[Plumber]

“Richard Gere’s kissing of Shilpa Shetty” has evoked strong reactions from the public, politicians, media and the other sections of the society.


The mainstream media has, for the purpose of debating the issue, splashed the pics of “Gere kissing Shilpa in public”, on at least 5 pages. The pic has been flashed on page 3 of many newspapers as well. After all, Gere and Shilpa are from one of the only 2 categories of people, that media creates hype about
1)Celebrities
2)Those chaps who attend Page-3 parties, and are absolutes dodos in life- with their only claim-to-fame being photographed at least 50 times by a loser-cameraman-who-couldn’t-find-a-job-in-a-C-grade-porn-magazine.


There have been myriad opinions from the political class as well. Dumb-baaji brigade has condemned this act and have described it as “repulsive” and “against the concept of Indian morality”. They said that position that Gere and Shilpa were in, is no where stated in Kamasutra-which describes 17564 “positions” in which a man can “legitimately” and “pleasurably” accost a women. They have branded this act as “detrimental” to Shilpa’s interests, even though Shilpa herself seems to think that she’s going to end up with more movie-offers after this incident.


India’s largest political party Cons-race has said that we shouldn’t read too much into this incident. There are other issues which are important from nation-building point of view…They have regretted the hullabaloo that media has created by saying, to quote Cons-race’s spokesperson- Kabhi-shake- MANU- Sink-we, “The media needs to get its priorities right. What’s the need to give such issues so much attention, when the likes of Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi etc are working at grassroots levels in UP on issues that are most important! We are also against Bee-jaaphi, and their attempts to dictate terms to people as to what is moral and immoral.”


Bee-jhappi has expressed its condolences to Shilpa’s mom, and has promised her that they will “reform” Shilpa. They have already asked their jobless-youth-activists to take some random effigies, tout them as effigies of “Gere and Shilpa” and start burning them. The activists have also been asked to ransack all the libraries and AIDS-awareness institutes that Gere has visited in India.


The most interesting reactions are those of “Leftist” party- China Party of India(CPI). Mrs. Bing-a kRant has made a statement against Gere, by saying that though they have nothing against “public-kissing” per se, it’s the “fascist” mentality that Gere displayed while kissing Shilpa on the “right” cheek that has offended her party.



There are some lawyers, who claim to have a record of contesting 50 cases and losing 55 of them, are filling a lawsuit against Gere and Shetty, for committing an “obscene” act in a “public place”. Some commentators say that this will inundate the judiciary with irrelevant cases, while some commentators have welcomed this move by saying that these types of cases will bring about some entertainment in the boring lives of judges, thereby increasing the efficiency of judiciary.


And I am hoping that, this act is re-enacted in the courtroom, for if the judge fails to arrive at a definite conclusion as to whether the act was “obscene” or not, at least that senile chap would have got some good live-entertainment!!


But anyways, coming to the point, I would like to invite your views as to the questions:

1)Do you think that the act is immoral/obscene?
2)Does it deserve as much attention as media seems to have given it?
3)Are political parties justified in making a fuss over this issue?
4)Who should have the right to decide what’s moral and what’s immoral?
5)Is it justified to file a legal case against Gere and Shilpa?
6)Should politicians be playing the role of “moral-police”?
7) Can we have clear-cut distinction between what's moral and immoral? If yes, how?

[candybean$$$$]

Originally Posted by Plumber

I would like to invite your views as to the questions:

1)Do you think that the act is immoral/obscene?

Not at all. Obscene would be if they start a little too much which proceeds towards porn. Immoral - according to me nothing is immoral Its entirely how you digest things!

Does it deserve as much attention as media seems to have given it?

Who can stop the media from making a mountain out of a mole hill. They went overboard when a certain Dhoni changed his hairstyle. They went overboard when Mika kissed Rakhi, so much so they even brought an astrologer on the sets to give some moral shiksha to Mika Funny! They have made Prof Matuk Nath an epitome of manhood and his girlfriend never ceases to give unending bhashan on love and related things :sleepy:

Truth is that nothing deserves as much importance as the media gives to it. Richard Gere kissing Shilpa did not even deserve too much of a mention. And to laugh it off they even showed a group of protesting people! Which actually is strange because I don't think people like you and me even have the time to engage in yawning stuff like this.

