Editor,
Media is regarded as the fourth pillar on which the soul of a democratic state rests. Therefore it is of utmost importance to assure it’s independence, but with independence should come a sense of responsibility as the content that is broadcast is viewed by several millions and shapes opinions, views and actions of many. In these times when nearly everyone is using social media platforms and is connected to the media in several ways, the news travels at lightning speed as compared to the earlier times and reaches the masses very easily. Therefore media plays a massive role in shaping the way we think, hence for media houses, including social media influencers, it becomes a moral obligation to serve the nation with correct information that must be shorn of any hidden motives of shaping views in a particular direction.
In these times of tough competition, media houses are competing with each other regarding the narratives they push out get in order to establish their name or in some cases supremacy over the other which leads to the proliferation of tabloid news rather than factual and realistic news. In the 21st century, fake and fabricated news travels faster than real news leading to misunderstandings and half-baked conclusions based on facts which are irrelevant and irrational. These fabrications are peddled by several groups and individuals in order to support their ideologies and reinforce false beliefs to achieve monetary and political benefits. Media platforms ought to remain out of the control of the ruling governments so that they are not transformed into caged parrots and a government mouthpieces that deliver to the people only content in favour of the ruling party. Therefore to remove this political influence and the other motives by which media houses are driven to propagate unethical content, views and opinions which in the long term may even cause riots and conflicts between parties of differing faiths, a regulatory mechanism is need. This will ensure that media remains independent of any influence by the political hierarchy so that a system of checks and balances can be created.
However, all the blamed cannot be apportioned to these big media houses which have morally hit their nadir. People, meaning the audience and readers are equally to blame because of their turning a blind eye towards the real motives of the governments in power. The ignorant crowd has obliterated the fate of those who slog and beaver away in their drab and somber working conditions hoping for some kind of illuminosity to lift them from their plight, but unaware are these people that this hope is merely an illusion further receding in the mirage of promises and assurance which will never be sculpted into reality.
“We are what we watch,” is a phrase that says a lot about what we are experiencing these days, people crave glamourised and sensational reporting rather than a pragmatic report on daily happenings. Slowly and gradually people are losing their capacity to think rationally by developing a habit of not questioning and being led by anchors whose qualification to draw opinions might surprise a few. Whatever we see and hear has an impact on our thinking and the ways we start to perceive things. Therefore we must question and get to the very point where we are served with the truth and nothing else. Only then must we stop. Because if we start to put our faith in half-baked truth or fabricated and fake news then we might perceive things upside down and ultimately make a mockery out of our own selves. Perception is like getting a piece of information; wisdom is perceiving things correctly so as to be able to differentiate between right and wrong; truth and untruth. We will have to learn to change our realities by changing our perceptions or else these forces will continue to build their fortunes at the opportunity cost of millions of people.
Yours etc.,
Divye Dutt
BA(Hons), Philosophy
Hindu College(DU).
Via email
What’s with the MPSC!
Editor,
The main function of the MPSC is to conduct examinations and interviews and to publish results at the earliest, leaving no room for manipulation. If the Commission chooses to it can and should resist all forms of political pressure to illegally make someone pass at the cost of meritorious candidates. This has been the modus operandi for several years, thereby creating doubts as to the merit of all those who have been appointed in the past especially in the MCS and MPS. It is such a shame that Meghalaya – a state created to serve the people better has turned out to be a monster that serves only those with political clout. There has been no transparency in the functioning of the MPSC in the past and there isn’t any today. Political appointees to the Commission will never dare to stand their ground. This is a very bitter message sent out to the youth of the state. The message is – you may be hard working and meritorious but if you have no godfather/godmother you are doomed. No wonder administration at the Block and district levels is so decadent. Cry my Meghalaya cry.. Wow lah shet ka tieh pong deng bad la kjit u nam sarang (this is for my Khasi friends)
Yours etc.,
Mangkara Phanbuh,
Vi email
Perceptions and Relationships
Editor,
Perception is not reality, but, admittedly, perception can become a person’s reality (there is a difference) because perception has a potent influence on how we look at reality. We assume ours is the right perception and others too should agree.
Think of it this way. Perception acts as a lens through which we view reality. Our perceptions influence how we focus on, process, remember, interpret, understand, synthesize, decide about, and act on reality. In doing so, our tendency is to assume that how we perceive reality is an accurate representation of what reality truly is. But it’s not. The problem is that the lens through which we perceive is often warped in the first place by our genetic predispositions, past experiences, prior knowledge, emotions, preconceived notions, self-interest, and cognitive distortions.
Once you assume that your definition of how a situation should be handled is the correct one and people around you should respond and react in accordance to your perception of the situation, problems arise. Initially it could be considered just bugging, but over time it can become a barrier to effective communication between two individuals eventually straining relationships.
Therefore, it is best to assume that every individual is different and has his or her own perceptions of life. Assuming your perception proper and imposing it on others is like creating a ticking time bomb waiting to explode. Let’s remember we are unique and wonderful in our own ways. If we respect that in our relationships the world will seem a better place.
Yours etc.,
Vicky Vadera,
Shillong.