Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’
Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra, known for his wit and wisdom, is a prolific writer, renowned satirist, children’s literature author, and poet. He has undertaken the monumental task of writing, editing, and coordinating a total of 55 books for the Telangana government at the primary school, college, and university levels. His editorial endeavors also include online editions of works by Acharya Ramchandra Shukla.
As a celebrated satirist, Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra has carved a niche for himself, with over eight million viewers, readers, and listeners tuning in to his literary musings on the demise of a teacher on the Sahitya AajTak channel. His contributions have earned him prestigious accolades such as the Telangana Hindi Academy’s Shreshtha Navyuva Rachnakaar Samman in 2021, presented by the honorable Chief Minister of Telangana, Mr. Chandrashekhar Rao. He has also been honored with the Vyangya Yatra Ravindranath Tyagi Stairway Award and the Sahitya Srijan Samman, alongside recognition from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and various other esteemed institutions.
Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra’s journey is not merely one of literary accomplishments but also a testament to his unwavering dedication, creativity, and profound impact on society. His story inspires us to strive for excellence, to use our talents for the betterment of others, and to leave an indelible mark on the world. Today we present his satire The Idiot Box.
☆ Witful Warmth # 4 ☆
☆ Satire ☆ The Idiot Box ☆ Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’ ☆
Ah, the idiot box! That mesmerizing, glowing rectangle perched like a monarch in our living rooms. It sits there, omnipotent, its flickering images and incessant sounds dictating our lives, thoughts, and dreams. How did we, the apex of evolution, fall under the spell of this glorified electrical appliance? Let us explore this conundrum with a touch of humour and a dash of satire.
The idiot box, or as it is more formally known, the television, is a marvel of human ingenuity. Imagine, if you will, a time before its reign. Families gathered around the dinner table, engaging in meaningful conversations. Children played outside, their imaginations unfettered by commercial jingles and mind-numbing shows. Now, those days are but a distant memory, replaced by the ever-present hum of the television.
The television’s rise to power began innocently enough. It was a novelty, a modern miracle that brought the world into our homes. News from far-off lands, cultural programs, and educational content promised to enrich our lives. But like any seductive power, it soon revealed its darker side. Enter the era of reality TV, soap operas, and infomercials – the true embodiment of the term “idiot box.”
Reality TV, the crown jewel of idiocy, has redefined the concept of entertainment. Why invest in quality scripts and talented actors when you can simply point a camera at a group of fame-hungry individuals and watch them self-destruct? Shows like “Big Brother” and “The Real Housewives” have turned the mundane into the spectacularly absurd. We watch in awe as grown adults engage in petty squabbles, all for our viewing pleasure. It’s like watching a car crash – horrifying, yet impossible to look away.
Soap operas, those melodramatic masterpieces, have been around since the dawn of television. Their convoluted plots and over-the-top acting are a testament to the human capacity for endurance. How many times can a character die and come back to life? How many evil twins can one town possibly have? The answer, it seems, is infinite. Yet, we watch with bated breath, our brains turning to mush with each predictable twist and turn.
And let us not forget the infomercial, that late-night siren calls of consumerism. “But wait, there’s more!” cries the enthusiastic host, as we are presented with a never-ending parade of useless gadgets and miracle cures. Who among us hasn’t been tempted by the promise of a knife that can cut through a shoe or a cream that will erase decades of neglect from our skin? It’s a carnival of absurdity, and we willingly buy a ticket every time.
The impact of the idiot box extends beyond mere entertainment. It shapes our perceptions and molds our beliefs. The news, once a bastion of journalistic integrity, has succumbed to the allure of sensationalism. Fear sells, and the media knows it. Every broadcast is a barrage of doom and gloom, leaving us paranoid and mistrustful. We live in a world where the line between reality and fiction blurs, thanks to the constant stream of information (and misinformation) spewed forth by our beloved idiot box.
Advertising, the lifeblood of television, is another source of endless amusement and frustration. We are bombarded with messages designed to make us feel inadequate unless we buy the latest product. Want to be attractive? Use this toothpaste. Want to be successful? Drive this car. It’s a never-ending cycle of desire and disappointment, all orchestrated by the puppet masters behind the screen.
Yet, for all its flaws, the idiot box is not without its merits. It has the power to unite us, to bring us together in shared experiences. Think of the excitement of watching a major sporting event or the anticipation of a season finale. These moments create bonds and memories that last a lifetime. The idiot box, in all its ridiculous glory, is a reflection of our humanity – flawed, but capable of greatness.
© Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’
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