreement with the his fundamentalist ideas. Presto, then the out pouring begins. They all selectively quote scriptures. They would never discuss the subject. Rational arguments are brushed aside. They would only argue and would get agitated very quickly. Though they all claim to be religionists, the fact is that they are too far distanced from their religious teachings because all religions preach peace and peaceful co-existence. Tit for tat results in yet another tit for tat. And then the chain of unfortunate events happen. This enables the FUS to pick up a link in the chain of events and then develop his arguments on why the other side is wrong and had created the trouble. The danger is that this specie is multiplying like rats and there lies the danger not only for the present but also for the times to come. They inculcate their beliefs in their progenies.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Caricatures
13.God men: ( Their existence is proof of the gullibility of human beings )
Trade marks: Flowing beard, long mane or perpetually shaved head, Hindu religious mark on the forehead, loose shirt and dhoti, preferably ochre coloured or white. Wooden or leather sandals. Since public these days accept their luxurious living, can be seen traveling in upper end car or staying in luxury hotels, etc., In short he should stand apart in a crowd and more so while flying.
Functioning style: Rudimentary knowledge of magic, ability to speak for hours without dozing off, not getting ruffled when difficult or awkward questions are posed, ability to quote from scriptures of own religion, mildly ridiculing customs and practices of other religions, never quoting approvingly other religions, neatly side tracking issues, sati, child marriage, caste system, etc., never criticizing cum-patriots, i.e., other god men of same religion, etc.,
To be shunned in public: Smoking, drinking, eating non-vegetarian food, speaking in loud voice, making lewd remarks, ogling at female specie, making disparaging comments about other religions or comrades of the religion to which the God man belongs.
Private life: Safely guarded secret, more so in respect of matters related to income and wealth.
Essential requirements: A few acolytes, both Indian and foreigner, and followers of money bags variety / politicians / cine stars. Rudimentary knowledge of own religion and scriptures. At the same time able to quote from religious stories. Only superficial understanding of other religions which in essence means absolute ignorance of other religions. Occasional traveling abroad is a must. Having followers abroad increases the aura in the domestic turf.
Nom de plume: A new name like Swami Bhoga varjithanda. ( While the Godman selects his own acronym, he never says so in the public. It is the job of disciples to propagate the name. It is sort of safety belt. If any snoopy journalist questions him on the same, the Godman can shrug it off indicating that name is not important and in any case it is the name given by his followers).
Demeanour: Poor and wretched are suffering on account of their karma. My giving money to them by way of relief is going against their karma. Mingle with wretched only when there is a photographer around.
Summing up: Because of the gullibility of human beings, in the recent times this specie has been proliferating. And gauging by the mood of the public, it is safe to assume that there is opening for more such men.
**
15.Male Chauvinist Pig ( MCP ) ( Forgive them, Oh, Lord, for they do not know who they are )
Both species unfortunately abound this wonderful earth. Most of my friends and relatives fall in both the categories, though they masquerade these traits and if I label them with these epithets, I would be subject to all type of name calling, if not physically abused. I am taking that risk in the name of truth.
MCP: ‘This has been the tradition, for eons this has been the position and the same has worked well, all follow this dictum, it has the stamp of approval of society and family and elders, that women accept their role happily and willingly, it has worked well for millennia, our sacred books have set out this pattern, our sages have said, etc., would be trotted out by those defending themselves against the label of MCP. Otherwise, we would also become decadent like the West. Look what happened to our friend’s family when the girl there was given full freedom, it will bring stigma to our family, boys would shun marrying her, parents of boys would not positively respond to our proposal, too much of freedom would go into her head, later her marriage will be on the rocks, etc.,
Man and woman are different, not merely in physical structure but psychologically also. There are assigned roles for both in the family and society. Breaking that delineation would be no good for the individual, family and society. In any case my wife and daughter are content with the current position. So why change it. So and so forth.’
Most of the sacred books have not said so. In any case one should not be surprised if this or that sage had said so because many of them were out and out MCPs.
