A bunch of women outside the venue protesting against the release of 'Dum Maro Dum' on a maundy thursday was the most laughable scenario. A perfect demonstration of Goans in denial mode. Goan society has yet to reach its 'rock bottom' to acknowledge the deep mess it is in. There is a saying, 'Uzo nastana dhunvor na" (No smoke without a fire). It would have been worthwhile if the energy was devoted to do some introspection over our social reality that has prompted such stereotyping. The whole societal rot may get exaggerated to make it more dramatic for a movie. But no one can deny the fact that Goa has been turned into a haven for vice and avarice.
We just resist stringent measures against promotion of alcohol. We think it our freedom to dress immodestly and behave promiscuously without being sensitive to the sentiments of those around us. Over and above, we have the audacity to protest that Goans get protrayed in a wrong way. We forget that what may seem natural to us may be unnatural for others who we visit this State. We have no problem with casino advertisements displaying a beautiful young woman casting the dice in the heart of Panjim. We simply rush to view 'O Maria' without protesting the stereotyping of a community which is also present in this movie. We have no problem with Grape vine escapades, Sun burns and cabaret in public places. We do not see red with women in alcohol ads. If the priest points it out he is discarded as a narrow minded scum. But we have a huge problem with the movie 'Dum Maro Dum'. We seem to be burying our heads in the sand and pretending that nothing exists outside the movie house. People from other States are simply shocked when a Goan like me claims that he does not consume alcohol or tobacco. The perception is that of Goans with a bottle of booze, women around, all lazing on the beautiful beaches. Who has created this image? Not Goans themselves who partake in this 'Tourism' madness just for quick bucks? Are drugs and women not available cheaply, if not freely, in Amchem Goa, particularly in the coastal areas? Is serving booze to our guests not normal in many Goan homes? Yet, we pretend to close our eyes and believe to be role models of Modesty for the rest of India. Other Indians are 'Ghanttis' and not civilised. I do not believe it. We have become a destination for producing vice and avarice. That is why the rotten layer of India is at home Goa and wants to partake in this orgy. Let us admnit this fact and start doing something about it before it is too late. I have said it before and repeat it again. 'DENIAL' is the biggest problem in getting a society affected by addictions to admit it has a problem. One such case is Goa. -Soter D'Souza
