Uncivil Lines

THE canker seems to be in the air. The level of social discourse in the city is plummeting. Especially in media circles. Elegant parties which once resounded with the bussing of cheeks and a happy exchange of news and gossip, are now routinely witnessing the ugly wreckage of ideological and commercial ambush. At a recent party in a five-star hotel in Delhi a platoon of senior journalists spent time stalking ostensibly anti-BJP mediamen with personal barbs. With the delusionary swagger of those close to power, they were also heard warning their rivals of dire consequences.

At another party, the bosses of a television group accosted a critic, demanding a discussion on her opinions about a certain anchor. And then recently, a well-known filmmaker launched a letter war against a film critic, with detailed accounts of movements and blandishments received. Copies of the letter were sent to all kinds of people. Civilised conduct demands that grouses and differences of opinion be taken up with a certain amount of decorum. But it's typical of the unsubtle, simplistic mindset taking hold in the country that people would make vulgar attacks on each other, and wreck perfectly good drinking evenings.