Lisa Ray takes a dig at Salman - Page 2

As a non-conformist loosely connected with the world of entertainment in Mumbai for many years, I'm painfully aware of the tendency of media associated with that world to exaggerate, sensationalize or manipulate news for the transitory purpose of dominating that day's headlines.

That's my disclaimer.

Which brings me to the words spoken by Salman.

A man immune to ordinary societal mechanisms of censorship and consequence, he has done us a favour by uttering those words. How else would we be able to gauge how far we need to go in uprooting the deeply embedded apathy towards and invalidation of the feminine voice, dignity and experience in popular culture in India? Regardless whether an apology follows, SK has casually done us the service of reflecting the psyche of a nation. He has externalised what many think. That in popular perception of life in contemporary India- which to my mind encompasses a Roman coliseum-esque ethos- even the most gut-wrenching violation which one human can inflict on another is no big deal. In fact, this even extends beyond a feminist outrage. It extends beyond SK. The central issue is not merely about a man and his careless, flippant utterances, but how he is a creation of the times and forces us to examine the collective consciousness of a society which has lost its way. The most fascinating aspect of this incident are 'Other People's' reactions. SK is simply the mouthpiece for these times- which of course doesn't excuse his atrocious behaviour. More importantly, how and why we find ourselves in this compassionately arid place, misusing the concept of rape as an offensive metaphor is not the question- but where do we go from here.

I don't believe that reacting with anger and censure is wise. It means being gripped by the same primal, unenlightened impulses which are playing out everywhere we turn in the world today. Neither side is immune...in fact having to choose a 'side' in any of the major issues plaguing the world at large today is an act of reductionism which incidentally also comprises Trump's modus operandi. Can this latest Salman Khan conflagration provoke us in the direction of assessing the wisest way to show up in a world which is wounded and has forgotten the essence of our strength, purpose and hope is our humanity?

Where do we go from here?

Who are we?

Lay your own soul on the line. Ask the unflinching questions.

And listen.