Are political parties justified in making a fuss over this issue?

Vote bank increase karne ke liye kucch bhi karega neta

Who should have the right to decide what’s moral and what’s immoral?

Not the government, not the society, not the media! Only you should decide it - but only for yourself! It is very easy to be prejudiced against people yet be accomodating enough to decide that the very thing is just right for you.

If Shilpa and Gere don't have a problem, why should you! You aren't anyone to decide their life and what happens in their life would not affect you in any way - whether its good or bad!

Now if the same Shilpa gets married to Gere (just assuming), the same media channels would show the same set of people telling us how happy they are! BS!

Is it justified to file a legal case against Gere and Shilpa?

Why? They haven't committed a crime for heaven's sake! Case for what? Do people get booked for making out? Is making out a crime? They didn't even make out though

Anyhow, crime being - obscenity? Time to demolish the Khajuraho Temples it seems (my GK sucks so I really dunno if the Kamasutra scenes are etched there)

Should politicians be playing the role of “moral-police”?

No. No one should. S** and its condiments are not something illegal or immoral.

7) Can we have clear-cut distinction between what's moral and immoral? If yes, how?

No. What might be moral to you may be immoral to me. Just isn't possible!

PS - Sometimes I wonder if we live in a democratic country. May be they should just stop teaching civics in schools

[catapult]

Originally Posted by Plumber

1)Do you think that the act is immoral/obscene?
2)Does it deserve as much attention as media seems to have given it?
3)Are political parties justified in making a fuss over this issue?
4)Who should have the right to decide what’s moral and what’s immoral?
5)Is it justified to file a legal case against Gere and Shilpa?
6)Should politicians be playing the role of “moral-police”?
7) Can we have clear-cut distinction between what's moral and immoral? If yes, how?

1. No it wasn't immoral or obscene. Period.

2. It does deserve media attention, but shouldn't have been interpreted the way it was. Culture? Obscenity? Crap.

3. Ahh..Political parties...(Read ..Shiv Sena and others in this case) are the biggest frikkin hypocrites in India...When the same actress dances half-naked in a Bollywood movie..they watch and clap with their tounges out...But when she is involved in something like this (Poor girl...She didn't really expect Gere to do that way)....They'll burn her effigies and posters...

4. I think every individual has a right to decide what's moral or immoral in her/his acts. Having said that...Since we live in a society...We need to have *some* common set of morals (Dos and Donts). In that sense, yes...Kissing in public is an offense.

5. Legal case...Huh...I can go laughin about it. If all those lawyers are really that Vella...Can we ask them to support the hundreds of cases pending in the courts already...Reservation? Rich-Boy-Kills- etc etc cases. Can they act to bring justice there?

6. Politicians - No. Leaders - Yes. But not to the extent of burning effigies or digging pitches. Something to educate the public.

7. A clear-cut NO for this. But we all must have some common ground of understanding, Tolerance, give-and-take.


Any more questions Plumber?

[the.bombardier]

Originally Posted by Plumber

1)Do you think that the act is immoral/obscene?
2)Does it deserve as much attention as media seems to have given it?
3)Are political parties justified in making a fuss over this issue?
4)Who should have the right to decide what’s moral and what’s immoral?
5)Is it justified to file a legal case against Gere and Shilpa?
6)Should politicians be playing the role of “moral-police”?
7) Can we have clear-cut distinction between what's moral and immoral? If yes, how?

Do you think that the act is immoral/obscene?
ans 1> it may not be immoral,but it is certainly against bharatiya sanskriti.bharatiya sanskriti says women r not to be touched(of course in public)

2)Does it deserve as much attention as media seems to have given it?
ans 2> what can the media do?sabse tez channel "kal tak" has to play programs like "kissa kaatil kursi ka",some other channel plays "kaal kapaal mahakaal".at least they got something to show.(and finally something that really happened to kal tak)

3)Are political parties justified in making a fuss over this issue?
ans 3> hey anything that takes attention of the reservation problem.

4)Who should have the right to decide what’s moral and what’s immoral?
ans 4> the GIMP and the GIMP alone.

5)Is it justified to file a legal case against Gere and Shilpa?
ans 5> the british government prosecuted Oscar Wilde for "gross indecency" for being gay.of course that was back in 1895 or something.will do in india in 2007.so prosecute them infidels!!!

