Column

A reader wrote in recently in response to my column on the Page 3 phenomena. It resonated with me completely. He said, “No, I am not a Page 3 partygoer. For that matter, I am not a partygoer at all. Don’t get me wrong, I have no issues with these people partying any which way they want — what I find sickening is the way newspapers are covering this. No I am not a prude. It’s just that I have often wondered, is it worth it? For what ? And WHY??”

I find I do not have an adequate response to the question why. But what I can do is share a recent experience that might throw light on the Page 3 enigma.

Having been invited to a ladies lunch recently, I was a caught a bit off-guard when a photographer appeared even as the first course was being served and proceeded to take rapid-fire snaps of the proceedings. These are the thoughts that passed through my head at that moment:

I feel really really silly being photographed for no better reason than the fact that I showed up somewhere. I am doing absolutely nothing that merits attention other than the fact that I am popping a vegetable spring roll in my mouth. Does the fact that I am not voicing my objection to being photographed make me complicit to the act?

What I’m trying to say, dear reader, is that for any body with a modicum of intelligence and sensitivity the act of being photographed doing absolutely nothing important other than attending a party or puffing on a cigar can be quite a traumatic one.

So even as you revile those whose pictures appear daily on Page 3, at least grant them the fact that to preen and pose when you know you are making a fool of yourself — takes some talent too!
s_malavika@dnaindia.net