India, stand up for yourself, instead of national anthem

Here we go again, India. We are back in the international news, again, for what they are describing as “another controversy” that adds to the “debate on growing intolerance” in the country.

To be frank India, it’s not looking good on a global scale. You come across as a bunch of savages and barbarians. This time, you threw out a family, some reports say a Muslim one, for not standing up for the national anthem in a movie theatre in Mumbai.

People issued strong condemnation. They said that the actions of the group who did not stand up were “shameless” and equal to “blasphemy”.

Others said that nobody proves their patriotism by standing up for the national anthem.

In a democracy, to play the national anthem at entertainment events is just plain silly.

In fact, I can even argue that it’s disrespectful and undignified to play the national anthem before some of the trash that Bollywood churns, complete with expletives and suggestive item numbers with skimpy outfits.

Does it really preserve the dignity and uphold the integrity of the national anthem to be played in these circumstances? Patriotism is personal, just like religion is. You put it on display at solemn ceremonial occasions.

It is not necessary to make such token gestures. India, if you want to be a progressive liberal country, move with the times.

Look at the other countries. No one plays a national anthem in any country all over the world. Fake displays of patriotism and respect for supreme leaders are also shown in countries in North Korea, China and Thailand. I am sorry if I missed a few. I don’t live in the regressive past where those countries exist even today.

Let’s stop the hypocrisy. Let’s stop these fake gestures, these token symbols and this genuflecting in front of an anthem.

If the national anthem really means something to you, instead of being angry with these people, you should direct the rage towards yourselves.

The national anthem stands for a national spirit. This should be a collective pact to be kind, compassionate and open to others who have their own interpretation of what patriotism means.

Do you even know what standing up for something means? When do you stand for unity? For one nation? For equality for all? For freedom for all?

Do you stand up against child abuse, domestic violence and rape? Do you stand up against the injustices to the minorities? Do you stand up against the eve-teasing and harassment that women face daily in public transportation and on the streets?

Do you stand up for free speech? Do you stand up and ask your leaders to stop attacking writers and actors? Do you stand up for the poor, for the suffering and the underprivileged?

Why are you not that quick to lend a helping hand? Why are you not that swift to show compassion and understanding?

Shame on you, India. You choose to turn your backs on the big issues that you should be fighting for and focus on the really small ones?

It takes courage, perseverance and hard work to fight for the big issues. This petty little stuff is easy to do.

Stand up India now before it’s too late. Or just sit down and watch the whole world pass you by.