6)Should politicians be playing the role of “moral-police”?
ans 6> no only if they publically accept being part of the GIMP.as i said only GIMP has the right to do so.

7) Can we have clear-cut distinction between what's moral and immoral? If yes, how?
ans 7> yes of course.listen to wat the GIMP says.stop thinking for urself,n follow watever the GIMP says like a blind moron,n u will have the definition.

[man_friday]

1)Do you think that the act is immoral/obscene?

Frankly as a Goan I am extemely offended by the Government saying kissing is against our culture. From the time I was four my Mother used to literally force me to kiss my cousins, aunties etc. But of course Goans are not Indians. Only people who hate valentine's day are true Indians. What a loving country!!

2)Does it deserve as much attention as media seems to have given it?

We need a whole new thread to discuss the frivolty of the media. I am posting something on another thread which will reveal that the newspapers and news channels in our country are plotting to make us all into fish-mouthed zombies.

3)Are political parties justified in making a fuss over this issue?

Wish these political parties were around when I had to kiss my Aunty Maggie. The warts on her cheeks looked like fungus growing on the bark of a dead tree.
To a certain extent maybe it's better to have the political parties focus on these petty issues. That way they can't mess up anything which is of any real importance. Worst they could do in this case is disallow foreigners with white hair from bringing their lips into the country. (Excuse me sir, I'm going to have to confiscate those, and the camera too)

4)Who should have the right to decide what’s moral and what’s immoral

Woody Allen. that would be a fun world.

5)Is it justified to file a legal case against Gere and Shilpa?

Yes. Because our courts aren't full enough. If we don't clutter them with mindbogglingly ludicrous cases then how will terrorists walk around free for ten years before receiving their sentence.

6)Should politicians be playing the role of “moral-police”?

Actually, this is an interesting question. Though my initial reaction was "NO WAY, I should decide what is right for myself", on second thought i realise that there has to be some general guidance provided by the authorities to mould society. But moral policing in its present form is a complete farce. Where it should be directed is in preventing smoking, underage drinking etc.

7) Can we have clear-cut distinction between what's moral and immoral? If yes, how?

Yes. By deciding what is moral and then beating people with lathis until they agree with us. The police already seem like experts at this. I'm going to go rub some ointment on my back now

[subodh_iit]

Plumber You are becoming increasingly predictable. It will be better if you now undergo a complete makeover and write sarcasm-less posts. Off coursee, those who haven't read u before will still enjoy these posts but not familiar ppl like me.

Anyways my take on your question:

1)Do you think that the act is immoral/obscene?
Immoral - What is Immoral?? Something that is not moral or Something that is done without caring for morality. And what is Moral?? Sadly, it is also undefined. So, the act was immoral because it proceeded without knowing the definition of Morality. (I strongly believe both Gere and Shilpa have never contemplated about morality.)

Obscene - ObviousScene. At a function that was supposed to collect money by utilizing the star powers of the celebs was bound to have some scene. So the scene was all but obvious on stage and in the show. Hence it was obscene in the context. Had it been committed on roads or in a Gents toilet, I would have considered it non-obscene.

2)Does it deserve as much attention as media seems to have given it?
What?? It is people like you and me who are giving it undue attention. HT came with a small snap on the front page. Okayish considering that they have come with much worse. ToI gave the snap only on Delhi Times. Now do not tell me you do not open DT for such kinda snaps. I am glad they gave it.

And it is their responsibility to give a photo of an interesting pose. But why create a thread about it?? By giving undue attention to these incidents like this and then to the havoc created by Shiv Sainiks and others we in fact help in flaming.

3)Are political parties justified in making a fuss over this issue?
Depends on the Political Party itself. If Shiv-Sena itself claims that it is the protector of self-imposed Hindu traditions, then it is justified in making a fuss. But if it does not claim so, then it is not.

4)Who should have the right to decide what’s moral and what’s immoral?
Philosophical Question? No doubt, only philosophers should have the right to decide. Is any philosopher listening???

5)Is it justified to file a legal case against Gere and Shilpa?
Off course Yaar. Why not?? If one can't even file a case abt an incident one feels bad about, it is not a democracy right.. Surely u r not questioning the right of a person to feel bad abt somthing. And it is not for individuals to decide whether they should file the case or not. But once filed, Judges should decide what further action to take on the litigation.

