All 3 entries tagged Opinion

Censorship

The whole issue of the cartoons and Islamic anger over it has made me think deeply about free speech, and the issue of censorship. Why is it that we are so afraid of criticism, to the extent that we go to extents not to allow it? As a blogger I have the option to delete comments that criticise me, religions prevent anyone criticising their practises by claiming religious persecution, even the Union can prevent criticism by invoking regulations and disciplinaries.

I would think that by disallowing criticism, one maybe giving the impression that there is an element of truth in what people arent allowed to talk about, and hence an attempt is being made to cover up. Interesting isnt it?

: 10 Feb 2006 14:13 |  Tags: Opinion |  Comments (6) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Garam Masala

Writing about web page http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0453671/

Normally I dont agree with people when they denigrade Bollywood movies, I mean they came up with Mother India, Lamhe, Khamoshi, Dil Chahta Hai and Filhaal. Ok, a random list, but amazing movies all the same. But having seen Garam Masala I'm beginning to think standards are dropping real fast in Tinsel Town these days. I can't believe how crap this movie is, and I cant believe that John Abraham would be in it. Granted, he isnt the most intellectual of actors, but he's acted in some decent films, this just takes the piss.

The film consists entirely of so-called 'hot' girls, who arent even decently pretty, the worst kind of hamming that even puts Shahrukh Khan to shame, ridiculously tuneless songs and endless scenes with Akshay Kumar running around trying to keep his numerous 'fiancees' apart. The only high point of the film is Paresh Rawal, who manages to stand out in an otherwise totally rubbish, offensvely sexist, film.

: 10 Feb 2006 14:05 |  Tags: Opinion Review |  Comments (1) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

On Blogging

I have recently taken to reading blogs when I am bored, or trying to think where to go next with my work. And I have been noticing something.

Perhaps in my current essay-writing phase I have a tendency to spot patterns, but it seems to me, after a comment by my boyfriend, that there are two types of blogs: the opinion piece mirroring a BOAR column (with the same type of insulting, satirical lack-of-humour) (see what I did there?), and the journal entry (this is what I did today in excruciating detail). Although I would prefer the opinion piece usually, sometimes the obtuseness or obvious failure to see the real issues, and a tendency to parrot other people's views with some insults added enrages me so much, I feel the desire to comment, and attempt to refrain myself, as insulting other people would make me just like them. Don't get me wrong, these blogs arent totally useless – they serve to remind one of how prejudiced most people really are, and how true Neitzche was — "Ultimately no one can extract from things, books included, more than they already know. What no one has access to through experience, one has no ear for".

So I move on to the journal types. Now some of these are interesting. Even funny. But some go are unnessarily detailed and boring, and either put me to sleep, or make me feel like a voyeur, peering into the intimate secrets of another, gazing into the window of their soul as it were. So I hurriedly move on, and think, what after all is the point of a blog? And then I write my inspired and amazing entry, where I wow everyone with my brilliance and insight!! (and of course, therefore put myself into the first category, oh no!)

: 07 Feb 2006 18:18 |  Tags: Opinion |  Comments (17) |  Close comments |  Report a problem