‘ Equality in every respect between man / boy and woman / girl’ as a concept most of the people would agree, more so in these days, when they find that quietly woman / girl has upstaged MCPs. But they are wary. And hence they adopt all tricks of the trade to place obstacles in this approach further progressing. Divorce, revealing dress, late marriage, deciding to have children later or not at all having children, frequent change of jobs, having male friends, asserting their position and expressing their views candidly in the family conversation, occasional drinking / smoking, asserting independence, etc., are quoted to justify why they should be reigned. To the question why can’t woman / girl do whatever has been said above when man / boy can do it, sheepish and lame answers are adduced.
Trade marks: Flowing beard, long mane or perpetually shaved head, Hindu religious mark on the forehead, loose shirt and dhoti, preferably ochre coloured or white. Wooden or leather sandals. Since public these days accept their luxurious living, can be seen traveling in upper end car or staying in luxury hotels, etc., In short he should stand apart in a crowd and more so while flying.
Functioning style: Rudimentary knowledge of magic, ability to speak for hours without dozing off, not getting ruffled when difficult or awkward questions are posed, ability to quote from scriptures of own religion, mildly ridiculing customs and practices of other religions, never quoting approvingly other religions, neatly side tracking issues, sati, child marriage, caste system, etc., never criticizing cum-patriots, i.e., other god men of same religion, etc.,
To be shunned in public: Smoking, drinking, eating non-vegetarian food, speaking in loud voice, making lewd remarks, ogling at female specie, making disparaging comments about other religions or comrades of the religion to which the God man belongs.
Private life: Safely guarded secret, more so in respect of matters related to income and wealth.
Essential requirements: A few acolytes, both Indian and foreigner, and followers of money bags variety / politicians / cine stars. Rudimentary knowledge of own religion and scriptures. At the same time able to quote from religious stories. Only superficial understanding of other religions which in essence means absolute ignorance of other religions. Occasional traveling abroad is a must. Having followers abroad increases the aura in the domestic turf.
Nom de plume: A new name like Swami Bhoga varjithanda. ( While the Godman selects his own acronym, he never says so in the public. It is the job of disciples to propagate the name. It is sort of safety belt. If any snoopy journalist questions him on the same, the Godman can shrug it off indicating that name is not important and in any case it is the name given by his followers).
Demeanour: Poor and wretched are suffering on account of their karma. My giving money to them by way of relief is going against their karma. Mingle with wretched only when there is a photographer around.
Summing up: Because of the gullibility of human beings, in the recent times this specie has been proliferating. And gauging by the mood of the public, it is safe to assume that there is opening for more such men.
**
15.Male Chauvinist Pig ( MCP ) ( Forgive them, Oh, Lord, for they do not know who they are )
Both species unfortunately abound this wonderful earth. Most of my friends and relatives fall in both the categories, though they masquerade these traits and if I label them with these epithets, I would be subject to all type of name calling, if not physically abused. I am taking that risk in the name of truth.
MCP: ‘This has been the tradition, for eons this has been the position and the same has worked well, all follow this dictum, it has the stamp of approval of society and family and elders, that women accept their role happily and willingly, it has worked well for millennia, our sacred books have set out this pattern, our sages have said, etc., would be trotted out by those defending themselves against the label of MCP. Otherwise, we would also become decadent like the West. Look what happened to our friend’s family when the girl there was given full freedom, it will bring stigma to our family, boys would shun marrying her, parents of boys would not positively respond to our proposal, too much of freedom would go into her head, later her marriage will be on the rocks, etc.,
Man and woman are different, not merely in physical structure but psychologically also. There are assigned roles for both in the family and society. Breaking that delineation would be no good for the individual, family and society. In any case my wife and daughter are content with the current position. So why change it. So and so forth.’
Most of the sacred books have not said so. In any case one should not be surprised if this or that sage had said so because many of them were out and out MCPs.
‘ Equality in every respect between man / boy and woman / girl’ as a concept most of the people would agree, more so in these days, when they find that quietly woman / girl has upstaged MCPs. But they are wary. And hence they adopt all tricks of the trade to place obstacles in this approach further progressing. Divorce, revealing dress, late marriage, deciding to have children later or not at all having children, frequent change of jobs, having male friends, asserting their position and expressing their views candidly in the family conversation, occasional drinking / smoking, asserting independence, etc., are quoted to justify why they should be reigned. To the question why can’t woman / girl do whatever has been said above when man / boy can do it, sheepish and lame answers are adduced.
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