Slumdog Protest
Jan. 23, 2009
With ten Oscar nominations and a strong favorite to capture best picture, SLUMDOG MILLIOANAIRE has everyone involved on cloud nine. But as these things often go, someone, somewhere is out to put a damper on their parade. The "someone" in question this time around, are the slum residents of Mumbai, India--where the story takes place--who claim that the word "slumdog" in the film's title is insulting. In anticipation of the film's Indian release, a number of Indian citizens have gone against the grain, and staged protests against the film's objectionable title.
A large portion of India does not share this sentiment, as the film has done much to promote the country and prominently features a variety of Indian actors in crucial roles. Screenwriter Simon Beaufoy says that people shouldn't read too much into the title. "I just made up the word. I liked the idea. I didn't mean to offend anyone," he said.
I guess nobody likes being called a dog, except maybe Clifford, but really--I don;t quite get what all the fuss is about. Nicholas Almeida, a social activist who organized the protest, said he planned to file a lawsuit on Friday to get the name changed, which is just plain absurd. What are your thoughts on this--do the people of India have reason to cause such a furor, or are they just being sensitive little babies?
| Extra Tidbit: | The protest took place outside Anil Kappor's house, who plays the host of the game show in the film. |
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| Source: | Assoc. Press |
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(I was kidding about being offended, I enjoyed the film.)
(I was kidding about being offended, I enjoyed the film.)
Yes and no. The poverty-stricken population of India mostly consists of members of the Dalit caste, also known as "The Untouchables," humans so far down the caste list they are considered too unclean to even touch. It's a huge social issue in India that's been going on forever. Just recently those in poverty have been actively pursuing equal rights and priveledges, and have garnered much support from foreign countries for their cause. A popular film, to them, that
Yes and no. The poverty-stricken population of India mostly consists of members of the Dalit caste, also known as "The Untouchables," humans so far down the caste list they are considered too unclean to even touch. It's a huge social issue in India that's been going on forever. Just recently those in poverty have been actively pursuing equal rights and priveledges, and have garnered much support from foreign countries for their cause. A popular film, to them, that sort of hones in on their current state could seem like the proverbial bitch slap and become fodder for the more elite castes to use against them...but at the same, it's a friggin movie and I'm sure most of these protestors (much like the mentally challenged protestors of Tropic Thunder and blind protestors of Blindness) didn't even see the movie. They just see the title, hear about one or two scenes and get all uppity. While I personally support the cause of the poverty-stricken Indians (I plan on traveling their soon to volunteer with a Dalit organization), I honestly believe the film is more for them then against them. If they'd just watch the movie instead of waiting for the 4-hour musical version to come out they'd probably be more understanding.
Well I was in India for 21 yrs, until I came here last here.And nowhere do i think the poor people are called "Achooth".. Untouchability was a caste status and not related to the economic condition.. the fact that in the old times the backward castes were the poor people doesnt mean it is so now.I belong to what is now termed as "OBC- Other backward castes" ..Anyway.. lets not bicker abt technicalities.. I agree theres no respect for poor people in India.
- Savyasachi
Well I was in India for 21 yrs, until I came here last here.And nowhere do i think the poor people are called "Achooth".. Untouchability was a caste status and not related to the economic condition.. the fact that in the old times the backward castes were the poor people doesnt mean it is so now.I belong to what is now termed as "OBC- Other backward castes" ..Anyway.. lets not bicker abt technicalities.. I agree theres no respect for poor people in India.
- Savyasachi
Q & A
the actors house?!?
Well Savyasachi...
I am just really happy for this movie and the recognition it has received.
I am just really happy for this movie and the recognition it has received.
DUE CREDIT...
Also, those kids in the picture look like they want to be there as much as the Iranians that the Iranian Gov forces into the streets to take those famous hate pics.
Also, those kids in the picture look like they want to be there as much as the Iranians that the Iranian Gov forces into the streets to take those famous hate pics.
I have to agree with you there. after watching the film, i found nothing offensive about it at all? I guess Indian moviegoers just like to take things out of proportion.
I have to agree with you there. after watching the film, i found nothing offensive about it at all? I guess Indian moviegoers just like to take things out of proportion.
Offensive?
It's just a title.
As an Indian I believe the film portrays the slums correctly but thats the thing, its only the slums. Like any city in the world there are the shanty parts and the good parts.
Micrix861 , dude what
As an Indian I believe the film portrays the slums correctly but thats the thing, its only the slums. Like any city in the world there are the shanty parts and the good parts.
Micrix861 , dude what century are you living in? "Untouchables" ?? seriously is that how you view the destitute??
But yeah if you translate "Slumdog" - ChoppadPatti Ka Kutta - it would definitely be offensive.
As it was then, so is it now.
As it was then, so is it now.
Actually
Being a Indian myself, I thought it was an accurate portrayal of India where slums resides among the multimillion dollar hotels and mansions.
Being a Indian myself, I thought it was an accurate portrayal of India where slums resides among the multimillion dollar hotels and mansions.
why don't they
Really...Really...
Riduclous India...Ridiculous
Riduclous India...Ridiculous
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