Public Dumping?

John Mayer is a 31 year old singer songwriter who has won over 20 music awards. He is usually in the media because of either his songs or philanthropic pursuits (the ‘back to you fund’). However this is not the reason for the latest coverage in the media. Lately this crooner has been in the limelight for a post he wrote on his blog. This post read-
Dear Ex Lover, Perhaps you didn't understand the last time I told you to stop contacting me, so I'll do my best to spell it out for you. I do not wish to have you in my life anymore. I don't know how much more clear I can be about it. It would serve you best to move on with your life and find someone who can put up with you, because I'm done trying. I hope this is enough closure for you. Goodbye. P.S. If you need me, you know how to find me.

He denied that this letter was for anyone particularly and instead said that it was a song he was working on. However, this has not quelled the rumors and who the ‘song’ was meant for is still under scrutiny.
Usually a tongue and cheek write up about his life, philosophy and observations, this post when linked to his famous exes gained quite a lot of publicity. However, he is not alone in the public dumping of people; it is fast becoming a socially acceptable phenomenon. Another case that recently made headlines was that of Tricha Walsch Smith who posted a 6 minute long video about her divorce on U-tube. This has made her not only a celebrity but also offered her some closure she feels.

The net is cathartic, it allows for the relinquishing of thoughts and feelings. However, it is a double edged sword, (as John Mayor discovered) for once the words are posted, it is viewed and commented on by all. It is public domain and suddenly your business is not your own, it is everyone’s.

KEEP THE TORCH ALIVE!

(The Olympic Torch. Picture from thisislondon.com)

As the time to light the torch in Beijing grew closer, so did the murmurings of protest. It all began on March 10 when a peaceful demonstration to mark the anniversary of a previously unsuccessful uprising turned deadly and 200 monks were thrown in Jail. The plight of these protesters irked every Buddhist in the country and by the time the torch was lit so was the fire in the hearts of millions of people around the world. The revolution had begun.
The grounds for this revolt were laid as many as 49 years ago when the religious and political leader of Tibet- His holiness the Dalai Lama was forced to leave the land. Over the years restrictions have been imposed whereby people may be jailed or exiled for even speaking of their leader. Conditions have deteriorated to the point where Tibetans feel their culture is slowly, gradually and purposefully being eradicated. Education for instance in Tibet only comprises of Chinese history and not their own. Forced to live a life of banality and as second class citizens in their own land, the frustrations have finally found a vent.
On the 10th of March the peaceful protests turned deadly when a procession of 500 monks was beaten up and tear gassed. About 200 monks were arrested. Demonstrations have turned deadly sympathetic citizens have united to perhaps even boycott the Olympics in a desperate attempt to bring China around. The protests turned so volatile that the torch had to be put out at least three times as it was taken around in Paris.
But is this boycott truly justified? The Olympic torch signifies more than just the beginning of a game. It signifies the opening of a platform for the world to come together on equal terms, interact and celebrate universal brotherhood. Cast, creed, colour of skin all discarded in this joyous event.
The Dalai Lama too urges his followers to stop the violence and China to start talks. The peace loving monk has gone so far as to say that he will abdicate his position if this violence continues. Especially in the recent days, with the disaster that has struck China, he asks everyone to stop their protests and give China a chance to deal with the destruction of its home. It is by showing compassion that the door to negotiations can be opened and the torch of brotherhood re-lit.

THE KITE RUNNER

(This is the picture of the Kite Runner. Taken from Google search)

The Kite Runner is a tale set in Afghanistan before the war and tells of a friendship between two boys -Hussain and Amir. The book closely follows Amir’s journey through the war, and away from his friend, up until fate brings them together once more. Amir’s journey is one filled with hope and despair, love and loss, human fragility and forgiveness. The story itself can be divided into three acts-

The Beginning

We are introduced to the protagonist Amir who proclaims his love for Hussain the servant boy while reluctantly admitting jealousy over the affection that his father bestows upon Hussain. One day, at a kite flying competition Hussain runs to catch the much coveted kite that signifies victory for these two boys at a kite flying competition and is raped. His last words before he runs are “for you a thousand times over”. The selflessness of his words haunts Amir, the only one who knows of this brutal act. Jealously along with the feeling of helplessness and cowardice lead to him conceal the truth and betray the faithful Hussain by setting up a theft and blaming him for it. Hussain is sent away.

Growing up

The next phase of the journey is when the Soviets attack Afghanistan and Amir must flee the city along with his father. And so begins a new life for Amir who from being used to luxury and pampering must adapt to a new world. Going through changes, he learns compassion and courage. He understands his once intimidating father better and finally settles into domestic harmony. Soon the only thing missing from his life is a child and the guilt he feels over his lost friend.




Redemption

One day, Amir receives a telephone call that will change his entire life, the line on the other end says; “there is a way to be good again”. For redemption, Amir must go back to Afghanistan and face his demons in order to exorcise them from his past. Hussain is dead, but it is up to Amir to save the life of the son of the man he once betrayed. Haunting scenes are sketched that show the stark reality of a war ravaged land.

Khaled Hosseini paints a graphic picture in his book which pull at the heart strings of the reader and showcase the fragility of a human soul while offering insight which makes one feel angry and yet sympathetic to the plight of Amir. At the end he offers a ray of hope, the rescued child who plays with the kite and smiles at Amir when he hears, “for you, a thousand times over”.

The movie was an adapted version of this heart wrenching tale and was directed by Marc Forester. The movie closely resembles the original story and uses key dialogues from the original text. Shot in China due to permission problems, it manages to visually present Hosseini’s vision. However, due to the lack of time, as with all adapted movies, the nuances present in the book are lost. And although, it manages to drag you into another world and render a few thought provoking moments, the audience is left a little disappointed at the end, and the message of redemption and second chances is diluted. It falls short of the original. It does make one powerful statement; relationships must be handled with as much care as a kite string for if not correctly handled both are fragile and can break.

QUIZ TO BE HELD TODAY

Quiz to be held today in the auditorium at 2 p.m.

Welcome

Welcome to my space!