Anna Hazare is India

How does the romanticizing of truth and values of a protest against an unethical government influence the youths’ perception and reaction?

Subject: Anna Hazare’s 3 Fold Protest against Indian Government

We all have grown up with the romantic images of Gandhi with his peaceful protests and hunger strikes against injustice and oppression, whether it be, through historical studies, movies or the media at large. Though we were not old enough to witness how he inspired a nation first hand these images stay in our minds and hearts. Today, with the onslaught of the Indian media coverage of the elderly activist dressed in wholesome white, protesting against the corruption in the Indian government we are reminded of these images, and feel we have a second chance to witness the Gandhi phenomenon first hand.

The Youth of India Protests for Anna's Campaign at India Gate, New Delhi

Newton Law’s state that for every action there is a reaction. So in that spirit when we see someone our grandfathers age fasting in peaceful protest we react. But as the youth of today, set up all night candle light vigils, and inundate facebook and twitter to garner support and wear the outdated and not fashion trendy hat as a symbolic gesture of our support, I wonder how much is based on factual knowledge and deductive reasoning, or how much is an emotive response.? The youth tend to love a herd mentality. They will gladly support the latest fashion trend to be cool and be part of the hot and happening crowd. So facebook gladly lends itself by its nature to likes and signing of petitions by way of the domino effect. Everyone jumps on to the bandwagon of support to show unity and groupism. In fact the youth will support any cause whether it be save the tiger, or decrease the legal age of drinking without any real claim or association, to prove they are citizens with a social conscience. Often though, they appear to enjoy rebelling against authority, as they are suppressed by parents, laws, teachers and alike and therefore indulge in the freedom that these protests allow them. In pursuit of removing their shackles they become rebels without a cause.

While the issues that Hazare holds and his values and belief system are very real, I wonder at the depth of knowledge of his young supporters who spend more time watching MTV than politics. Perhaps the youth without experience, or concrete evidence are showing an emotional response to the facts presented to them. This may be based on their trivial experiences such as having to bribe a policeman who caught them speeding. Are they protesting indirectly that they were forced to bribe themselves out of a stick situation, not realizing that revenge is unjustified as they were breaking the law? I am sure a college poll would show that not many protestors have a real grasp or handle of the political issues at hand and at best have amassed a general gist through the media whether it be print or electronic. This romanticizing by the media is further exasperated when popular cine stars suddenly come out of wood work in support little belying the fact their movie is up for release and they could do with the free publicity.

Another aspect is cultural response and ethical values. In India the youth are taught to respect their elders and Hazare, represents everyone’s Uncle or grandfather who should be revered and whose word is god.

In actual fact the youth need to research and study the facts acquire knowledge and see the pros and cons and then offer support based on real knowledge, explanation and interpretation. Any protest against real injustice and oppression is justified and a single voice needs to set an example. But there are lessons to be learnt and one of these important lessons is: love may be blind but support should never be.

Joseph , Bijoy . "The Hindu : Opinion / Open Page : Anna Hazare: the role model for the youth." The Hindu . N.p., 28 Aug. 2011. Web. 28 Aug. 2011. <http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-page/article2403860.ece>.