withstand so much pressure of this modern cruel world of reality shows. Children are made to behave like adults. They are asked to perform like adults by the show-men (and women, of course). In the 
bargain precious childhood which is supposed to be so much fun is lost for good.The 16-year old Shinjini Sengupta is just one of such many teenagers who today are lured by their parents and relatives into becoming celebrities. She was allegedly reprimanded for poor dance by one of the judges of a reality show hosted by a Bengali channel for . Consequently she fell ill, taking the remarks seriously. They have affected her psychologically.
Shinjini may not even have had any freedom to say a firm ‘No’ to the demands. Perhaps, she was made to believe that becoming a celebrity at her age was the best thing that could have happened to her. So she was caught in the trap of illusions and over-ambitions even before she could realise. Now it is a bit too late to introspect as she is battling for her life in the NIMHANS hospital, Bangalore.
There is nothing real about reality shows that every channel is airing at will these days. Reality show is another name for making life miserable. We know what had happened to Shipla Shetty in UK. Some might call it racism; but it is much more than that. Reality shows, in general, demand that you be a superhuman, possessing extra thick skin and a strong heart to be free of any
emotions and feelings. To be more precise, I do not think the demands of reality shows are fair enough for ordinary mortals, especially children.
Indian channels are famous for doing a copy-cat of Western channels, especially of USA and UK. There seems to be very little original in terms of programming and creativity. Any show that gains popularity in the West is immediately re-made in Indian channels. ‘Who wants to be a millionaire’ ‘Are you smarter than a 5th grader’ are some of the many reality shows that have been ‘lifted’ into Indian channels. In the last few years there have been sporadic increase in the number of dancing and music reality shows on many entertainment channels. Many of them are children-centred and have become popular, but at a very costly price.
It is a big question whether children have the wherewithal to withstand the demands of their studies on the one hand and the reality show on the other. Shinjini’s case has grabbed media attention because she has been affected psychologically and physically; but media do not report anything about all those scores of children who are silently suffering the demands and over-
ambitions of their parents who cajole them to become ‘famous’. We also do not get to know what happens to their studies and their childhood owing to reality shows. Media are too busy with trivial things that they have little time to address these issues. The ‘shows’ will continue unhindered until another Shinjini falls prey and then media will wake up, at least for a while.
Shinjini may not even have had any freedom to say a firm ‘No’ to the demands. Perhaps, she was made to believe that becoming a celebrity at her age was the best thing that could have happened to her. So she was caught in the trap of illusions and over-ambitions even before she could realise. Now it is a bit too late to introspect as she is battling for her life in the NIMHANS hospital, Bangalore.
There is nothing real about reality shows that every channel is airing at will these days. Reality show is another name for making life miserable. We know what had happened to Shipla Shetty in UK. Some might call it racism; but it is much more than that. Reality shows, in general, demand that you be a superhuman, possessing extra thick skin and a strong heart to be free of any
emotions and feelings. To be more precise, I do not think the demands of reality shows are fair enough for ordinary mortals, especially children.Indian channels are famous for doing a copy-cat of Western channels, especially of USA and UK. There seems to be very little original in terms of programming and creativity. Any show that gains popularity in the West is immediately re-made in Indian channels. ‘Who wants to be a millionaire’ ‘Are you smarter than a 5th grader’ are some of the many reality shows that have been ‘lifted’ into Indian channels. In the last few years there have been sporadic increase in the number of dancing and music reality shows on many entertainment channels. Many of them are children-centred and have become popular, but at a very costly price.
It is a big question whether children have the wherewithal to withstand the demands of their studies on the one hand and the reality show on the other. Shinjini’s case has grabbed media attention because she has been affected psychologically and physically; but media do not report anything about all those scores of children who are silently suffering the demands and over-
ambitions of their parents who cajole them to become ‘famous’. We also do not get to know what happens to their studies and their childhood owing to reality shows. Media are too busy with trivial things that they have little time to address these issues. The ‘shows’ will continue unhindered until another Shinjini falls prey and then media will wake up, at least for a while.
3 comments:
Realty Shows ? Blade Shows ....like Blade Cos
Mel, you remind me of Socrates, who went about creating critical awareness in the minds of his audience. Good work! However, realize that the issues your dealing with are much more complicated than they appear to be.
Jossie
Blame Game...
who is making more Name?
dev
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