Request Compliance: Showing Grin, Merriment Encouraged :)
In the recent days, filled with countless articles, reels, and news coverage about the life, achievements, and passing of the legendary Ratan Tata, my mind couldn't help but wander away from the great soul himself. Instead, I found myself dwelling on a peculiar observation I made regarding reactions to the smiles seen in various video clips. Being the punching bag for criticism on the internet is no stranger to public figures, but it's the bizarre rationale behind the criticism that never fails to amaze me. And so, here I am, discussing yet another offbeat topic stemming from this intriguing observation.
You guessed it – I'm speaking of the barrage of comments accusing people of insensitivity for daring to smile during such serious events as wakes and funerals - a trend persistently seen under almost every smile-filled clip. It's remarkable how quickly people jump to assumptions about a stranger's character based on a mere 20 seconds of footage. Regarding Ratan Tata and his successors, Noel Tata and sons, the comments ranged from: "He's happy Ratanji is out of the way," to "They are still busy smiling for media disrespect." This type of judgment didn't stop with these wealthy magnates; the Ambani family also faced a barrage of scathing remarks for their seemingly inappropriate grins.
I've often found myself scrolling through these troll-filled comment sections – I promise myself every time I'll never do it again, but there's just something fascinating about the consequences that ignorance and misunderstanding can stir up. The sheer number of people who believe it's their prerogative to call someone a villain for a simple smile is staggering. In fact, I've noticed this same pattern in reactions to funeral wake videos of various celebrities in Kerala, such as Innocent, Oommen Chandy, and more. The bitterness directed toward anyone displaying a friendly smile either while greeting others or having a private conversation stands out as a consistent 'tool of attack' used to shame those in the public eye.
It's no secret that this vitriolic behavior toward the rich and successful likely stems from jealousy, insecurity, and a feeling of inferiority. But, let's take a moment to reflect on the true motives behind a smile. Contrary to popular belief, smiling is not merely an indicator of happiness; it can symbolize anything from relief, to gratitude, to a simple acknowledgement of the other person's presence. In many instances, a smile can be the only tool one has in their arsenal of decency when faced with a stranger at such an emotional time. So, why do we allow ourselves to be so quick to judge?
Furthermore, the excessive demand for tears at funerals remains a perplexing concept to me. I implore you, dear reader, to reconsider the idea that only tears should be considered as an expression of grief. Some people may cry, while others may not, but it doesn't mean they are any less affected by the loss. Don't misinterpret a pleasant demeanor as indifference or coldness. And for those who consider it an insult to see family members and friends smiling during conversations, I encourage you to reevaluate this narrow-minded perspective. Everyone grieves differently, and sometimes smiles can serve as a coping mechanism in their most challenging moments.
In conclusion, let us remember that discerning the true feelings of another person based on their smile is a futile endeavor. We should instead extend kindness and empathy rather than contributing to toxic comment sections and losing sight of human compassion. As for all the online bullies, I have one simple message for you: "Smile please."
In the particular case of entertainment and pop-culture, social media platforms often serve as a stage for heated debates and analysis of public figures' actions, evident in the criticism directed towards the Ambani and Tata families for their smiles during serious events. On a broader scale, this phenomenon showcases the intersection of lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, and societal expectations, where a simple smile can be misconstrued as insensitivity or intentional disrespect, rather than a genuine expression of emotion or coping mechanism. It underscores the importance of empathy and understanding that everyone grieves differently and may use unique mechanisms to cope with challenging situations.
){kind=link}