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Richard Gere kisses an Indian woman on National TV Indian Conservatives go crazy
Conservative leaders in "conservative" societies are clinging on to whatever they can; control is
fading. In their futile attempt to keep things as they are (or as they were), those that lobby for a
conservative state are failing – they are desperately taking action to keep weak, dogmatic social
structures from changing.
The conventional "conservatism" the world has known for years has been drowning out and
suffocating on its own festering stagnation – an inevitable change is underway, and it frightens
many.
Pure conservative values preach love, unity and fraternity and most wellmeaning conservatives
are leveled and understanding. Yet, any dissenting opinion, in the form of a threatening statement
or action like Richard Gere's recent public kiss with Indian star Shilpa Shetty sparks instant
rage and controversy amongst the extremists.
Now, the conservatives have an excuse to preach more inane babble.
And the people are behind them. Effigies of Richard Gere were burnt by angry crowds of
protesters in India a few days ago.
The Indian Media has already caused a storm of controversy, spreading verbal poison whilst
splashing their magazine and newspaper covers with the kiss (on the cheek) giving the public
display of affection more importance than other more relevant issues (India's struggle with AIDS,
it's turbulent relationship with Pakistan, extreme poverty, rising population, famine, disease,
etc...).
Now, lawyers are taking action accusing Gere of committing "obscene acts", and making a point
that such actions will not be tolerated.
It would be wise for other public figures to take note, and thus refrain from engaging in public
displays of affection in a country where such actions are considered taboo – there is no need to
unknowingly offend a whole people.
Respecting other's cultural values is something any foreigner should always have in mind,
whether it's just a short or prolonged visit the person plans to take. Gere should have been more
subtle, tactful and discrete.
Yet such a response from the Indian government, media, and judicial powers, should be a cause
for alarm, given that such an incredible amount of energy and drive was put into condemning
such actions.
One wishes such passion and vigor were redirected at solving more relevant issues. So, maybe
the problem at hand isn't the response the kiss generated, maybe it's the consequence that
stems from said response: which is, a serious lack of focus and attention on what’s really at
stake, which in itself is causing more important issues and problems to be put on hold.
CNN article:
Link: Lawyers take action over Gere kiss CNN.com.
NEW DELHI, India (AP) Three lawyers have filed complaints in
Indian courts against Hollywood actor Richard Gere and
Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty for kissing at a public function, a
news report said Wednesday.
In his complaint, attorney Poonal Chandra Bhandari accused the
actors of committing "an obscene act" in a public place, which
India's conservative society cannot tolerate, PTI said.