I don't know if Barack Obama's beer party in the White House fulfilled its purpose, and I don't want to get into that
I don't know if Barack Obama's beer party in the White House fulfilled its purpose, and I don't want to get into that. What I see, however, is its great impact in our country in the days to come.
Given the political, social, and 'racial' situation in India, the day is not far when our politicians will resort to beer diplomacy, big O style, to solve matters too sensitive for their sober selves. Here, I'm reminded of an age-old adage what you think is good, is moral; what you think is bad, immoral. And obviously, nothing gets better than booze, whether it's our parliamentarians or pin-striped honchos.
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u00a0Daaru diplomacy: Barack Obama held a 'beer summit' to calm racial furor; but given a chance, our politicians will use it for far-ranging negotiations, feels the writeru00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0PIC/AFP |
When a real dialogue fails, as it often does, and when the scope of negotiation is limited, as in most cases, there will be no other option left. Enemies will sit with each other over drinks, and pose for cameras that stand testimony to pacts over pints. It doesn't take long for Western 'culture' to seep in, does it?
But, I remember the Jaipur Literature Festival early this year, where author Vikram Seth landed himself in a tough spot for drinking wine while delivering a public lecture. Even the most indulgent of intellectuals turned away from support; his behaviour was considered as 'sinful' as it could get. Never mind. Babudom is a different ball game altogether. The coveted clan might be doing the best it can to ban on-screen smoking, but no one would dare to question them if they sat discussing matters of national importance over alcohol. In a country of hypocrites, what's official is moral. Period.
They will go all lengths to prove how spirits up the spirit of solidarity, and dig out historical evidence to show the symbiotic relationship of madira and might, which have made kingdoms win. The law that says drinking in public is an offence, will also be amended. Politically, everything is correct.
But it is certain that the pleasures of a plain old patiala peg will go down. Why? For the same reason that a clandestine affair is far more charming, and flicks like 'Bobby' and 'Ram Teri Ganga Maili' scored higher in sexual appeal than today's in-your-face voyeur. Even bikinis fail to entice when they aren't banned. Talk of booze.
