CIVILIZATION & PORN

Salman Rushdie has drpped another bombshell. A free and civilized society, he says, is judged by its willingness to accept pornography.

What he means is that civilization is directly linked to permissiveness it allows. But it seems too simplistic, and takes a lopsided view of civilization.

Consider India, for example. It has become far more permissive these days. One can have easy access to sex - direct and indirect, and nobody is raising eyebrow for that. Viewing blue film on video is a common enogh entertainment here, and internet chatting is coming of age. Besides, you see sex divas everywhere in different shapes and dresses.

Now take into account the fall-out of this permissiveness. Not a day passes without an incident of ghastly rape being reported in media. You hear about more paedophalia cases now. One experiences more sex-related violence now. If you're not already sick of all these, it's definitely not wholesome. In fact, it drags down the civilization to lower depths.
MRINAL BOSE