A. N. 'SHEN' SENGUPTA
Comment on Saving an Endangered Species: Decency by Dr. Jharna Chatterjee
One of my professors used to give this example of how one can lose the sense of decency and be degraded without realizing it: if one puts a frog in boiling water, it jumps out. But if the frog is put in cold water and the water is heated very gradually, the frog does not jump out: it dies willingly, unwittingly.
The same thing happens with 'decency'. We become progressively immune to indecency. But then who is to judge? I think that only those who know the alternatives can. One has to listen to Beethoven to distinguish it from some noise, also called music by some. One has to see 'My Fair Lady' or 'Sound of Music' to distinguish them from the oft-violent and obscene sit-coms. It is the learned minority which is to lead the way. One has to know what is valuable in order to be able to judge what is worthless.
The underlying purpose can sometimes justify showing violence, cruelty and possibly even obscenity. Satyajit Ray's immortal movie 'Pather Panchali' (The Song of the Way) shows grinding poverty but it really shows how there is joy in so-called little things. Another great movie, 'West Side Story' also shows gang violence only to highlight that love knows no boundaries.
Historically, age and associated wisdom were valued for wise counsel. To a certain extent unspoiled young minds also have been a force against what is harmful for the society.
Mass support is no measure for goodness. Mass can be and has been manipulated by charismatic persons or people with vested interests.
There is also the factor of time. As Sri Krishna proclaimed in the Hindu sacred book Gita: 'yada, yadahi dharmasya glanirbhabati Bharata, ' etc., meaning "Whenever righteousness is jeopardized, I, the God-incarnate, appear on earth to save it." So, there may be hope.