Once, there existed Rome, a modern city of the olden times, which was the first to establish political systems and social institutions. Rome had a very unusual means of entertainment for its people, the gladiatorial fights. These games were held between the prisoners of war (slaves) who were trained to be professional fighters. Games caught up with the public, and at times these were financed by the State for the entertainment of its subjects. Colosseums were built as permanent venues for these brutal and blood-soaked tournaments.
This reveals that barbarism has existed even in the most civilized societies of the world.
Now, can you apply the gladiatorial attitude of the olden times in the world today?
“I think, yes." The only difference is that assaults have become more mental than physical and are far more demeaning, but we tend to enjoy them because they entertain us. If you have observed the kind of entertainment that is being served to us, you will get my point.
In the name of entertainment, the production houses are focusing on stimulating human beings' very mean and selfish instincts. Participation and competition in these programs have degraded to a hideous level, but why should we complain, as it is entertaining us? Let it be hunt of singers, roadies, and actors or housemates living aloof from real life for reality TV; none of these can succeed if there aren’t arguments, abuse, or altercations (at times). I do not understand how much real frustration, aggressiveness, and cunningness are on reality TV. Every program swears to have a tiff between its players; otherwise, who is watching them, “competitors are rivals or vice-versa.” This is injected into the psyche of each participant, and it works. We find them coming out of their so-called Page3 face, and then they are no more than street-side bands. Not even that once these events are finished, channels make sure that we continue to live on the legacy of these disgusting serials and they provide us with a ‘rearview’ of the whole plot, where some of the most abusive pals meet to share their most f%&*@ experiences. We still enjoy being glued to our TV sets and enacting the same onscreen plot in real life, but we sometimes mess up.
Gone are the days when we used to enjoy serials like Malgudi Days, Buniyaad, and Hum Log. Society was less outgoing but more in harmony at home and even outside. Choices were limited, but they were more defined and qualitative. Today, options are flooding, but not enough.
Maybe this is what we want to watch, which is why it is selling; media reflects society, but how much media affects society must also be observed.
I call this the coming of gladiatorial times; assaults have turned more mental than physical; tactics to entertain viewers are simply barbaric. I will wait for the time when the media performs more of a cleansing act, no matter what it takes on their part. Also, society needs to adopt a more restrained attitude; I am personally tired of watching crappy stuff on TV