Krishna Uvacha
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I first wrote about this subject early last year as a response to some ridiculous reviewing by the Indian express with points and grades given for performances by people who were part of a team of rasikas selected by carnatica to review concerts and no one knew who wrote what.
This year the culture of anonymity and misuse of the same has reached new depths and I am forced to write this piece. The internet is the forum where some rasikas today exchange views and thoughts on music, concerts etc. This is definitely a great idea but today has completed converted itself to an atmosphere of abuse of the freedom to express. I feel the main reason for this is the cloak of anonymity that exists.
Since people need not be identified they don’t have to take responsibility for whatever they write therefore they just think they can say whatever they want. This is exactly what is happening.
When any artist performs he or she reveals all they are and all that they have with all its positives and negatives to the audience seated. People may enjoy what they experience or may not. This is but natural. As an artist I feel I expect the same level of honesty from the audience (may be it is wrong?) everyone sees and hears us for who we are and our music is but a reflection of the same. Therefore when people hide behind pseudonyms and obscure names and compliment or criticize a concert to me this is totally fake and lacks integrity. If someone feels in a certain way they must either have the courage to say this is who I am and this is how I feel or should just keep quiet.
One may ask what difference does it make to know the name? I think it makes a huge difference because it adds value to the impressions of the person and adds credibility to their opinions. We can always argue about the correctness of their opinions but thats not the point. It’s about owning responsibility to what you feel, not hiding.
There was a discussion on rasikas.org over a month ago about a comment I made on Bhakthi. The whole discussion was based on a report of my speech published in the newspaper. I was told about this heated debate and did read it. First I must say it was very interesting but the sad thing was not one person thought the necessity to check with me whether the report was correct and what the context was. Yet the pleasure of accusing me of various things, trying to find loopholes on my observations based on the report were numerous. I am not inaccessible my email is known to all but why did not anyone think of it? May be the counter can be why should we? Well then I submit I don’t have an answer.
There were a few rasikas who actually sent me very harsh emails on this subject. Even though they too did not want to know the details of what actually transpired they at least were honest enough to say I am so and so and I think you spoke crap. I appreciate that.
I am sorry to say this but some of the reviews which people on the Internet think are wonderful are actually factually totally wrong (and huge discussions take place on wrong information) and when some rasikas venture into the technical its quite amusing. The reason being the erroneous understandings are unbelievable but the authority with which these are written give everyone the feeling that the writer is correct. Based on this is a huge discussion, which usually leads nowhere. I guess these discussions between rasikas have always happened, in the bus, autos, telephones and today the Internet. What makes this any different? Anonymity. I am sorry if I sound strong but its like there is no real attempt to learn more about music or a concert, why an artist did something? There could a specific reason why an artist actually did something? Rasikas forget that musicians do spend 24*7 on music for years just like they do in some other field and are not stupid. Yes the rasikas of course are not stupid but just because one reads every available material on the Internet or elsewhere on carnatic music and has heard numerous concerts does not mean that they have the same expertise as musicians. This is actually true of any field.
You may ask what about newspaper reviews? Yes they are not great but some of them are good whether we accept the view or not. At least we know who wrote it. Also the notion that the people who write on the Internet provide far better reviews is just a self-flattering thought.
Forget about the technical aspects, the personal attacks on even senior vidvans are nothing but malicious attempts to defame. Not only defame but also actually belittle artists. I believe whether one likes or dislikes an artist there cannot be lack of respect. This is after all something these vidvans have done day in and day out for years and we cannot disrespect. We have our choices and can feel that certain musician’s music is not our cup of tea. This is perfectly fine but the other extreme is not done.
There are coteries around artists who make it a point to publicize that specific artist we never know who. The same person with multiple identities (sometimes very hard to trace if multiple computers or email id’s are given I think?) is also a reality. What about half-baked novices who are very vehemently promoted by their parents in the U.S.? Even parents of regular performing artists use these forums.
Why am I bringing this up? Ultimately nothing will change, artists will keep doing their job, their fans will follow them and rasikas will go on with their observations. No artist or rasika will be affected by any of these things. I just felt it was unfortunate that such things were happening hence this article. Ultimately these are public forums not private conversations therefore to hide behind anonymous names and then wax eloquent about why someone’s music is the worst is just not done. These forums I feel are a great place rasikas can meet and talk music and learn music only if used in the proper fashion.
I know I have made generalized statements and there are people who are not like the above but they are few and that’s sad
Thank you for reading
Wish you all a very happy new year
T.M.Krishna