MORAL POLICING IN CHENNAI
Chennai is still a city which is proud of its heritage and rooted deep in its traditional values.But as the lives and attitudes of youngsters keep changing, the question which arises in our mind is whether our city has to become more liberal in its outlook.Moral Policing is at its best in Chennai now.
Anna University Of Technology has started a big debate by imposing stringent restrictions on their students.They have imposed a strict dress code and the use of cell phones inside the college premises is strictly prohibited.They are also not allowed to organize film based cultural programmes.They felt that the figure hugging clothes worn by the girls was proving to be too distractive for the boys.Hefty fines are imposed when rules are broken.There are many people in Chennai who feel that in todays’ world when we talk of freedom of expression are all these things necessary! When the students have the right to vote don’t they have the right to choose the kind of clothes they want to wear.
eBut it looks like in Chennai, this liberty does not exsist.The more serious problems like the quality of the Teaching Staff ,the standard of education available are left untouched.If this is not moral policing than what other words can you describe the above strange behaviour.
Any South Indian movie buff would not need any introduction to the vivacious actress Kushboo.She has always been in the news for all the wrong reasons.There was an interview with her where she had spoken about Premarital Sex,There was so much hue and cry about this. Her effigy was burnt, followed by violent protests .There is a temple in Tamilnadu which was built for her during her reign as a top heroine.Such a person was criticized by all with no public support for her from even her own colleagues.In the end she had to apologise publicly and was in tears in front of the TV cameras.The Pattali Makka Katchi protested vehemently against her.
What are we trying to prove here.In todays’ world where AIDS are so rampant is it not hypocritical on our part when it has become necessary to impart sex education even in schools.In this age we trying to say that Premarital sex should not be discussed is foolish on our part.
The latest Actress who is now in the line of fire is Mallika Sherawat.She is the OOMPH girl of Bolltwood.She has been criticized by the purist for wearing a provocative dress at the audio launch of the film “Dasavatharam”.MMK activist Mr S.K Kanaraj has filed a petition against her.According to him she has insulted the sentiments of the Tamil people by sitting cross legged in front of the Chief Minister Mr Karunanidhi.
A few weeks earlier Actree Shreya Sharan was also criticized on the dress worn by her when she attended the Silver Jubilee celebration of the megahit movie “Sivaji” where she was the heroine.The chief guest was again the Chief Minister of Tamilnadu Mr Karunanidhi.She later issued an unconditional apology.
The question that arise in our mind is has moral policing in Chennai reached alarming levels and is individual freedom under threat.
Tamilnadu has a tradition of being socially and culturally progressive with a culture of tolerance and respect for others.
Chennai should be rememberd by people for its diverse culture where the Towel Angavastram and Cotton Veshti is as common as Jeans and Top ,Where Kanchiveram Sarees and Sphagetti Tops go hand in hand ,Where big Bindis on Mami’s forehead blend with Arm Tatoos .
From the swank bars to Java green tea houses,from the city malls to the elite boutique cross culture is only rising.
But the present scenario in front of us is one which makes us bow our head in shame.
Morality can be inculated only through education and not by forcing it down our throat.
Chennai is still a city which is proud of its heritage and rooted deep in its traditional values.But as the lives and attitudes of youngsters keep changing, the question which arises in our mind is whether our city has to become more liberal in its outlook.Moral Policing is at its best in Chennai now.
Anna University Of Technology has started a big debate by imposing stringent restrictions on their students.They have imposed a strict dress code and the use of cell phones inside the college premises is strictly prohibited.They are also not allowed to organize film based cultural programmes.They felt that the figure hugging clothes worn by the girls was proving to be too distractive for the boys.Hefty fines are imposed when rules are broken.There are many people in Chennai who feel that in todays’ world when we talk of freedom of expression are all these things necessary! When the students have the right to vote don’t they have the right to choose the kind of clothes they want to wear.
eBut it looks like in Chennai, this liberty does not exsist.The more serious problems like the quality of the Teaching Staff ,the standard of education available are left untouched.If this is not moral policing than what other words can you describe the above strange behaviour.
Any South Indian movie buff would not need any introduction to the vivacious actress Kushboo.She has always been in the news for all the wrong reasons.There was an interview with her where she had spoken about Premarital Sex,There was so much hue and cry about this. Her effigy was burnt, followed by violent protests .There is a temple in Tamilnadu which was built for her during her reign as a top heroine.Such a person was criticized by all with no public support for her from even her own colleagues.In the end she had to apologise publicly and was in tears in front of the TV cameras.The Pattali Makka Katchi protested vehemently against her.
What are we trying to prove here.In todays’ world where AIDS are so rampant is it not hypocritical on our part when it has become necessary to impart sex education even in schools.In this age we trying to say that Premarital sex should not be discussed is foolish on our part.
The latest Actress who is now in the line of fire is Mallika Sherawat.She is the OOMPH girl of Bolltwood.She has been criticized by the purist for wearing a provocative dress at the audio launch of the film “Dasavatharam”.MMK activist Mr S.K Kanaraj has filed a petition against her.According to him she has insulted the sentiments of the Tamil people by sitting cross legged in front of the Chief Minister Mr Karunanidhi.
A few weeks earlier Actree Shreya Sharan was also criticized on the dress worn by her when she attended the Silver Jubilee celebration of the megahit movie “Sivaji” where she was the heroine.The chief guest was again the Chief Minister of Tamilnadu Mr Karunanidhi.She later issued an unconditional apology.
The question that arise in our mind is has moral policing in Chennai reached alarming levels and is individual freedom under threat.
Tamilnadu has a tradition of being socially and culturally progressive with a culture of tolerance and respect for others.
Chennai should be rememberd by people for its diverse culture where the Towel Angavastram and Cotton Veshti is as common as Jeans and Top ,Where Kanchiveram Sarees and Sphagetti Tops go hand in hand ,Where big Bindis on Mami’s forehead blend with Arm Tatoos .
From the swank bars to Java green tea houses,from the city malls to the elite boutique cross culture is only rising.
But the present scenario in front of us is one which makes us bow our head in shame.
Morality can be inculated only through education and not by forcing it down our throat.
