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Hollywood and its culture misperceptions: why can't they do it right?
It amazes me how Hollywood can make fantastic movies that usually pay tremendous attention to getting facts right, but when it comes to the representation of distinctly different cultures, they often get it wrong. Seriously wrong. And what's sad is that it's intentional, and for pure commercial gain.The latest such case is soon to be released Hollywood movie starring Mike Myers -- "Love Guru". Its release has strongly been protested against by religious Hindus across the US for lampooning Hinduism, mocking Ashram life and Hindu philosophy, and laughing at religious Hindu practices.
This movie releases tomorrow, so such protests have been made purely basis news and trailers; having watched the trailer and seen the website, I was pretty embarrassed at what I was seeing. An Indian "guru" being ridiculous and ridiculing various aspects of Hinduism that millions of Hindus consider sacred. One of his "sutras" encourages you to go to a fake porn site, the yoga positions are stupid, you can even find him spreading his "knowledge" on Facebook, MySpace and YouTube.
The movie revolves around the "second best Indian love guru coming to the US" and then you see various snippets of him:1) in a bar (drinking is not accepted in Hinduism, 2) hitting on Jessica Alba and getting a kick out of knowing she had a lesbian experience in college (homosexuality is taboo), 3) Making fun of yoga positions, the list goes on.
By birth I'm Hindu, but I'm not religious at all. I often criticize Hindu customs as I fail to understand them. But, unless it's got to do with a man marrying a dog (a true exception), I will never mock religious faiths. At the end of the day, these things are deep rooted in history and tradition, and if it works for you, no one has the right to ridicule it.
As Rajan Zed, a California based Hindu pandit, most correctly said in relation to this comedy: "Humor is a part and parcel of Hindu society and our folk festivals, plays, stories, etc., are full of parody, satire, mimicry, buffoonery, etc. We are strong enough to take a joke. But there are certain convictions in every tradition, which are venerable and not meant to be mocked."
Hollywood movies have such a large viewership globally that doing a movie like this and then defending it, is just completely out of line.
Filed under: Arts and Culture
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Emma Leigh Jun 19th 2008 10:13AM
I don't think the Hindus should worry. I doubt anyone is going to go see it. What was Myers thinking?
RKK Jun 19th 2008 6:45PM
I think you may miss the point that this movie is making fun of what several Hindu's have come to America and done, and how Americans take that.
If I do a parody of the Televangelist for what they represent in culture, I don't have to be insulting the religion, or the religious. I can poke fun at the television, sales, etc. Sure the religious themes will be hit.
I could be wrong, as you could, having only seen trailers. But if you don't "get" someone's humor, you are bound to take offence where there is none.
So when Mike Myers fans tell me they are offended, I'll pay more attention. But considering he is a big follower of Depak Chopra, I doubt the insults really are insults. He loves Scotland and the Scottish but he pokes fun at them in his movies.
I can't imagine any of this is a smear. More likely it is a smear of the stereotyping itself, as that has been the MO of all his past films.
Redkar Jun 19th 2008 4:17PM
In a civilized society we can enjoy freedom of expression but it should be exercised with sense of responsibility. You don't need to use a religion to be funny... You have a lot of topics to make a good joke.. why explore something so delicate?
Defamation of any religion (in any form) on this earth is wrong and we all should strongly appose it because faith is something sacred and attempts at belittling it hurt the devotees.
Great work Mr. Rajan Zed and keep fighting. Just ignore criticism, because all who are criticizing doesn’t seem to be from civilized society and hence they don’t know what they are doing.
I will try to share this message to my near and dear and urge them to boycott all the movies from Paramount Pictures.
Gratitude,
Redkar
james Jun 19th 2008 7:05PM
Religion is the most destructive influence in the world. I don't buy the faith is sacred line. It is poison to humanity. Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs all took part in a massive genocide during the partition of India, all for religion. Estimates of death range from a low of 200,000 to 1 million. Estimates of displacement are estimated at 12 million. In my opinion, you can take that "sacred" faith and stick it where the sun doesn't shine.
Anytime a religion, any religion, is knocked down a notch, for humor or in all seriousness, is ok with me. I am not even much of a movie goer, but I might pay to see this movie just on prinicple. And bless you all))).
Angela Jun 19th 2008 7:12PM
I saw the movie at a sneak preview and it does not convey any negativity towards any religion.