6)Should politicians be playing the role of “moral-police”?
Unless I am clear abt Morals, I can't answer this.

7) Can we have clear-cut distinction between what's moral and immoral? If yes, how?
Right now, I do not have. If someone has, please enlighten me..

That is it from my side.. Criticisms and Groans welcome..

[Uptowngal]

Originally Posted by Plumber

But anyways, coming to the point, I would like to invite your views as to the questions:

1)Do you think that the act is immoral/obscene?
2)Does it deserve as much attention as media seems to have given it?
3)Are political parties justified in making a fuss over this issue?
4)Who should have the right to decide what’s moral and what’s immoral?
5)Is it justified to file a legal case against Gere and Shilpa?
6)Should politicians be playing the role of “moral-police”?
7) Can we have clear-cut distinction between what's moral and immoral? If yes, how?

@Plumber~dood,u ben makin' maah visits to PG more regular

Btw, is the title correct??? Politics and its and social ramifications???

1~ I have still not ben chided for kissin my man on the road maybe, I am aint that famous yet :neutral:

2~You bet! Aint it frikkin' interesting ? Jus like a sindhi girl marrying a muslim guy and a new rule being created in the sindhi community that sindhi girls won't be allowed to wear scarves so that they cant hide their faces while sittin' on their boyfriends' bikes
Brings a smile on my face on a tired morning afte havin' slogged my ass off at work was I supposed to use asterix here?

3~ err...umm...(clears her throat ) and declares 'give em a chance,will ya? '

4~ The 'Uptowngal' ~ what an 'amore'al world wud that be :rolleyes:

5~ Well yeah, gere will end up payin in dollars to get off ~ India will earn foregn exchange ~ I am nuthin but patriotic

6~ yep~am plannin to join politics too :satisfie:

7~ Offcourse hon~u shud have asked me before!!! Distinctions will be provided to all those who groan at this post

I am jus a woman of few words... :whatthat:

[iimaaspirant]

But anyways, coming to the point, I would like to invite your views as to the questions:

1)Do you think that the act is immoral/obscene?
2)Does it deserve as much attention as media seems to have given it?
3)Are political parties justified in making a fuss over this issue?
4)Who should have the right to decide what’s moral and what’s immoral?
5)Is it justified to file a legal case against Gere and Shilpa?
6)Should politicians be playing the role of “moral-police”?
7) Can we have clear-cut distinction between what's moral and immoral? If yes, how?
[/quote]

Puys puys...a very interesting and thought provoking dabate on one of the most controversial article of modern times.....gr8...:-)Here are some of my views towards Morality and Immorality...

1) Well! India is a country where we find a torrential surge of traditions in every part of the country. Indians might think the present act as an act of immorality. No matter how intelligently you counter attack the act to be moral, they (Indians) still believe the act to be immoral b’coz, of the environment in which they grew and still live. Every country has its own tradition and culture just like strip clubs in USA are common, but, here in India it’s a way out of reach. Now, here you can’t argue like “How the hell is striping and kissing in public is same”..puys, there aint no small sin..a sin is a sin…and kissing in public place here in our country is termed as a sin………..For that matter Pornography is a typical American legalized act as far as it is concerned only to pleasure and nothing else…..here in India, just think ‘bot it……:-))Though Kamasutra and Pornography are equivalent in actions, they are viewed in different contexts in different countries b’coz of the traditions and cultures….So my view towards this question…it is definitely an act of immorality here in India…..

2) Media now-a-days are poking into irrelevant news and making it as headlines just to grab the attention from the public……is an act of foolishness. They (media) ought not hype and exaggerate a case like this just for the heck of it but go in a systematic approach and solve the case. On the contrary, b’coz of the media pressure and public, a justice has been given to Jessica Lal’s murder case . I agree. Hats of to Indian media and public (particularly the youth in Delhi). What I’m trying to say is the same media pressure will not give any fruitful results…….it should be relevant and not incongruous in nature…..Lesson I learned from media is “Sharpening a pencil with a blade and cutting a jack fruit with the same blade…(here the blade is subjected to the media)…..:neutral:

3) Hmmmmm…..Politicians ought to be the Leaders of our country….

