The Media frenzy

The Media, both print and electronic, is 'terror-stricken' at the moment.There is so much discussion on terror, the several possible definitions of terrorism, its perpetrators from both small and large scale organizations - so much so that one is almost deluded into believing that things are actually moving in the right direction. A closer look at these 'discussions' ( wish we could call that) would sadly reveal that in all such 'air-time empty rhetoric', each panelist is simply in a state of delirium only bent upon demonstrating to the public the strength of his / her vocal chords, absolutely not willing to listen to perspectives. Each one has a point of view, fine. But how does that preclude one from being receptive to other points of view? Seldom is there an attempt at persuasion, the tendency is always to shout down the other. And mind you, these are big time politicians, scholars and intellectuals!! Sometimes the show reaches a point when no one can hear the other and ironically no one stops to listen to the other - very similar to a street brawl - the only difference being the air-conditioned room and the 'intellectual' ambiance. Many a time i have felt sorry for the anchor looking utterly helpless, not knowing how to restore order, all the same desperately attempting to give an intellectual hue to an otherwise wayside farce. In all this comedy (!!!) the very purpose of the discussion, again assuming there was one is completely defeated. Why can't we have debates and discussions in an orderly manner? If in a class of hundred well organized, disciplined discussions can happen why not with five or six people, however eminent they are? What is the motive of the anchor and the participants? Is it merely to sensationalize the issue giving the impression to the world that they really are concerned about the nation's problems and debates on such topics would necessarily involve a lot of 'heat and dust'? May be!! But every time i happen to watch such programmes on air i'm sadly reminded of the Bard's words which are quite appropriate:'full of sound and fury signifying nothing'.