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Market-driven comedy: Make fun, nothing is sacred || Acharya Prashant, Advait Mahotsav (2021)
Bharat
1.4K views
1 year ago
Consumption
Sacredness
Market-driven
Consciousness
Vedant
Value System
Digital Content
Frivolousness
Description

Acharya Prashant addresses the rise of satire and sarcasm in Indian comedy, particularly on digital platforms like Amazon, Netflix, and YouTube. He observes that while some specific critiques of national issues might hold valid points, the broader trend of making fun of the nation and its values is often the easiest and laziest route for content creators. This trend is driven by a market that rewards frivolousness and flippancy. He argues that because the audience is frivolous, comedians choose targets that will not retaliate, leading to a culture of humiliation and ignorance. This behavior is not driven by ideology or truth but by financial gain and the demands of a consumption-oriented market. He explains that this phenomenon is a sign of the current age, characterized by a lack of respect for the sacred. By turning holy or sublime concepts into jokes, individuals avoid the responsibility of self-improvement and rising to a higher level of consciousness. This process is encouraged by large corporations that want to turn people into mindless consumers. To achieve this, they must dissociate the human consciousness from the sacred, making everything a subject of mockery. He points out that while religious or austere lifestyles are mocked, lowly or profane behaviors are accepted and even celebrated. Acharya Prashant emphasizes that the power to change this lies with the audience. The financial supply lines for these creators come directly from the public's views and subscriptions. He laments that while nonsensical content spreads organically, content based on truth and Vedant requires significant financial effort to reach people because the public is often ashamed to share serious or idealistic material. He concludes that the choice of what content to consume and promote will ultimately decide the fate of the individual and the nation. He urges the audience to recognize their role in creating 'superstars' out of worthless content and to reconsider their values.