The role of media in the intolerance debate and the Aamir controversy

Last couple of days saw Aamir Khan being drawn into an unnecessary controversy where one of his statements surfaced in media stating that his wife doesn't feel very safe in the country and has even talked about leaving the country. While memes started floating abound making us laugh on the issue, what was surprising was how the Hindu rightwing hardliners reacted to the issue. Soon messages were being circulated branding Aamir as a traitor; asking him to leave the country (some even choosing a destination for him - the ever popular neighbouring country Pakistan); encouraging people to uninstall the Snapdeal app because Aamir promotes the online retailer; and asking people not to watch 'Dangal', his upcoming movie.

Now, I'm not a fan of Aamir Khan and have even criticized him off and on on various issues especially for his 'Satyamev Jayate' episode on doctors; but I, for once, have no doubts about his patriotism. Moreover, I find the extreme reactions ridiculous. Snapdeal doesn't subscribe to his personal views just because he is their brand ambassador. 'Dangal' is not just an Aamir Khan film, there are thousands more people associated with it - people who do not hold the same viewpoint and whose bread and butter also depend on the movie. And what to say about the statements of the so called Hindu propagandists, with the latest being Shiv Sena which has announced a Rs. 1 Lac award for anyone who slaps Aamir Khan? Really? How can one stoop down to such a level?

I personally think that he or Shahrukh Khan or anybody for that matter, has a right to say whatever they want. Isn't that what tolerance is all about? By punishing them for what they say, we are actually proving them right. By banning their movies and endorsements etc., we are actually demonstrating that we are indeed intolerant. Let's be big hearted enough to ignore what they say and carry on as usual. Let's really be tolerant in the real sense.

But, more importantly, the issue is much more than just that. It is not just about whether Aamir had the freedom to express his views. It is actually about what role is media playing in this episode. Aamir gave a 30 min. interview and he spoke about a lot of things. In fact, he added right after that very sentence that he doesn't agree with the viewpoint. But our very "free" press snipped out 30 seconds from the 30 minute interview and created a controversy and a furore. It is not any more about Aamir's freedom of speech or the common man's freedom of speech. It is more about a common man's right to know the complete truth and the bigger picture.

All through the intolerance debate and ever since it started, I have a feeling that the media is unnecessarily creating controversies and chaos where there shouldn't be any. They are purposefully highlighting religious tones in any statement, any incident whatsoever, no matter how stray the incident is or how weak the connection is (sometimes even using just snippets for their wilful purpose as in Aamir's case). All this simply because controversy sells.

It's high time we all start using our minds and stop believing everything that media projects.