Austerity Overkill

Here is one more expert comment on the austerity overdrive as if all that can be said is not already been said twice over. Yah! we are repeatedly told (it's so complex, no) by the 'expert' news anchors and columnists (mostly the same people) that our netas flying the cattle class is not going to solve the problem of drought.

What drought? What do we know about this drought- frought? There is nothing on any news channel/ panel discussions/ national news papers/ editorials/ cartoons on this drought. There is nothing in our lifestyle as yet to suggest it's existence or onset. So dear Burkha Dutts and Arnob Goswamis and Vir Sanghvis et al why not stop blabbering about and make news programmes about this 'real issue'? Please tell us with your detailed analysis as to what is the status regarding this drought and how we ought to be prepared to face it.

I have a feeling that the zeal to ridicule the austerity drive is not just arithmetics of how much it costs to be austere. It is also partly due to doubts about our own lifestyles and values, and contradictions within. It is partly due to a belief that exposing the hypocrisy of the netas will mask our own.

The fact is that simplicity has never been a virtue in our society. Display of wealth, living beyond the means is normal and moreover linked to status. Anybody living under the means is considered a kanjoos. Lavish weddings and celebrations, wearing heaps of ornaments of gold and diamond, living in overdecorated houses- and much more that advertises the status- is considered normal social behaviour. Showing sympathy for the poor, specially in troubled times is not what we do. We may donate money and stuff but live simply for its own sake? No body wants to change their lifestyle just because there is a fucking drought somewhere. (who knows where?)

Simplicity and austerity is not to be espoused but suspected in our society.