Case of Pot Calling the Cattle Black

The cattle controversy with Shashi Tharoor is another example that shows what big hypocrites we really are. To me the bigger tragedy was that it also showed how absolutely devoid of humour we are as a nation. Especially, the kind of witty, self-deprecating style that we see in the Brits and Aussies. They don't mind taking a piss at their beloved icons - be it the Queen, or the Prince of Wales, or Beckham or anybody at all! As Bill Bryson writes in his book, 'Notes From a Small Island', this humour comes from the affection that they have for the people that they choose.

The trouble with us Indians is that we love to laugh at people. Never with them. In the 70s and 80s, while growing up, the jokes were on Madrasis slurping sambhar, Bengalis eating rotten fish and Marathis licking kadi from the elbows upwards. Not exactly scintillating, as you might observe. Sardarji jokes continue unabated. Though, to be fair, in the interim we Indians have 'grown up' and hence these jokes on regional stereotypes have undergone a change - some of it is brilliant - case in point, Lola Kutty and her on-the-fly wit.

The laughter channel on TV still has most fare directed at someone and at someone's expense. Whereas, with a little bit of improvisation the whole thing can be presented such that we laugh with the people and not at the people.

In the meantime, will Rahul baba tell his amma to tell Jayanthi amma to just pipe down on the 'insensitive' use of language when talking of the 'common people' who travel in the said cattle class? This shrill hypocrisy that is on show for the last two weeks about solidarity to the poor is making me want to puke.