As Peter Drucker(The most influential management guru of modern times) said that “A Leader always does right things, whereas, A Manager always does things right”.:neutral:

Does in any way our politicians can be termed as Leaders / Managers? Certainly not. Puys, I don’t want to prolong the topic by giving umpteen examples just for the heck of it. It is of no use though…..A small joke, actually a true incident read in some magazine…”Getting a phone connection in France is not a request, but a career”……. So, we need not feel ashamed by viewing our political system…it is the same old tradition where everywhere when it comes to POLITICS…..

4) My favorite question… :neutral: Well! It is up to us who wants to decide wats moral and wats immoral. Now let us bring an element of philosophy into our debate…Basically, we should not compare ourselves with others. The moment we compare, a disease called COMPLEXITY develops….and this so called disease can drive a person into insanity. Because of this a person psychologically falls ill and behaves in an erratic way. The moral is, if we doesn’t compare ourselves with others, our mind will be healthy and we can easily justify wats moral and immoral.. and a person with complexity tends to behave in other fashion when compared to normal person…So the answer for this question is left to the public…..As the people differ from person to person, so does their decision on morality and immorality…. According to me the bottom line is “The decision on right to decide on wats moral and wats immoral is up to the individual and not by the mind of a complex character (person having complexity)”.

5) The trickiest question of the set….??: Again if people think the act is moral, they ignore it. If they (people) think the act is immoral, they drag the act to the court…..it is up to the public. Unfortunately in society, decisions are taken by spectators (public) and not by players (scapegoats)……I invite you all puys to discuss on this particular question….

6) Again here the answer to this question is directly proportional to the answer of third question....:-|.....Remember the Nitish Katara case...Political goons are the culprits........

7) Good is moral and Bad is immoral doesn’t complete the definition of morality and immorality in the present context. Moral is nothing but your courteous attitude towards society. Kissing in public might be an outspoken and healthy behavior to some people but, what ‘bot the people who are around you. Thinking about other people’s reactions when they come across such situations is termed as moral thinking I guess. In other words morality has an element of consciousness. On the other hand the art of immorality is “Indecent behavior”. Lack of consciousness leads to indecency. Some of you might question now that, “Is leadership an act of morality?” The answer is no b’coz there are immoral leaders and moral f…ers…..So, it is hard to say.:neutral:

Anyways guys here are my views towards Morality and Immorality. I hope I jotted down the relevant ones…..as usual comments are invited….

NO HARD FEELINGS…………

[iimaaspirant]

Puys,
I would like to bring 'bot another controversial topic here.....

SHOULD THE CENSOR BOARD BAN CHANNELS LIKE AXN AND FTV......??: Where is the question of obscenity and indecency?.........

A chap(for that matter a person guy/gal) enjoying the daily programs watching the adult stuff in the night after 11.00 pm is his/her own personal thingy:neutral: . No body has control on others...it is up to them as far as there are no hard feelings..... It is not a crime watching a porn movie in the privacy...............
INVITATIONS UNLIMITED...........:neutral:

Cheers Shravan.............

[subodh_iit]

Originally Posted by iimaaspirant

Puys,
I would like to bring 'bot another controversial topic here.....

SHOULD THE CENSOR BOARD BAN CHANNELS LIKE AXN AND FTV......??: Where is the question of obscenity and indecency?.........

A chap(for that matter a person guy/gal) enjoying the daily programs watching the adult stuff in the night after 11.00 pm is his/her own personal thingy:neutral: . No body has control on others...it is up to them as far as there are no hard feelings..... It is not a crime watching a porn movie in the privacy...............
INVITATIONS UNLIMITED...........:neutral:

Cheers Shravan.............

Very pertinent Issue brought up..

Thanks Mate..

Now this is one step I really think the Government should not intervene in.. Not only after 11, the channels should be allowed to present whatever content that they deem fit. Should not the Parents exercise control over their kidlings rather than get the channel banned. Suppose if I want to see some Good content in the day And not in the night, should i not be allowed to do that..

This Govt. decision has turned me off the TV..

And for heaven's sake stop making comments like Kids are forgetting their indian culture and else. They are forgetting more of it by ridiculous educational policies. Heavens will not fall if they watch explicit stuff, which they will anyways sooner or later.