The wealth of dysfunctional families

I doubt that any one of us thinks we come from normal families. Because, our definition of normal, only exists on TV screens and those large perpetual happy families can only be played on the reel, not the real.

Most of us hold the deepest grudge in our hearts against our parents; mother was not motherly enough, father drank too much, parents fought too much, sibling is too self centered or that your folks couldn't afford to buy you that new car and send you to study abroad.
Despite complaining, you look for a woman who is just like your mother and a man who drinks like your father; However,there is a certain wealth that dysfunctional families leave to their children.

The wealth of knowledge of mistakes never to be repeated and of outcomes of unconventional parenting.

Thank your parents for teaching you the most important lessons in life.

"My parents taught me everything I need to unlearn"

ParliamenTV!

I love Reality shows. Im not going to lie, I really do. Its big screen entertainment in my living room, and I'm not complaining!

Lately I happened to catch some panel discussions on reality shows like Sach ka Saamna, where a bunch of people were 'exchanging thoughts'. Honestly all I managed to catch through the 1 hour debate, were the words 'Indian culture' and 'Individual choice'.

Two Questions:
1. Will the show impact society and encourage such behaviour (assuming it isn't very common).

or

2. Does the show bring to our TV sets what already exists everywhere in our society?

I think its a combination of both. When I watched Moment of Truth, it was very interesting, but I never once squirmed in my seat. When I watched Sach ka saamna, I must admit, I did squirm. But, then it made me realise that FINALLY, the Indian society is naked for itself to see.
I think the reason so many people are offended, is because the show does not leave any room for us to veil our hypocrisy under the garb of 'Indian culture and traditions'.

The show might be rigged, in that the participants might know what questions they have to answer. But, its highly suspect whether they make up stories about their lives to make the show irresistible. Which means that this is a REALITY in our society.

As far as the timing of the show is concerned, lets not be naive here. You have really suggestive to outright sexual, condom and deo ads playing out on the tele at all 'decent' times of the day. So, to say that this show is specifically detrimental to young minds is not quite right. Afterall, as is the case with all TV shows and movies, viewer discretion and parental guidance is always a must. The Indian audience is not stupid!

Another thing that really amused me was Mr. Yadav going cuckoo over Balika Vadhu. It was, kind of cute. No, seriously, imagine a 50 something high profile politician rushing home after a high powered politico meeting in time to catch a show about a cranky, silly young girl dressing up like 'Barbie in India'. That is of course assuming Mr. Yadav has actually WATCHED the show. I mean, which leader would create a furore in the PARLIAMENT no less, about a TV show that they haven't even seen! errr...right Mr. Sharad Yadav?

But then again, thats what I love about our country. Where else in the world would you find the Indo-Pak Joint statement and Balika Vadhu being discussed in the same session?