The media of political discourse

The political discourse has changed. It should have evolved with rising social connectivity but unfortunately it hasn't. However the impact can still be observed in the numerous political discussions that happen on social media. The impact is however on the quantity and not the quality. This makes me think if the media is actually playing its role or it is simply a hoax and doesn't have any impact.

It is not denying that each of us has made up in our mind that a particular person or a particular party is the one that is going to bring the change we are looking for. Some of us are so leaned towards an extreme that no matter what we always stay with the political ideology of our choice. While some still try to judge everything from an objective point of view. I get worried when I see arguments that go beyond my logical understanding. Of course it would be wrong to say that my political understanding is correct but there is always a manner in which political discourses should be lead. I am worried about that. 

Recently I asked an acquaintance a question, "Isn't it wrong to follow news solely on the social media? It is biased as we always choose to follow pages that suit our political understanding". The reply made me think for a while, "what if I want to stay biased". So all the hullabaloo about the rise of information age and ignoring the press media isn't that white. Can we ignore the traditional media after all? No we can't and we shouldn't but then the onus lies on these traditional media that they should not try to bias with their own bias. It's better to bias oneself my one's own bias than to fall under the bias of what some people call 'selective journalism'.

Under the pretext of these biased news media has online Facebook pages like the Logical Indian, The Frustrated Indian, The Viewspaper or the Firstpost have emerged so strongly. Now who protects the sanctity of these platforms. They are equally vulnerable to biases - a bias which is leaned either left or right.

It is said that if a lie is told thousand times it becomes the Truth. I see something very similar happening in our political atmosphere today. If we take one incident and repeat that incident thousand times even an intellectual will think that the country is going in totally wrong direction. The problem in such scenarios is that the real problems remain untouched and the issues which are non-issues get the maximum attention. Maximum attention means that all resources are diverted towards solving a problem which wasn't a problem at all.

I remember an interview of the star reporter of Times Now - Arnab Goswami. He was asked a very simple question that within the realm of journalism it is often dictated that the presenter of news should never bring his/her opinions in the discussion. That's the most fundamental rule of journalism. But he was totally against this idea. According to him if you have an opinion let it be. Have a strong counter argument if some street-smart Politician is manipulating the viewer with his cryptic words. And then let the listener decide what is wrong or what is right. Many may disagree to his viewpoint but that doesn't stray them away from making the Newshour show one of the most popular show in the country.

"Wish I were born in the current generation"

"Wish I were born in the current generation", sighed Sanjay Mama, while he was watching a bunch of teenagers funneling around. His expression depicted a sense of jealousy. Now exactly which behavior prompted him to remark in such a manner is not exactly known to me but it would be wrong to shove off that comment without giving its due importance. The impact of the y-generation's behavior over the x-generation's behavior is surprising when the fact is that all our lives we have heard lines like, "In our times, we were much better than the current generation."

Yes the current age is full of opportunities and glad that we are able to pluck the fruits of better lifestyle as far as living standard is concerned. But what about the freedom to lead a social life of one's own choice. It is the current generation and the next generation that are going to cherish the freedom. Remember when we used to hear from our older generation how hard it was for them to pass a message of love to a girl/boy they liked. Rather remember how tough it used to be to ask for a girl's number when we were in our teenage. It would sound funny almost hysterical today if getting a girl's number is considered to be a stepping stone. The current generation has grown up to remove all such redundancies. They are bold and direct. It seems like wastage of time to wait to express one's feelings. And the feelings are fresh as much as prone to the side-effects of a relationship. In other words there is an unstated commitment but still there is no commitment.

In the last 6 months I have interacted with a lot of teenagers (and those who are in early 20s) and observed their behavior. In a gap of just 5-6 years I see a remarkable difference in the thinking pattern. The heart-breaks have become more common as almost everyone had 2 exes on an average. And if they are not in a relationship it is always interesting to follow their Whatsapp DPs or facebook shares because its foolish to keep your feelings within. Damn those cheesy lines they pick up as their statuses which are more revealing than hiding. Damn those emotional quotes that make you feeling like stabbing your own heart.  But it's not a part of a drama but it is the drama itself. You are a loser if you hold back your feelings and a left out if you are not a part of that drama.

So what exactly led to this current generation the way it is. Clearly the two factors that come to the top of mind are:

• Ease of use of technology and social connectivity
• Remarks like 'Wish I were from this generation' which indirectly indicates a sense of approval and freedom to the way it is,

Now it leaves me wondering whats gonna be the teenager of the next generation be like. Whatever it may be, I'd say it will be for the good. Yes there were things better in the times of our older generation too but looking at the bigger picture I think, 'let it be'.

East is Best #MadeofGreat

Never did I imagine that the phrase 'Behta Pani Nirmala' would struck my reality so soon. The college had just ended and it was like a cue to the expeditions that were about to foster in the near future. It was pretty clear by then that exploring is something that makes me feel complete. Some may call it destiny that I joined a profession that involves extensive travelling but I feel it all comes from wishful desires. And the ultimate goal is to be recognized as the globe trotter in my social circle. 

It is by virtue of this profession that I lived and experienced the soul of so many cities. Needless to say that every city offered me a very unique experience of its own. The experiences were so unique that it was often difficult to find the common cultural thread that we, the countrymen, perceive in general.

But if you ask me about my favorite city, it is my own city- Kolkata.Yes, Kolkata is my favourite city. I can offer countless reasons. But this is a war and so let me stick to the format.

Drive
The best thing about the city in my opinion is the ease with which one can commute to the corners of the city. There is not a single mode of public transport that is possible but does not exists in the city. The city has been blessed by metro-rails, local trains, yellow taxis, autos, private buses, government buses, steamers, boats, cycle-rickshaws, hand rickshaws, tuk-tuks and what not. And I am not talking about their mere presence. Their reach is just overwhelming.

If we take drive in poetic sense, then also there is no limit to it. The most famous scholars from our country find their roots in this city. People excel in almost all the fields and the drive to excel just keeps pushing the city to achieve the impossible. And as beautifully summed up by Tata Motors (at http://madeofgreat.tatamotors.com/), "What drives us from within is what makes us great".

Design
Well, the city may not look like London anymore but we cannot ignore the fact that it was built as the twin city to London. The old part of the city still flaunts the beautiful architecture of pre-independence era. The boulevards in and around Esplanade speak volume of the beauty and love with which the city was built. Along the banks of the river Hooghly, it is easy to find romanticism.

If there is old architecture to embrace, there is a planned portion of the city as well- the Salt Lake and the New Town. In short the city has something to offer to multitude age groups- from youngsters to the veterans.

Connect
Ah! What to say about connect of the city. The city is metropolitan in true sense. You will find communities from across the country living harmoniously since ever. The local language is never enforced on anyone. People prefers to interact in a language which the other person is comfortable with. And this is perhaps the reason why the non-bengalis learn the local language out of love rather than a necessity.

The city is global in true sense. There is not a single sport which is not followed in the city. Ranging from Soccer to F1 to Kabaddi, this city embraces all kind of sport. People listen to a very broad range of music than just humming Honey Singh's compositions. Fashion sense is global too.