Pride and Prejudice

When a couple comes into a restaurant and orders an alcoholic drink, why do I always give it to the guy? When I see my friend getting married, why do I shake hands with the groom while I join my hands and wish Namaste to the bride? Is this because of the stipulated allocation of 33% of resources or am I camouflaging my conservative nature under the “My Respect for Women” cloak?

I am all praise for Anna Hazare for fasting and standing up for a strong cause but what was I doing when Irom Sharmila was battling the government against AFSPA. Let the world recognize her as the World’s Longest hunger striker, I rather cheer Anna let alone the fact that I don’t know a dab about the Lokpal bill. When would I realize that I lost the right to comment about corruption when I am a shill myself.

I am always well informed about RGV’s next movie but I don’t care to know the story / name of one child who has won the Red and White bravery awards, should I feel ashamed? I pretty well did share Hrithik’s new diet regime and his 6 pack display on facebook but how come I don’t know the name of atleast one Vir Chakra recipient? When did this cynical gap seep into my life or am I just ignoring to not have noticed it?

I seize the opportunities on Valentines Day and Friendship Day to shower my loved ones with gifts but I never cared to know that there is something called an Airforce day, Army day and a Navy Day; like I’d do something even if I was aware of it. I’d never miss an episode of Big Boss or Kyunki but I’m dumbfounded to know about the Beating Retreat that happens once a year at the Red Fort; oh wait do I still remember that January 26th is something more than a public holiday?

I surely don’t know the name of the MLA of my constituency but I’m all praise about Barrack Obama. I am a huge Manchester United’s fan even though I don’t play the game but have I ever heard of East Bengal or Mohun Bagan? Oh wait, I am the same person who criticizes the Sports ministry for not allocating resources towards sports other than cricket.

I always feel like a socialist but never act like one! I talk about population growth and its endless problems but I never considered the option of adopting a child and spreading the word. For that matter, I can’t even adopt a pet. All my childhood, I portrayed Mahatma Gandhi on stage but I was never asked to mimic Bhagat Singh or Subhash Chandra Bose. Why didn’t I ever take pain to know that Lal Bahadur Shastri-ji was born on the same day as Gandhi-ji?

Now, do I have to take pride in the self-proclaimed noble person I believe I am (for being a non-violent, self-esteemed, fanatic patriot) or should I realize that it is high time for me to judge myself about my prejudiced inner self? May be you can help me because I was talking about you too!