Hurling benign shoes – latest form of protest against Indian politicians

What is the latest weapon of Indians to vent their strong resentment against the system? If you think it’s a new version of AK-47 or some hand grenade, you are exceedingly erroneous. Remember gross pacifism has been the ideal of the country from time immemorial, so they can’t go for bloodshed like the Tartars or Afghans. What have they stumbled upon then? Well, they are simple shoes and in this case their ideal is Muntather Zaidi? Have you forgotten Muntather Zaidi so soon? He is the Iraqi journalist who hurled both of his shoes at then-President Bush and earned a year in jail for his "real-time editorializing" hence.

Zaidi has inspired a new generation of Indians and has taught them how simple and benign shoes can be used against the State power. One of his followers is certainly Jarnail Singh or the local reporter who was found to repeat the same act recently. However, venue, reason and objective were certainly different. The target was Home Minister of India Palaniappan Chidambaram and the issue was why a prominent lawmaker of the same party was cleared of all charges in the death of 3,000 Sikhs after he was accused of firing up a sectarian mob a quarter of a century ago.

There is no doubt that the issue is highly emotive and has rocked the nation from time to time. But there is a question. Can this way of protest be ever accepted in a civilized society? Opinions differ and there may be groups for and against this move but this is undoubtedly improper. Journalism is regarded as the fourth estate of a society and for that reason its representatives must behave more properly.

You, as a representative of the press, have every right to make the target’s hackles rise and frighten him/her as well. This is the fundamental principle or bedrock of Journalism. Nonetheless the act of vandalism indicates that the concerned person is failing to counter and defeat the adversary.

Is it also a disgrace for commoners? Perhaps not. Bear in mind that Indian political class’ culture, integrity, commitment is on the wane and worst victims are the millions of countrymen. They have hardly any right to speak against existent discriminations, exploitations, repressions, corruptions and harassments. What can they do except hurling shoes? Recently Congress MP Naveen Jindal and BJP’s projected prime ministerial candidate LK Advani had the taste of same in election meetings. It is said more are on the cards and the politicians are getting nervous witnessing this latest expression of fury. It may be some of protesters are efficient in targeting. What will happen then?

Is the Indian mass getting more conscious? It may be. If you want to be more knowledgeable, go and try to discern the immediate reasons of French Revolution.