The Digital Age has been instrumental. It has several benefits like spreading information and staying updated about the events around the globe. But, when the powers of Social Media are used to spread fear and lies, chaos ensues. X (Twitter) is one of the oldest Social Media platforms, it has been utilized by one and all to bring information to our hands.
Unfortunately, in recent times, X has also become a hotbed for misinformation and lies to flow unchecked. In this article, we will be studying three accounts which have spread hate and created a divide using their Content for years now.
Anand Patwardhan
Coming from a family of Freedom Fighters, Anand has a keen interest in our politics and culture. He is a filmmaker who has been in the business for decades. When going through his Films like, ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, ‘War and Peace’ and his X profile, it is almost impossible to not notice the lens that he uses to view the world. An almost black and white lens. I am right and you are wrong.
No man is truly perfect. Perhaps this is something that has been lost on Anand. Filled with absolute hatred for the RSS, the Modi Government and the Right at large, his content shows that the only good day in his life is when he can post and cry about the death of India as he ‘knew’ it. From declaring Veer Savarkar as the ultimate villain to name-calling and berating anyone who even slightly agrees with the policies and actions of the Modi government, his account has it all. Somehow Rahul Gandhi is the savior of India and Indian democracy. The very person who abused National assets for his birthdays and whose ancestors disrespected Hindu traditions and Sites and tried to trample democracy through their Emergencies. It is rather easy for self-declared warriors of peace like him to say things like my Ram Bhagwan doesn’t need a Mandir, he is in my heart when the only time in his life when he ever bothered with Lord Ram was when he had to write posts protesting the construction of his temple.
He constantly writes posts on the Israel-HAMAS war as well claiming hundreds of Palestinians as dead when the information has long been declared as fake news. But mind you, there is a minuscule chance that you’ll find even one post condemning the actions of the terrorists, instead you’ll find 10 posts justifying terrorism.
A closer look at ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’
Anand Patwardhan's documentary "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (The World is One Family) has garnered both praise and criticism for its exploration of globalization, environmental activism, and human interconnectedness. While some hail it as a bold examination of pressing global issues, others argue that the film's execution undermines its intended message.
The documentary's ambitious scope attempts to tackle a wide array of topics, including environmental degradation, corporate exploitation, religious fundamentalism, and nuclear proliferation, all within the context of globalization. However, critics contend that the film's treatment of these complex issues lacks depth and nuance, leading to a superficial and often contradictory narrative.
One of the primary criticisms of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" is its reliance on emotional appeals and sensationalism rather than substantive analysis. Patwardhan frequently employs shocking imagery and heart-wrenching anecdotes to evoke a visceral reaction from viewers, but detractors argue that this approach undermines the film's credibility and intellectual rigor. For example, while the documentary highlights the Bhopal gas tragedy as a symbol of corporate negligence and environmental disregard, critics argue that Patwardhan's portrayal oversimplifies the factors contributing to the disaster. Similarly, the film's exploration of religious fundamentalism is criticized for its lack of nuance and objectivity, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and divisions.
Critics also point to the documentary's tendency to oversimplify complex global issues and present them as binary struggles between good and evil. This Manichean worldview, they argue, fails to capture the nuances and complexities of the challenges facing humanity and perpetuates a divisive narrative. Furthermore, the documentary's lack of a coherent alternative vision for addressing the issues it raises is a significant concern for many critics. While it adeptly critiques the status quo, "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" falls short in offering actionable solutions or strategies for meaningful change.
Moreover, the documentary's treatment of alternative economic models and development paradigms is criticized for its superficiality. While it briefly touches on concepts like sustainable development and localized economies, critics argue that it fails to provide a comprehensive framework for their implementation on a global scale.
While "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" tackles important global issues, its execution leaves much to be desired. Critics argue that its reliance on emotional appeals, lack of nuance, and failure to offer constructive solutions undermine its intended message of interconnectedness and cooperation. As the world grapples with increasingly complex challenges, nuanced analysis and constructive dialogue are more important than ever, and "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" falls short of meeting this standard.
Suchitra Vijayan
A barrister and author based in New York, Suchitra is yet another self-declared social warrior.
She compares the RSS to the SS just because she can. Individuals like her fail to fully understand history. In their minds, the RSS which was established to better represent the rights and needs of the Hindus at a national scale is an ideological brainchild of the SS? The RSS has schools and hospitals throughout India which cater to the Indian population, key word being Indian and not Hindu. There have been countless accounts where RSS has been instrumental in helping people from all walks of life regardless of their Societal background.
She is also a very vocal critic of the current Israeli actions in Palestine. While the deaths of innocent civilians is always a tragedy, this is a tragedy that the People of Palestine have HAMAS to blame for and not Israel. Similarly if she is so particular about the rights of innocents, then where was she on October 7 when HAMAS was on a murdering rampage across the border towns of Israel? Where was her activism? Where were the tweets? Where were the Condemnations? Selective activism is easy to do when your intentions are ultimately selective.
Nirjhari Sinha
The Director of the Parent company of AltNews, she alongside her husband, Pratik Sinha and Mohammed Zubair are the core team that runs AltNews the ‘fact-checking’ news website.
Obsessed with anything Modi, her posts are sometimes false and almost always funny. In every news story, she hunts for a religious angle without mentioning the basic facts as they are. A highlight was when she was upset with Tata Sky because she didn’t want to watch Namo TV but was unable to unsubscribe it. As a media personality, she owes a certain to the Public which somewhere she has forgotten in her blind hatred for the Modi Government. This has led to her content being particularly biased and against the Government.
Individuals like them played a key role in giving fuel to the protests against CAA and Farmer Laws, simple protests which could’ve been solved by dialogue and agreements between stakeholders were turned into a battle of religion and has done nothing good while also denting the social fabric and cohesion of our country.
While these individuals will continue to peddle their misinformation and hatred for the Government and Hindu institutions thanks to the free speech that they are guaranteed under our governing structure, it is our responsibility to verify the information that we come across online and act accordingly.
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