On Monday 22 Aug 2011 12:10:44 pm Sruthi Krishnan wrote: > I know there is corruption in our country but there is a process and a > procedure, which is democratic. This fast is subverting democracy by > not letting procedure take its due course. It in fact helps > delegitimize democracy. >
This is not a direct response to this post but just some thoughts sparked off by a similar sentiment expressed by many people. The sentiment is "I support Anna Hazare's cause, but not his method" I tried to make a list of protests that could be accused of "subverting democratic process" by borderline legal or illegal acts or acts designed to attract attention. 1. Slut-walk in which women demonstrate wearing as little clothing as possible for the ostensibly "good cause" of changing attitudes/laws about womens safety and "modesty" I agree with the cause. Do I agree with the method? Women in underwear with cleavage lusciously visible? I am not sure. I certainly looked at all available photographs with greater attention that I have paid to photos of Anna Hazare lately. These women are "expressing themselves" and exercising their right to demonstrate and air their views in addition to airing normally under- ventilated anatomy. But is this democratic process? Surely these women should approch their local goons er local corporators or politicias and ask for help in a more democratic process? No? 2. Tying oneself to a tree trunk to prevent cutting of trees and wanton destruction of tree cover. I agree with the cause? But do I agree with the method? Again I am less sure. I would not personally do that. Surely democratic process should be followed? 3. The iconic Tiananmen protestor who lay in front of a tank. In this case it i easy for us "democracy-nazis" to say "Hey that guy was offering himself to be martyred for democracy. It is OK for him to lie in the path of a tank because he was doing the most noble thing on earth - asking for democracy. t is NOT OK for Anna Hazare to fast because it is undemocratic. Clearly such calls for "democracy" and "democratic process" are hogwash. A diversion - a strawman. Whether it is democracy or the Chicoms a protest is a protest. A protest seeks to highlight what the political system disallows. That also brings me to the hollowness of the arguments made by Indian government mouthpieces and their minions. I agree with Anna Hazare's cause. I don't give a damn about how he expresses his protest. If he wants to fast - that is his business. I am not fasting, but I support his right to protest any way he likes as much as I support his cause. The cause does not get any weaker by pointing out that the method of protest of one man or a few people is not liked or undemocratic. Millions support that fast and millions more support the cause. Arguing about the method used and this business of "democratic process" is in my view completely irrelevant. shiv
