In a society where arranged marriages and collective family structures are the norm, the role of television in Indian households is often overlooked. While it may seem like a controversial take, I argue that television is the single most important invention that holds Indian families together. Let me explain.
Imagine a typical Indian family dinner without a television. What would happen?
Dialogues among family members would be inevitable. However, having mindful conversations with family members is a rarity in Indian culture because, beyond problems and daily chores, what could people potentially talk about with their family members? If you had parents who could speak about anything, from economics to art to world politics, in a rational manner, it would increase meaningful dialogue but it rarely happens. This is because learning as a continuous process has never been encouraged, and education is often limited to bookish knowledge.
The societal template is clear: go to school and college, get a job, get married, have kids, buy a home, and pay your EMIs. Following your passion and finding what you truly want is a rare instance. Choosing your own path requires self-reflection, inquiry, and uncomfortable steps into the unknown. Most families follow the pre-written path, never questioning if this is the life, partner, or kid they truly want. Silence and the ability to self-reflect without noise or inquiry are rare in Indian households.
In a situation where every individual in an Indian family is going through their own path, glued together by common societal goals, television has taken the space of the much-needed anchor. It fills the void of uncomfortable conversations and self-reflection. Without television, families would be forced to confront their thoughts and desires, potentially leading to either self-reflection and inquiry or fights and chaos. It's usually the latter.
It may sound absurd, but have you ever considered that television could be the reason for fewer divorces in India? It allows families to coexist without confronting uncomfortable truths and maintains the societal status quo.
Imagine a typical Indian family dinner without a television. What would happen?
Dialogues among family members would be inevitable. However, having mindful conversations with family members is a rarity in Indian culture because, beyond problems and daily chores, what could people potentially talk about with their family members? If you had parents who could speak about anything, from economics to art to world politics, in a rational manner, it would increase meaningful dialogue but it rarely happens. This is because learning as a continuous process has never been encouraged, and education is often limited to bookish knowledge.
The societal template is clear: go to school and college, get a job, get married, have kids, buy a home, and pay your EMIs. Following your passion and finding what you truly want is a rare instance. Choosing your own path requires self-reflection, inquiry, and uncomfortable steps into the unknown. Most families follow the pre-written path, never questioning if this is the life, partner, or kid they truly want. Silence and the ability to self-reflect without noise or inquiry are rare in Indian households.
In a situation where every individual in an Indian family is going through their own path, glued together by common societal goals, television has taken the space of the much-needed anchor. It fills the void of uncomfortable conversations and self-reflection. Without television, families would be forced to confront their thoughts and desires, potentially leading to either self-reflection and inquiry or fights and chaos. It's usually the latter.
It may sound absurd, but have you ever considered that television could be the reason for fewer divorces in India? It allows families to coexist without confronting uncomfortable truths and maintains the societal status quo.