|
Open Page
The politics of excess
CHOTY-ANNE THOMAS
It seems we live in an age of nimiety. What Greeks extolled as the “golden mean,” and what we, in our culture, for centuries past, have traditionally inculcated as a dignified restraint is now almost exclusively entrenched in the norms of a few distinguished pockets of cultured excellence.
What else would explain the frenzy over the Gere-Shetty episode? One can only wonder what prompted an otherwise sedate man to indulge in that catatonic gyration with an actress whose only claim to fame is a lucky break due to another’s racism, and the excesses we are decrying.
Then there was the Nayyar-Hurley nuptials whose preparations and ceremonies flew way over the borders of decency. In a state where the majority live in abject poverty, millions of pounds were spent in mindless extravagance, which could have been better utilised.
The Indian businessman who flaunted his wealth and power by throwing lavish wedding parties at The Tavern on the Green, in Central Park, in New York, had a guest list that included a former President of the United States, and the who’s who of American elite. Brad Pitt once sent his former wife Jennifer Anniston 200 yellow roses for her birthday. Where are all these people with their tumescent egos? Do we hear of anything good they have done for humanity and, more importantly, do we care what they are up to?
Let us not indulge in antediluvian notions of parsimony here. It is a matter of pride and joy to celebrate a wedding with a sumptuous feast, or a becoming gift for a birthday. We certainly do not need to go overboard, charter seven jets to whisk idle socialites across the ocean, or distribute “pedas” to the whole “gaon” to proclaim our sense of happiness. These apolaustic indulgences indicate an inadequacy and a degeneration of values.
Aggressiveness in the job field has become the cusp of every ambitious person’s mental resume. Indifference to tenets of fairness has almost become standard. Stab someone in the back — trample those ahead of you and step over them to get to where you want to go?
These binomial thrusts are not unheard of. Ask around, and you will learn that even in well-known, multi-national companies, if one employee is chosen to be sent abroad, all his travel plans are shrouded in secrecy lest a colleague should hear of it and sabotage the plans in order to step into his shoes!
Ordinary collars for pets are passé now. There has to be rhinestones, swarovski crystals, bidri work, or even diamonds on them! The rich and famous smother them in furs and engorge them on caviar and foie gras. There are restaurants devoted solely for pets, where waiters in crisp uniforms and devoutly tied ties affix napkins to these pets seated on plush chairs, and serve them.
When I see the pets being given the full liberty to lick the owners, and their babies on the face, even inside their mouths, that is where I draw the line in disgust. No, this is not the patois of a demented, disgruntled old woman — if you care to check it out, the truth will astound you.
I certainly do not impugn the sincerity or the good intentions of all these people. My premise here is that unbridled accretion of ambition, as well as greed has given rise to a culture of self-centred indifference. This is a sorry plight indeed, especially for a culture as vibrant, as compassionate and proud, as ours. Life on earth is a fiduciary state of being. The politics of excess negates basic humanity at all levels.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Open Page
|
