Exploitation of any kind is wrong. When it comes to the exploitation of the so-called oppressed and marginalized people, it becomes a hot topic. Almost everyone rises to defend the rights of the exploited, myself included. However, while fighting for the rights of the oppressed against all forms of exploitation, we cannot overlook their own role in their plight.
When those living at a marginal, very low level are exploited, sympathy naturally arises for them; sometimes, anger is also directed toward the very rich, who are criticized for their luxurious lifestyles. Recently, a Tamil program (Makkal Arangam, conducted by Visu on Jaya TV on 05-02-2012) featured a young man speaking passionately about the plight of farmers, fishermen, and other poor people. He held everyone spellbound as he compared the struggles of the poor with Ambani, who constructed a house costing several crores (8,000 crores?). But why should we judge Ambani for spending his hard-earned money as he pleases? I am not defending such (criminal) luxury or the flaunting of wealth and status, but it is ultimately up to their conscience and choice. If they cheat the government by evading taxes or make money by exploiting others, particularly the marginalized, then we have a right to raise our voices against them. There is no point in comparing Ambani with Bill Gates for the latter’s philanthropy or Narayana Murthy for his simplicity. Socialism is not about distributing poverty equally among all people. If that were the case, the very poor would not accept it when their turn comes to share their material possessions, however meager, with someone living below their poverty line. Above all, we don’t know what the Ambanis are doing for social justice and poverty eradication. They may be contributing silently, without publicizing it. I write this not to defend the Ambanis or people like them, but to emphasize that without encouraging the participation of the poor, we will only create parasites that drain resources.
My next point concerns the middle class, who are equally affected by another kind of exploitation. As they do not have much time to fight for their rights and there is no one to voice their concerns, they silently suffer exploitation by all—both the rich and the poor. Just to maintain their middle-class status, dreaming of becoming rich and trying to enjoy life in the meantime, they silently bear all kinds of exploitation. Like the poor and oppressed, they cannot take to the streets to fight for their rights, nor can they influence the wealthy political class to act in their favor. Occasionally, they will join movements like that of Anna Hazare to vent their anger and frustration, or participate in programs like Makkal Arangam to express their grievances. Many times, such activities serve as a form of entertainment, providing a break from their monotonous middle-class lives.
Of course, I am not saying that such programs are a waste or that they serve only as entertainment. At the very least, they bring attention to those who struggle against the odds to achieve something in life, which can inspire many more. However, instead of attacking those who have reached a higher position through hard work or supporting the exploited without acknowledging their own role in their exploitation, we should focus on identifying the root cause of exploitation rather than turning it into entertainment.
05-02-2012.
Gurukulam
P.S.: The Ambani Foundation does indeed carry out significant charitable work.
Exploitation of any kind is wrong. When it comes to the exploitation of the so-called oppressed and marginalized people, it becomes a hot topic. Almost everyone rises to defend the rights of the exploited, myself included. However, while fighting for the rights of the oppressed against all forms of exploitation, we cannot overlook their own role in their plight.
When those living at a marginal, very low level are exploited, sympathy naturally arises for them; sometimes, anger is also directed toward the very rich, who are criticized for their luxurious lifestyles. Recently, a Tamil program (Makkal Arangam, conducted by Visu on Jaya TV on 05-02-2012) featured a young man speaking passionately about the plight of farmers, fishermen, and other poor people. He held everyone spellbound as he compared the struggles of the poor with Ambani, who constructed a house costing several crores (8,000 crores?). But why should we judge Ambani for spending his hard-earned money as he pleases? I am not defending such (criminal) luxury or the flaunting of wealth and status, but it is ultimately up to their conscience and choice. If they cheat the government by evading taxes or make money by exploiting others, particularly the marginalized, then we have a right to raise our voices against them. There is no point in comparing Ambani with Bill Gates for the latter’s philanthropy or Narayana Murthy for his simplicity. Socialism is not about distributing poverty equally among all people. If that were the case, the very poor would not accept it when their turn comes to share their material possessions, however meager, with someone living below their poverty line. Above all, we don’t know what the Ambanis are doing for social justice and poverty eradication. They may be contributing silently, without publicizing it. I write this not to defend the Ambanis or people like them, but to emphasize that without encouraging the participation of the poor, we will only create parasites that drain resources.
My next point concerns the middle class, who are equally affected by another kind of exploitation. As they do not have much time to fight for their rights and there is no one to voice their concerns, they silently suffer exploitation by all—both the rich and the poor. Just to maintain their middle-class status, dreaming of becoming rich and trying to enjoy life in the meantime, they silently bear all kinds of exploitation. Like the poor and oppressed, they cannot take to the streets to fight for their rights, nor can they influence the wealthy political class to act in their favor. Occasionally, they will join movements like that of Anna Hazare to vent their anger and frustration, or participate in programs like Makkal Arangam to express their grievances. Many times, such activities serve as a form of entertainment, providing a break from their monotonous middle-class lives.
Of course, I am not saying that such programs are a waste or that they serve only as entertainment. At the very least, they bring attention to those who struggle against the odds to achieve something in life, which can inspire many more. However, instead of attacking those who have reached a higher position through hard work or supporting the exploited without acknowledging their own role in their exploitation, we should focus on identifying the root cause of exploitation rather than turning it into entertainment.
05-02-2012.
Gurukulam
P.S.: The Ambani Foundation does indeed carry out significant charitable work.
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