I was at a theater in San Diego filled with a wide variety of cultures and backgrounds. All I could hear during the whole movie was laughter, lots of laughter. It is a funny, sarcastic, good time. I hope you have a chance to enjoy it for what it is, a comedy meant to make people laugh. Because everyone needs a little more laughter in their lives.
The most prominent satire is directed at his desire to be the #1 Guru in America like Deepak Chopra. It pokes fun at motivational speakers, not at religion.
Mike Myers' character never claims to be Indian, but is studying at the temple with Deepak Chopra in India because of his parent's death. He then goes on living a celibate life and, yes, he does want to be with Jessica Alba's character, which he does achieve after fulfilling his mission to love himself first.
If you want to have a really good time where you laugh until you are crying, then watch the movie. Or don't, just stop complaining about people who are trying to make people happy. They have a lot of hard work to do with all this criticism you put up against them. Why do think there are so many motivational speakers paid a lot of money to help people change our negative thought patterns?
:- )
LOL, Angela
Ian Jun 19th 2008 7:37PM
As a citizen of the US we enjoy the ability to make fun of ourselves as well as anyone next to us. Many Jews were pissed at Passion of the Christ, Catholics were pissed at Dogma(one one the best movies ever) and now Hindus are pissed at Mike Myers?? Are you kidding me. Get over yourselves. If you are secure in your faith why do you care what Austin Powers thinks of your religion.
Lars Jun 19th 2008 7:54PM
Having just watched the trailer, I have got to say that I don't think Mike Myers intends anyone to walk away from the movie believing that it accurately represents Hinduism or Hindu culture. As another commenter mentioned his love of mocking the Scottish, everything he does is meant to be tongue in cheek. Not to mention ridiculously over the top. In the Austin powers movie, there was nothing more disgusting than "Fat Bastard" or that Dutch character. I would not pay money to see those movies, nor this one, but I think we all have to have a sense of humor about representations that are meant to do nothing but shock us into laughing a little.
Priyam Jun 20th 2008 8:00AM
I am a hindu and found the trailer unhumorous but hardly offensive. As a matter of fact, had the movie came out of India (and India does have its share of crappy movies), I don't think it would have raised any smoke. There are enough corrupt godmen in Indian movies to warrant a reaction from one in Hollywood.
Though, coming to depictions, I wish Hollywood would stop using the equation:
A hindu = A man with a turban
Moody75 Jun 21st 2008 12:41AM
Not sure why religion is again being discussed on a travel blog.
The same thing happened previously here:
http://www.gadling.com/2008/05/02/throwing-babies-off-tall-buildings-for-good-health/
In any case, I find it surprising that this particular blogger is offended by cultural insensitivity.
jawa_edan Jun 21st 2008 1:32AM
Freedom of speech. True freedom is bound with goodness. It comes with respect. Respect your stewardess, hosts, porters, local customs, etc.
If your freedom always means exercising your right to offend, how are you going to convince sovereign people to accept your 'freedom'? does travel means some round trip tickets and take silly holiday pictures? While OTOH you can travel to the hearts of people of different religion and cultures you visited and vice versa. Imprint better memories. And I think this post is tremendously relevant to a travel blog.
I choose to exercise my freedom to be kind and be courteous. My freedom is liberating. My freedom took me to places far and it enables me to come back home safely.
the vegas style guy Jun 21st 2008 10:45PM
AS A BLACK GUY I GET IT BUT I HONESTLY DON'T THINK THEY SET OUT OFFEND HINDUS BUT LIKE NATIVE AMERICANS WHO HATE THE WHOLE INDIAN MASCOT THING OR ITALIANS AND THE HOLLYWOD PORTRAYAL OF THEM THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE OFFENDED. THIS IS AMERICA. ME PERSONALLY, THE FACT THAT JIMMY WALKER STILL HAS A CAREER BOTHERS ME. OK WAIT! THIS REALLY GETS ME, MICHELLE PFEIFFER, KEANU REEVES INSERT WHITE PERSONS NAME HERE, GOES TO BLACK GHETTO (WHERE WE ALL LIVE) AND SOLVES ALL THE FATHERLESS KIDS PROBLEMS AND END UP AT A BLACK FAMILY DINNER COMPLETE WITH SOUL FOOD AND FUNKY MUSIC WHERE THEY REALIZE THEY CAN GO BACK TO THE SUBURBS WITHOUT LIBERAL GUILT.
WHEW! THAT FELT GOOD! LOL!