Perfect Storm indeed

A lesson was learnt at Vietnam. The American government had recognized the importance of the force called “media” and the folly to ignore or underestimate it. The media could not be allowed to become an obstacle in America’s future war plans. Furthermore, the potential of the media to sell the war to the always gullible audience was also acknowledged. Thus, in the interim period between “Desert Storm” and “Perfect Storm”, began one of the most panoptic propaganda campaigns by the government to fool the media and in the process, its own people. Large scale “global conflict” was given the name of “war against terrorism”. The gun was loaded and then 9/11 provided the trigger. The propaganda was escalated to another level, one which eventually led to the slaughter of two nations. The disappointing part was that every form of media was engulfed by the deception. It exposed gaping holes in the depth of the American media and has left doubts over its reliability and righteousness. Doubts inked by the blood of innocents and the decisions of few.

First the sanction, then the invasion and finally the occupation has ensured the death of a nation. The American media still has to learn its lesson. Although there have been admissions and apologies from different organizations and journalists, the overall scenario is far from a renaissance. After the bias, now it’s the boredom. The media is bored of Iraq, their agendas have changed. The fact that around 400 civilians die on an usual month in Iraq is still not germane. Lack of electricity and a four year draught adds to the suffering of Iraq. Since 2005, 100,000 people have abandoned their homes with thousands more ready to follow suit. (The forgotten war. 2010)  Yet, the American media finds time only to cover the Iraqi elections or some issue which cannot be linked to the invaders. The fourth estate continues its rapid relegation to just another pawn in the game of power. A game where the world watches and America disposes. 

Democracy – more than just a word

Round one is over. Team Anna is the undisputed winner. There is a barrage of editorials, articles, cover stories and features across the country which have in all probability covered every last header and footer of the saga better known as the Lokpal ( Jan or otherwise). Opinions reciprocate India’s diversity remain divided. There is a large section which blindly reveres the Jan Lokpal as its Holy Grail and thinks of the Government as Crusaders. This section is contrasted with those who think the entire process is ridiculous and pointless, not to mention undemocratic.  Implementation of already existing laws and committees is their chosen path. In addition there are those who recognize the facts and fallacies of both sides and are hopeful of carving an intermediate path which produces maximum efficacy. Amidst this clutter of opinion, the one unanimous voice which was vivid and vibrant was the long dormant voice of India.

As a country, we were overjoyed on 15^th August 1947 and had every reason to be so. Even the bloodshed of the partition couldn’t dampen our elation at being free. Understandably, there was no hesitation in accepting leaders like Nehru and Patel who had struggled for our freedom at the helm of affairs which involved running free India. They did not disappoint. Neither did their immediate successors. The NAM, five year development plans, the Bangladesh war are just some instances of acute governance which can form crucial chapters of a book, “How to run a country” . This led to a dependence which in turn to negligence of the masses towards their governments affairs. The good work done was taken to be the norm. Gradually, leadership changed and so did mentality. The irrepressible and unidirectional zeal to work for the country was replaced with personal power and benefits. The government came under the control of people born into free India and thus people who did not realize its value to the extent required. By the time, the people of India realized the predicament; they had developed an apathetic attitude which had become incorrigible. Everything was acceptable in the country as long as there was a way to circumvent the situation, irrespective of the means to do it. The only protest came in the form of tea time discussions which critiqued the political workings of the country on a superficial level. It had to end some day. The omnipresent criticism was indicative of pent up anger. Anna Hazare just ignited it. For the first time in their lives people found themselves fighting for something they believed should end, something that had been a menace to each one of them. Corruption became the common enemy of the country and a mass movement unlike any witnessed by most in their life time. Google registered a significant number of hits on Parliament statements, protest venues and government reactions- a phenomenon which was hitherto unheard of. The people of the country finally woke up from their slumber to the fact that living in a democracy necessitates participation without which it abstains from being one.

As Indians, we have this dubious distinction of having a view on every possible subject, our blatant and often shameful ignorance notwithstanding. The unprecedented support that Anna Hazare got during this protest is an indication. A small section of the huge number of protestors had adequate knowledge of the provisions of the Jan Lokpal and the Lokpal bill, its differences, the meaning of the difference and the subsequent implications. The others followed the Indian tradition of following the mob irrespective. The fact that the media left no stone unturned in terms of Anna public relations was more than just helpful to make sure the Anna was the new trend in town.

Supporting or opposing the Lokpal, Jan Lokpal is a matter of personal opinion and each voice in the matter has equal right to be heard. It is a fair argument that some action against corruption is imperative and immediate. On the other hand, to create a powerful body like a Lokpal gives rise to genuine fears of future obstacles. It is very easy to draw comparisons between Anna Hazare and Gandhi, yet it must also be remembered that Gandhi fought against a foreign rule; the scenario today pits the civil society against its own government which for all its fallacies has managed to uphold the core values of the Indian Constitution thus far. The important message here is that people should form an informed opinion which is not based on just a single newspaper or channel. India was probably tired after the momentous freedom struggle. Finally, Anna Hazare has managed to create an alarm loud enough to awake it. Every person in the country is free to support or oppose him, only condition being that the decision is his/her own and not just another way of being part of the mob or media circus.