Curb your enthusiasm

‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ is the title of a highly-acclaimed comedy series that would fall in to the genre of black comedy. Larry David, the producer and main actor in the series, plays the role of a neurotic but candid character pursuing what he considers the right course of action in various personal as well as social encounters. The effect of his bungling approach is disastrous; leaving a well warranted impression of an irascible and maladjusted personality.

Whether this brand of humour (like most things from far away) will find an appreciative audience in societies very differently evolved; inadequate, tormented and less examined is debatable. The cultural gap may be a bridge too far for complete appreciation or understanding, the differences allowing for only the superficial and even misinterpretation. 

But we too are not without our own enthusiasms, for different things, in different ways. 

Our enthusiasm is at fever pitch when it comes to politics, or should we say its lower manifestations, the spectacle of power and the obeisance thereof.

What was a vocation for a select few at the time of independence has now become a national fixation, with anyone and everyone clamouring to “serve the people”, to give their “rich” talents in the national cause.

Every few years a new government is elected with much fanfare and great expectations. The victors gloat, claim the wisdom of their policies and brag about the strategic genius that brought them victory (most times a close shave and that too only after many tries!) It is not uncommon to see the vanquished beaten, their property damaged or sometimes taken into custody on various charges. Only a few years back, even the main presidential candidate, after his defeat, was arrested within a few days, brought before a court and jailed. The charges pressed against him were esoteric.

Meanwhile, the (newly elected) government is determined to show it is different; committees are appointed, policy statements made, reports called for and various plans unveiled; all this with a lot of ceremony. ‘Our policies will certainly lead the country to the much desired but elusive land called developed status, democracy has been rescued and restored by us, we will stamp out corruption and nepotism’, is the general theme. 

Every government is distinguished by their slogans, getting catchier with time. ‘Grow more food and say no to imports’ , ‘Let us plant and the country will progress’, ‘a true people’s government’, ‘ a fair and just society’, ‘ a government which listens to and consults the people’, ‘ let us stand up for ourselves’, ‘ a government of those who love the country’, ‘ good governance’ are some of the slogans still in our memory.

The people hail every new government, minister, provincial council, governor, corporation chairman, with unqualified enthusiasm. The newly appointed minister (for that matter, every such personality) launches his tenure faithful to a script; in a sparkling white national costume (symbolising both purity and affinity with the masses), smiling, arms raised in salutation the man arrives at the ministry with his wife and family members in a convoy of vehicles to be greeted like a conquering hero by an excited gathering ; Loud speakers come alive, crackers are lit, the organisers scurry about eagerly while the crowd, full of wonderment, humble ; jostle for a better view of the august personages – “he whose eyes may chance upon such an elevated being, is fortunate indeed…”

Then a sudden hush, the festive air turns solemn as the ceremony proceeds to the obligatory religious observances to bless the symbolic ascension to State power. No sense of irony is manifest; any intended enterprise can be blessed; money making, power wielding and even the extra-legal, the plunder. There is no judgment, no discrimination; the religious establishment is neutral in bestowing blessings. 

Naturally, considering the nature of the event, this requisite “spiritual” feature is not without its political arrangements. Every religion practiced in the country is represented, every blessing invoked, but in a particular order. A civil ceremony follows with eloquent speeches welcoming the new minister. Sometimes the follies of the former minister are referred to, but that is now a subject of receding interest. There is the future, and dazzling prospects with an “enlightened” new minister. His praise is sung and oaths of fealty made.

The minister and his entourage are led to his office, the inner sanctum. There, the secretary and other high officials of the ministry, in formal Western attire, anxious to make a favourable impression (yet somehow conveying a sense of the ill-suited, an awkwardness, even of doubtful stature) await, to extend further greetings to the new minister and his family. 

The minister takes his seat at the large table. His first ‘official’ function, to put his signature on a ceremonial document, is only done faithful to a ‘time’ provided by an astrologer. The beaming wife and immediate family members stand behind him forming a solid line, in the context of South Asian family values sanctioning their engagement in the running of the ministry as well as the enjoyment of public assets by them then on – a joyous occasion doubtlessly – one for all, all for one.

Every nation looks to a bright future, to enjoy a better life, to progress. Relative to the rest, some nations, a few, have been able to ensure a very high standard of life for their citizens. Naturally, these successful nations also have good systems in place and effective institutions which have retained their integrity, by and large. Some other nations, particularly in South East Asia, newly emergent, have made remarkable progress from the poverty and squalor they were known for not too long ago to achieve a better standard of life. Regrettably, the performance of almost all South Asian countries have been mediocre; a lot of big talk, but only small deeds. In terms of per capita income, we lag far behind.

Considering our consistently low rate of growth since independence, it will be difficult to argue that any politician or political party has made a crucial difference. Occasionally we have achieved a hopeful rate of growth but only too soon to see the prospects destroyed by political blunders and turmoil. On the other hand, the bungling actions of those in power have had the most unfortunate effects on the present as well as our future prospects. 

Our political history since independence belies the enthusiasm so evident at every political event. The glamour and glitter of these occasions and the grandiose statements emanating from the stage only point to an immaturity in the national psyche, deep seated, and legitimised by the prevailing mediocrity. These are not events to be celebrated but are only tragicomedies, peculiar to a certain culture. If we can develop a better sense of an occasion and curb our enthusiasm for the false gods of politics – these life time professional politicians, curb our inclination to participate in the falsity of the political carnival, we may begin to see things differently, in better perspective, clearer.