Karma. A powerful and practical word that defines the belief of hundreds of millions of people around the world. Not just Hindus, I must add. The fact that your actions are sort of a boomerang, that eventually return to you in the same or another form is pragmatic and makes sense.
If Hindus thoroughly believe that, then how come Jim Carey making a sleazy joke on Lord Ganesha become so offensive all of a sudden? Apparently on a Jan 8 episode of Saturday Night Live, Mr. Carey did a little skit engaging Lord Ganesh in a sex act. Insensitive? Maybe. Funny? Perhaps.
Isn't that what comedians do? They are supposed to test boundaries to make their audience laugh. Mr. Rajan Zed, a Hindu Leader in Nevada apparently didn't laugh at all. Infact, he was irate at the portrayal of Lord Ganesh in such a "distasteful" skit. He, along with other Christian and Jewish leaders are now demanding an apology from the producers of SNL as well as Jim Carey.
Come on, folks. This high sensitivity to crude humor has been highlighted before. Protests on jokes on Mohammad have become all too familiar in parodies and adult cartoon shows and have left us nowhere, except the people who just sit back, take it easy and enjoy the show. Aren't we secure enough in our own religion to not feel insulted every time someone makes a joke about it? Mr. Zed should realize that demanding an apology is actually not Hindu like at all. As Hindus, we are taught to be at peace. We are not supposed to get worked up and angry on petty issues such as these. We should realize that what we believe is very personal and expecting everyone to respect it is a waste of time. Just because Lord Ganesh is sacred to us in our homes, we should not expect everyone in the world to be respective of that.
Consider it a sacrifice in the name of entertainment. There are people who aren't on tv who make jokes about various facets of the Hindu religion. They do it behind our backs, and grow in ignorance and groups. At least Mr. Carey did it on a high profile show and during prime time. He took a chance and let's just give him a break. I didn't watch the whole thing, but I bet it's really funny, if you take your insecurities out of it.
There are enough things wrong in the world that require our energy and action, let's not get worked up about something so trivial. Instead of coming together on a petty issue like this, maybe these leaders can come together for a greater cause, that can possibly have more meaningful consequences. How about education, nutrition, rural development? Hmmm.
Being one myself, I don't think most Hindus would lose sleep over what or how a comedian decides to portray a deity in an absurd skit.
Shall I prescribe Peace&Love?
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